POLISH-AMERICAN SOLIDARITY

On 2026-06-04, Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC-2) delivered a floor speech titled "POLISH-AMERICAN SOLIDARITY" in the House.

POLISH-AMERICAN SOLIDARITY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E531] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] POLISH-AMERICAN SOLIDARITY ______ HON. JOE WILSON of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, June 4, 2026 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Pawel Kowal, hand delivered a Resolution from the Parliament of Poland to Armed Services Committee Chairman, Mike Rogers, and Helsinki Commission Chairman, Joe Wilson, reaffirming solidarity of Poland and the United States. Friendship between the people of America with the people of Poland has never been stronger with the bonds of 8.3 million Polish-Americans in all states and territories. I include in the Record the following Resolution: Resolution of the Semj of the Republic of Poland of May 29, 2026 On Polish-American relations and the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America Two hundred and fifty years ago, on July 4, 1776, the American Congress adopted the Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America, commonly known as the Declaration of Independence. Since the very beginnings of the history of the United States, close ties between Americans and Poles also began to develop. The Declaration of Independence, together with the United States Constitution, adopted in later years, embodied the political ideals of the Enlightenment and enshrined values that have continued to inspire many nations around the world to this day--the ideas of freedom, equality, human rights, as well as the separation and balance of powers. Above all, these documents solidified the conviction that power derives from the nation. Similar tendencies and ideals led to the adoption of the Constitution of 3 May in Poland in 1791--the second constitution in the world and the first modern constitution in Europe. The Sejm of the Republic of Poland emphasizes that a profound love of freedom and a shared understanding of democratic ideals impelled the heroes of Poland's quest for independence to engage in the American Revolution and in the fight for the independence of the United States of America. Through their many initiatives, Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Kazimierz Pulaski helped defend the independence of the nascent American state. In the years that followed, the Polish-American bond forged in battle was put to the test on numerous occasions and was sealed in blood by the sacrifices made by soldiers of both nations during joint combat missions. The Sejm of the Republic of Poland expresses its appreciation for the role of the Polish diaspora in the United States. For generations, Poles emigrated to America and--through their labor--contributed to the economic success of the United States, whilst at the same time preserving the memory of their homeland in their hearts and cultivating the traditions of their ancestors. In many cases they prepared themselves to fight for Poland's independence and for the rebuilding of the state once freedom had been regained. The Sejm of the Republic of Poland recalls with respect and gratitude the role of the United States in restoring Poland's independence after First World War. The position taken by the United States effectively contributed to achieving the goal pursued by several generations of Poles. The Sejm of the Republic of Poland further emphasizes that the United States made a special contribution to the liberation of Poland from the communist regime, the restoration of its independence, and to advancing the process of systemic transformation initiated in 1989. The support of the United States for Poland's accession to NATO in 1999 was crucial to ensuring the security of a free Poland and its place within the Euro-Atlantic community. The Sejm of the Republic of Poland acknowledges the importance of the contemporary parliamentary relations with the Congress of the United States. We emphasize that the Polish-American relations, grounded in the pursuit of shared ideals, are fundamental to the security of our state. Poland is an important ally of the United States, especially within the context of the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This is demonstrated by the permanent presence of the United States Armed Forces troops in Poland. The Sejm of the Republic of Poland underscores that the Polish-American friendship is important to Polish society and is recognized as such across political lines. On the special occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and of the relations that have developed between our nations, we wish the American people prosperity in the spirit of the ideals that have shaped the public life of the United States. ____________________