[Congressional Bills 104th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 51 Referred in House (RFH)]







104th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 51


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 2, 1996

 Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition 
to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
  of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
                               concerned

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                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
 Saluting and congratulating Polish people around the world as, on May 
  3, 1996, they commemorate the 205th anniversary of the adoption of 
                      Poland's first constitution.

Whereas, on May 3, 1996, Polish people around the world, including Americans of 
        Polish descent, will celebrate the 205th anniversary of the adoption of 
        the first Polish constitution;
Whereas American Revolutionary War hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko introduced the 
        concept of constitutional democracy to his native country of Poland;
Whereas the Polish constitution of 1791 was the first liberal constitution in 
        Europe and represented Central-Eastern Europe's first attempt to end the 
        feudal system of government;
Whereas this Polish constitution was designed to protect Poland's sovereignty 
        and national unity and to create a progressive constitutional monarchy;
Whereas this Polish constitution was the first constitution in Central-Eastern 
        Europe to secure individual and religious freedom for all persons in 
        Poland;
Whereas this Polish constitution formed a government composed of distinct 
        legislative, executive, and judicial powers;
Whereas this Polish constitution declared that ``all power in civil society 
        should be derived from the will of the people'';
Whereas this Polish constitution revitalized the parliamentary system by placing 
        preeminent lawmaking power in the House of Deputies, by subjecting the 
        Sejm to majority rule, and by granting the Sejm the power to remove 
        ministers, appoint commissars, and choose magistrates;
Whereas this Polish constitution provided for significant economic, social, and 
        political reforms by removing inequalities between the nobility and the 
        bourgeoisie, by recognizing town residents as ``freemen'' who had 
        judicial autonomy and expanded rights, and by extending the protection 
        of the law to the peasantry who previously had no recourse against the 
        arbitrary actions of feudal lords;
Whereas, although this Polish constitution was in effect for less than 2 years, 
        its principles endured and it became the symbol around which a powerful 
        new national consciousness was born, helping Poland to survive long 
        periods of misfortune over the following 2 centuries; and
Whereas, in only the last 5 years, Poland has realized the promise held in the 
        Polish constitution of 1791, has emerged as an independent nation after 
        its people led the movement that resulted in historic changes in 
        Central-Eastern Europe, and is moving toward full integration with the 
        Euro-Atlantic community of nations: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That--
            (1) the people of the United States salute and congratulate 
        Polish people around the world, including Americans of Polish 
        descent, as on May 3, 1996, they commemorate the 205th 
        anniversary of the adoption of the first Polish constitution;
            (2) the people of the United States recognize Poland's 
        rebirth as a free and independent nation in the spirit of the 
        legacy of the Polish constitution of 1791; and
            (3) the Congress authorizes and urges the President of the 
        United States to call upon the Governors of the States, the 
        leaders of local governments, and the people of the United 
        States to observe this anniversary with appropriate ceremonies 
        and activities.

            Passed the Senate May 1, 1996.

            Attest:

                                             KELLY D. JOHNSTON,

                                                             Secretary.