US Lawmakers React to Death of Margaret Thatcher

Suzanne Plunkett – WPA Pool/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Margaret Thatcher, the first woman ever to serve as prime minister of Great Britain and the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century, passed away on Monday following a stroke, her spokesman said.  She was 87.

Following the announcement, lawmakers in the U.S., reacted to the news.  Here’s what some of them had to say:

President Obama:

“With the passing of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, the world has lost one of the great champions of freedom and liberty, and America has lost a true friend.  As a grocer’s daughter who rose to become Britain’s first female prime minister, she stands as an example to our daughters that there is no glass ceiling that can’t be shattered.  As prime minister, she helped restore the confidence and pride that has always been the hallmark of Britain at its best.  And as an unapologetic supporter of our transatlantic alliance, she knew that with strength and resolve we could win the Cold War and extend freedom’s promise.”

“Here in America, many of us will never forget her standing shoulder to shoulder with President Reagan, reminding the world that we are not simply carried along by the currents of history — we can shape them with moral conviction, unyielding courage and iron will.   Michelle and I send our thoughts to the Thatcher family and all the British people as we carry on the work to which she dedicated her life — free peoples standing together, determined to write our own destiny.”

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio):

“The greatest peacetime prime minister in British history is dead.  Margaret Thatcher, a grocer’s daughter, stared down elites, union bosses, and communists to win three consecutive elections, establish conservative principles in Western Europe, and bring down the Iron Curtain.  There was no secret to her values – hard work and personal responsibility — and no nonsense at all in her leadership.  She once said, ‘Defeat?  I do not recognize the meaning of the word.’  Now this lady who was never for turning goes to rest as grateful friends and allies around the world mourn her passing and pray for her loved ones.  Americans will always keep Lady Thatcher in our hearts for her loyalty to Ronald Reagan and their friendship that we all admired.  At this difficult hour, I send the condolences of the U.S. House of Representatives to Prime Minister Cameron and the British people.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.):

“Americans and all freedom-loving people around the world mourn the passing today of The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher. A shopkeeper’s daughter from Lincolnshire, Margaret Thatcher rose through the force of her will and the power of her arguments to become the first and only female Prime Minister Great Britain has ever had. Undaunted by the tremendous personal and political obstacles that stood in her path at nearly every turn, including an attempt on her life, Thatcher reshaped Britain from the state of economic and social turmoil in which she found it to a place of opportunity and promise during three terms in office. She boldly reasserted her nation’s strength in foreign affairs, and she became an iconic symbol of the transformative power of conservative ideas. A great ally and admirer of the United States and a trusted partner of Ronald Reagan during some of the most challenging days of the Cold War, Margaret Thatcher never hesitated to remind Americans of their own obligations to the cause of freedom and of the need for political courage and confidence in the face of long odds. A towering figure of 20th century politics and an inspiration to millions around the globe, Margaret Thatcher set a standard of leadership that will be hard to replicate, but which will forever stand as a model for those who wish to change society for the better.”

Former President George H.W. Bush:

“Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn of Baroness Thatcher’s passing, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her children and loved ones. Margaret was, to be sure, one of the 20th Century’s fiercest advocates of freedom and free markets — a leader of rare character who carried high the banner of her convictions, and whose principles in the end helped shape a better, freer world. The personal grief we Bushes feel is compounded by the knowledge that America has lost one of the staunchest allies we have ever known; and yet we have confidence that her sterling record of accomplishment will inspire future generations. May God bless the memory of Margaret Thatcher.”

Former President George W. Bush:

“Laura and I are saddened by the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher.  She was an inspirational leader who stood on principle and guided her nation with confidence and clarity.  Prime Minister Thatcher is a great example of strength and character, and a great ally who strengthened the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.  Laura and I join the people of Great Britain in remembering the life and leadership of this strong woman and friend.”

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