[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H7878-H7879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF BULGARIA

  Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 1383) recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 
independence of Bulgaria, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1383

       Whereas on September 22, 1908, Bulgaria proclaimed its 
     independence to become a full-fledged sovereign state under 
     the name of the Kingdom of Bulgaria;
       Whereas this act marked the end of a long and dedicated 
     struggle the Bulgarian people waged against their ages-long 
     foreign occupier, the Ottoman Empire, which conquered the 
     medieval Bulgarian state in the 14th Century;
       Whereas although liberated in 1878, Bulgaria remained 
     divided and dependent on its formal ruler;
       Whereas with the proclamation of independence 100 years 
     ago, Bulgaria took its rightful place among the family of 
     nations and secured for its citizens in its constitution of 
     1991 the right to life, freedom and property;
       Whereas the Republic of Bulgaria is a democratic nation, a 
     strong defender of freedom and human rights, and a staunch 
     ally of the United States;
       Whereas the United States established diplomatic relations 
     with the Republic of Bulgaria on September 19, 1903;
       Whereas the United States acknowledges the courage of the 
     Bulgarian people in deciding to pursue a free, democratic, 
     and independent Bulgaria and their steadfast perseverance in 
     building a society based on the rule of law, respect for 
     human rights, and a free market economy;
       Whereas the people of the Republic of Bulgaria strive to 
     preserve and continue their tradition of ethnic and religious 
     tolerance;
       Whereas the Bulgarian Parliament, the Bulgarian Orthodox 
     Church, King Boris III, politicians, intellectuals, and 
     citizens all played a part in the resistance to Nazi pressure 
     to carry out the deportation of Jews living in Bulgaria by 
     preventing the deportation of 50,000 Jews to Nazi 
     concentration camps;
       Whereas Bulgaria was the only European country during World 
     War II to increase its Jewish population;
       Whereas Bulgaria experienced its first free election after 
     the end of the Cold War in June 1990;
       Whereas North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) heads of 
     state and member governments, meeting in Prague on November 
     21, 2002, invited Bulgaria into NATO after verified reforms 
     of Bulgaria's political, economic and military systems were 
     completed in preparation for membership;
       Whereas Bulgaria was accepted as a member of NATO in April 
     2004, and has shown determination in enacting the continued 
     reforms necessary to be a productive, contributing member of 
     the Alliance;
       Whereas Bulgaria was welcomed into the European Union in 
     January 2007;
       Whereas the World Bank recently classified Bulgaria as one 
     of the top 10 nations to have undertaken important economic 
     reforms to attract business investment;
       Whereas Bulgaria is the only European Union nation to be 
     listed in the top 10 of the World Bank's classification;
       Whereas Bulgaria has promoted stability in the Balkans by 
     rendering support to Operation Allied Force and Operation 
     Joint Guardian led by NATO, and by providing peacekeeping 
     troops to the Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina 
     (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to the Kosovo Force 
     (KFOR) in Kosovo;
       Whereas Bulgaria initiated a historic strengthening of 
     military relations by inviting the United States Armed Forces 
     to begin conducting joint exercises with its forces in 
     Bulgaria, the first voluntary defense cooperation agreement 
     with foreign troops throughout Bulgarian history, including 
     the 1,300 years before its declaration of independence; and
       Whereas Bulgaria has stood firmly by the United States in 
     the cause of advancing freedom worldwide during its tenure as 
     a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the Republic of Bulgaria for its efforts to 
     strengthen relations with the United States over the past 100 
     years;
       (2) recognizes the continued contributions of Bulgaria 
     toward bringing peace, stability, and prosperity to the 
     region of South Eastern Europe, including its contributions 
     to regional security and democratic stability;
       (3) salutes the willing cooperation of Bulgaria and its 
     increasingly vital role as a valuable ally in the war against 
     international terrorism; and
       (4) encourages opportunities for greater cooperation 
     between the United States and Bulgaria in the political, 
     military, economic, and cultural spheres.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Baird) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. 
Wilson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Washington?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  I'm delighted to support this resolution marking the 100th 
anniversary of the independence of Bulgaria. I would like to note my 
good friend Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina for his 
leadership in ensuring that the House mark this important date.
  Founded over 1300 years ago in 681, Bulgaria is one of the most 
ancient countries in the world. Often referred to as the cradle of 
Slavic culture, Bulgaria was the birthplace of Orpheus and Spartacus. 
It has given the world the Cyrillic alphabet, beautiful handicrafts, 
and folk music.
  In September 1908, Bulgaria threw off the yoke of Ottoman occupation, 
proclaimed its independence, and became a sovereign state under the 
name of the Kingdom of Bulgaria. In the 100 years since it achieved 
independent statehood, Bulgaria has become a Democratic nation, a 
staunch ally of the United States, and an active participant in the 
transatlantic community.
  Bulgaria joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, in 
April 2004. It has actively participated in NATO missions aimed at 
ensuring the security and stability of the Balkans. Bulgaria provided 
support for Operation Allied Force and Operation Joint Guardian and 
furnished peacekeeping troops to the Stabilization Force in Bosnia and 
Herzegovina, as well as the Kosovo Force.
  Bulgaria also has been a country of strategic importance to the wars 
in Iraq and Afghanistan allowing the U.S. to establish bases in the 
country and make use of its technical facilities. Bulgaria was welcomed 
into the European Union in January 2007, which made the Cyrillic 
alphabet the third official alphabet of the Union after Latin and 
Greek.
  Bulgaria has also sought to strengthen its ties to the United States. 
Bulgarians began immigrating to this country in large numbers between 
1903 and 1910, seeking economic opportunities and political freedoms 
during a time of great turmoil on the continent. According to the 
United States Census of 2000, there were 63,000 people of Bulgarian 
descent living in the United States. They're undoubtedly making a rich 
contribution to the tapestry of American life.
  This resolution rightly encourages opportunities for even greater 
collaboration between our two nations in the political, economic, 
military, and cultural realms.

[[Page H7879]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Bulgarian people on the 100th anniversary of their independence and in 
celebrating enduring Bulgarian-American friendship.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I would reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Thank you for this opportunity to speak on House Resolution 1383, a 
resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of Bulgaria's 
independence. I want to thank the Ranking Member on the committee, 
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Chairman Howard Berman, in 
addition to Chairman Robert Wexler of the Subcommittee on Europe and 
Ranking Member of that subcommittee, Elton Gallegly of California, for 
their support in bringing this resolution to the floor.
  I am grateful to serve as the cochair of the Bulgaria Caucus of 
Congress along with congresswoman Ellen Tauscher of California. We work 
for parliamentary exchanges between Bulgaria and America, along with 
hosting Bulgarian officials and citizens in Washington.
  The people of Bulgaria should be proud that on September 22 of this 
year they will celebrate 100 years of independence.
  At the beginning of the 20th century, Bulgaria struggled to free 
itself from the Ottoman Empire. Toward the end of that century, they 
once again fought to emerge from beneath Totalitarianism following the 
defeat of Communism. Bulgaria's story is a success because of the hard 
work and dedication of its people. They should be proud of these 
accomplishments.
  On a personal note, 18 years ago I had the great honor to serve as an 
elected observer for Bulgaria's first and free elections as a 
participant with the International Republican Institute. At the time, I 
saw a nation battling the challenges of building a democratic society 
based on the rule of law. Communist Totalitarianism was replaced by 
freedom and democracy.
  Bulgarians have faced the opportunities and the difficulties 
associated with building a prosperous free economy.
  Additionally, just last month I served and visited with American 
troops stationed in Bulgaria on a codel led by Congresswoman Madeleine 
Bordallo of Guam, and I am proud to report that the immense economic 
and diplomatic progress the people of Bulgaria have made is remarkable. 
We were hosted by the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee 
Chairman Solomon Passy. Chairman Passy served with great distinction as 
the former foreign minister of Bulgaria.
  We met with former Bulgarian Minister to Greece Stephan Stoyanov, 
along with Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev, and National Assembly 
Speaker Georgi Pirinski. During my visit to Bulgaria in 2005, I was 
honored to be hosted by President Georgi Parvanov.
  Indeed, the World Bank recently classified Bulgaria as one of the top 
10 nations to have undertaken important economic reforms to attract 
business investment. Bulgaria, admitted to the European Union in 2007, 
is the only EU Nation to be listed in the top 10.
  In closing, we should recognize the people of Bulgaria for their 
continued support in the global war on terrorism. I have visited 
Bulgarian troops in Afghanistan and was proud that my son, Alan, served 
with Bulgaria during his year of service in Iraq.
  As a dynamic member of NATO since 2004 and as a nation of free and 
democratic people, Bulgaria has stood with America in these difficult 
times. The partnership with America has never been stronger, built by 
Bulgaria's ambassador to the United States, Elena Poptodorova.
  So today we recognize this immense achievement of theirs and commend 
them on 100 years of independence.
  Again, I want to thank Chairman Berman, Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen, 
subcommittee Chairman Wexler and subcommittee Ranking Member Gallegly 
for their work today.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BAIRD. I would echo the thanks and congratulate the gentleman on 
a successful resolution.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
1383, and I commend our colleague, Mr. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, 
for introducing it. I appreciate Mr. Wilson's formation of the Bulgaria 
Cancus to promote the partnership of Bulgaria and America. Bulgaria 
declared its independence 100 years ago, on September 22nd, 1908.
  Like so much of the rest of Europe, however, Bulgaria then suffered 
through a very difficult and tumultuous 20th Century.
  After suffering through two world wars, Bulgaria was then trapped for 
over four decades behind the ``Iron Curtain'' that fell across Eastern 
Europe, and its people suffered from the repression and stagnation that 
accompanied the imposition of the Bulgarian communist regime by the 
former Soviet Union.
  After the communist bloc in Eastern Europe fell apart, Bulgaria was 
at last able to hold a truly free election in June 1990.
  It then faced fresh difficulties, however, as it went through a 
period of social and economic turmoil that culminated in a severe 
economic an financial crisis in 1996 and 1997.
  With the help of the international community, the Bulgarian 
government initiated a series of difficult but necessary economic 
reforms.
  Those reforms continue even today, but their results so far have 
helped Bulgaria noticeably improve its economic situation.
  In fact, according to the World Bank, in 2006 Bulgaria attracted the 
highest levels of foreign direct investment--as a share of GDP--of all 
of the countries of Eastern Europe.
  Challenges remain, but the market reforms undertaken so far have 
pointed Bulgaria in the right direction.
  Bulgaria must also be commended for the political reforms it has 
implemented since 1990.
  Right at the start, in 1991, the country adopted a new constitution, 
which created a parliamentary democracy that limited the powers of the 
President and also balanced those powers against the position of the 
Prime Minister--with the Prime Minister ultimately held accountable to 
the legislature.
  So, Bulgaria has made progress toward a future of democracy and 
economic prosperity, but it nevertheless faces continuing challenges, 
including a rather serious problem in the form of corruption and 
organized crime.
  We remain supportive of Bulgaria's efforts to address those twin 
scourges, and I note that, in the wake of very strong concerns 
expressed by the European Union, the Bulgarian government has indeed 
begun to reform its Interior Ministry and has created a State Agency 
for National Security to fight such corruption and organized crime.
  We certainly wish it great success in that specific effort.
  Finally, I note that, while continuing with its reform efforts at 
home, Bulgaria has also become an active member of the international 
community, contributing military personnel to participate in 
international missions in the countries of Cambodia, Bosnia and 
Herzegovina, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
  Furthermore, in a very important step in March 2004, Bulgaria became 
a formal ally of the United States by becoming a member of the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization--NATO.
  In its new role--as a member of the NATO Alliance--Bulgaria has 
proven itself to be a constructive and positive force in working for 
stability in the Black Sea region, and we are grateful for that.

  This year, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary as an independent 
state, we commend Bulgaria on the great progress it hade in just the 
past eighteen years.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution honoring 
the independence of our friend and ally, Bulgaria.
  Mr. BAIRD. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1383, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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