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The Era:

Select Documents from the Pell and Chafee Papers

On Exhibit June - August 2004, URI Library, First Floor Lobby

President Ronald Reagan was one of the most popular Presidents in American history. He was responsible for many political and social transformations during his two terms in office. Reagan is credited with facilitating the end of the Cold War by forcing the Soviet Union into economic collapse through the initiation of aggressive defense programs and uncompromising diplomacy.

Rhode Island Senators John Chafee and Claiborne Pell were also extremely popular and effective statesmen. Chafee, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War was Governor of Rhode Island from 1963-1968, Secretary of Navy 1969-1972, and Senator from Rhode Island 1977 to his passing in 1999. Chafee devoted enormous time and energy to protecting and preserving our nation’s environment and natural resources, reforming the health care system, establishing gun control legislation, and implementing sound economic policies.

Senator Pell served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II, was a Foreign Service Officer throughout 1950’s, and Senator from Rhode Island from 1960-1996. Among Pell’s many accomplishments that have had an unending impact on our nation and the world are his authoring legislation for the Pell Grant student loans, National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, Law of the Sea legislation, and laws against drunk driving.

The United States system of government, by nature, encourages debate and representation between Congress, the Administration, and the Judiciary. Rarely does any piece of legislation pass without intense scrutiny, criticism, and modification. The relationship between President Reagan and the two Senators from Rhode Island offered no exception. The documents in these cases demonstrate both the parity and divergence of their positions on several of the most critical issues facing the nation during President Reagan’s tenure in office.

These records were taken from the University of Rhode Island’s Political Papers which include the official papers and records of Rhode Island governors, congress persons, and senators. The records date from 1939 to present and occupy 5,100 linear feet. More information about this archive can be found at:
http://www.uri.edu/library/special_collections/PolPapers.htm

Image of Ronald Reagan at top of page courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, all rights reserved.

Curated by Mark Dionne, Sarina R. Wyant. Web Design by Maura Keating.