[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H4173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THE NETHERLANDS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute today to a true and 
trusted ally, the Netherlands. It is a relationship that predates our 
Republic's founding and prospers into our Republic's future.
  Our commodious ties span from Henry Hudson's 1609 Dutch East India 
Company voyage to today's annual trade of more than $18 billion. And in 
our pursuit, protection, and promotion of peace, the Dutch and the 
American people have always been and always will be the bravest of 
friends.
  Recent notable examples of our common courageous bonds include 
Afghanistan, where the Dutch sent their own brave soldiers to eradicate 
terror networks, and in Iraq where they yet again lent their manpower 
and now pledge their aid and support to help the newly liberated people 
of Iraq to grow their Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending our sincerest gratitude to 
our Dutch friends for all they have done for us and for all the world.

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