In a sure-fire test of the Democrats’ oft-stated promise to promote unity and healing in post-Trump Washington, a Republican congressman has introduced a resolution to honor the late Rush Limbaugh.
“I introduced a resolution with 43 of my @HouseGOP colleagues honoring the life and legacy of Rush Limbaugh,” Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado recently tweeted.
“Rush was a patriot, and his voice will truly be missed. I refuse to let liberals tarnish his reputation. His legacy and importance will not be forgotten.”
Limbaugh died on Feb. 17 at 70 following a lengthy bout with lung cancer.
Lamborn’s resolution praises Limbaugh as “a pioneer in conservative talk radio” whose life and legacy should be honored for “inspiring millions of radio listeners and for his devotion to our country.”
Lamborn then recaps highlights of Limbaugh’s illustrious career that warrant him being honored by the House.
For instance, he points out that former President Donald Trump awarded Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest honor for civilians, at the February 2020 State of the Union Address.
He noted that Limbaugh’s daily three-hour show was the number one talk-radio program for more than 30 years.
President Ronald Reagan sent Limbaugh a thank-you note in 1992 for “all you’re doing to promote Republican and conservative principles,” and that two years later the freshmen GOP House lawmakers made Limbaugh an honorary member of their group after the toppled the Democrats’ 40-year rule.
Lamborn points to Limbaugh’s other honors, such as twice being a New York Times bestselling author, a member of both the Radio Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and a five-time winner of the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award for Excellence in Syndicated and Network Broadcasting.
Limbaugh, the resolution says, was named one of Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People for 2008, and was one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2009.
Last but not least, the resolution states, Limbaugh “helped raise and personally donate(d) millions of dollars to charitable organizations.”
As of Tuesday night, Lamborn had corralled 50 GOP co-sponsors. They include:
Brian Babin (Texas); James Baird (Ind.); Dan Bishop (N.C.); Lauren Boebert (Colo.); Mo Brooks (Ala.); Michael Burgess (Texas); Ken Calvert (Calif.); Jerry Carl (Ala.); Steve Chabot (Ohio); Andrew Clyde (Ga.); Eric Crawford (Ark); Jeff Duncan (S.C.); Tom Emmer (Minn.); Matt Gaetz (Fla.); Bob Gibbs (Ohio); Louie Gohmert (Texas); Lance Gooden (Texas); Paul Gosar (Az.); Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.); Morgan Griffith (Va.); Brett Guthrie (Ky.); Jim Hagedorn (Minn.); Yvette Herrell (N.M.); Jody Hice (Ga.); Bill Huizenga (Mich.); Darrell Issa (Calif.); Ronny Jackson (Texas); Bill Johnson (Ohio); Billy Long (Mo.); Barry Loudermilk (Ga.); Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.); Tom McClintock (Calif.); Daniel Meuser (Pa.); Barry Moore (Ala.); Markwayne Mullin (Okla.); Dan Newhouse (Wash.); Guy Reschenthaler (Pa.); John Rose (Tenn.); David Rouzer (N.C.); David Schweikert (N.C.); Greg Steube (Fla); Randy Weber (Texas) Roger Williams (Texas); Ted Budd (N.C.); Russ Fulcher (Idaho); Michael Guest (Miss.); Andy Harris (Md.); Ralph Norman (S.C.); Burgess Owens (Utah); and Jason Smith (Mo.).
Republicans paid homage to two major Democratic icons who passed last year – Rep. John Lewis and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi can return the favor by honoring a giant among conservatives. Will she?