[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 469 Introduced in House (IH)]

113th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 469

   Supporting the scope and objectives of Greece's Presidency of the 
                     Council of the European Union.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 29, 2014

Mr. Sires (for himself, Mr. Bilirakis, and Mr. Sarbanes) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign 
  Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Supporting the scope and objectives of Greece's Presidency of the 
                     Council of the European Union.

Whereas Greece holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European 
        Union during the first half of 2014;
Whereas the rotating European Union Presidency offers member states the 
        opportunity to showcase their vision for the European Union, to advance 
        the Union's ongoing work agenda, influence European Union policy and 
        legislation, and broaden the understanding of the European Union amongst 
        the citizens of their country;
Whereas the European Union has established an area of freedom, security, and 
        justice, extending stability and peace to the European continent and its 
        neighbors;
Whereas the United States has supported the European integration process and has 
        consistently supported the objective of European unity and the 
        enlargement of the European Union as a vehicle for prosperity, peace, 
        and democracy;
Whereas the Government of Greece has prioritized growth, job creation, European 
        Union and Eurozone integration, as well as borders, mobility, migration, 
        and integrated European Union Maritime Policy as the main areas of focus 
        for the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union;
Whereas the United States and the European Union are each other's largest 
        trading and investment partners, responsible for creating up to an 
        estimated 14,000,000 jobs on both sides of the Atlantic, and as such 
        major stakeholders in each other's economic recoveries;
Whereas the Greek Presidency aims at reinforcing efforts that should be focused 
        on reforms aiming at safeguarding stability and revitalizing growth;
Whereas the Greek Presidency aims at promoting synergies in sectors that create 
        jobs such as transport, shipping, tourism, innovation;
Whereas Greece is a strategic partner and ally of the United States in bringing 
        political stability and economic development;
Whereas Greece continues to play an important role in the wider European region, 
        including the Eastern Mediterranean;
Whereas Greece, as a traditional maritime country, acknowledges the great 
        potential and opportunity that marine and maritime activities hold for 
        the European Union economy as a whole, especially in the areas of 
        security and energy;
Whereas it is in the national interest of the United States to support and 
        enhance Europe's energy security;
Whereas the Governments of Greece and the United States are at the forefront of 
        efforts to advance freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and respect for 
        human rights; and
Whereas the Hellenic values and principles of Greek-Americans have contributed 
        greatly to United States society, history, and politics: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the scope and objectives of Greece's 
        Presidency of the Council of the European Union;
            (2) encourages the continuation of United States-European 
        Union trade and investment negotiations that will benefit both 
        United States and European workers alike;
            (3) promotes increased transatlantic exchanges and dialogue 
        to further benefit from existing cultural ties and research and 
        development partnerships, in the maritime area where a 
        transatlantic research alliance could underpin the development 
        of the strong growth and jobs potential of shared ocean 
        resources, a so-called blue growth strategy;
            (4) affirms the strong bonds and common values between the 
        United States and Greece; and
            (5) acknowledges the lasting contributions of Greek-
        Americans to the United States.
                                 <all>