Boehner: Reagan ‘inspired me’

It was Reagan’s willingness to cut regulations and taxes and allow the American people to more freely function that turned the economy around in the 1980’s, according to Boehner.

“Before Reagan was elected president, the country was demoralized, adrift and staring into an economic abyss,” he wrote. “A sea of red tape, high taxes and crippling inflation were plaguing families and job creators alike with uncertainty.”

With Boehner leading a resurgent group of Republicans that now control the House and pushing for spending cuts and fewer regulations, the parallels he draws with Reagan’s era are evident.

“Reagan’s faith in the American people — unshackled by government — to overcome any obstacle rallied supporters from every background to his side, and I believe it will continue to inspire us, and all those across the world who yearn to be free, for generations to come,” he added.

As president, Reagan placed a sign on his desk in the Oval Office that read, “It CAN Be Done.” Boehner has followed suit and put a replica of the sign on his desk, he said.