[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN WELCOMING THE PRESIDENT OF POLAND TO THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2007

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome President Lech 
Kaczynski of Poland to our nation's capital. After taking office in 
December of 2005, President Kaczynski has strengthened Poland's already 
close ties with the United States.
  Under the leadership of President Kaczynski, Poland has been one of 
the United States closest allies in strengthening democracy in Europe. 
Poland is a partner in the war against terrorism and provides support 
and stability to American efforts throughout the world.
  President Kaczynski is scheduled to meet with President Bush today, 
and both presidents plan to discuss the possible inclusion of Poland in 
the Visa Waiver Program. As I have said before, Poland is a first class 
friend of the United States, and should not be treated like a second-
class citizen.
  I look forward to working with President Kaczynski and President Bush 
in modernizing the Visa Waiver Program to provide our closest 
international partners the opportunity to travel to the United States 
while simultaneously strengthening our security.
  President Kaczynski's leadership has been vital to continuing the 
dialogue between Poland and the United States on important issues 
ranging from the war on terror to economic issues, and I look forward 
to continuing to work with his government.
  On behalf of the more than 110,000 residents of the Fifth 
Congressional District of Polish decent, I welcome President Kaczynski 
to Washington and thank him for his fine work and commitment to 
democracy.

                          ____________________