[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2548-E2549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF UNITED STATES-POLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 266, which celebrates 90 years of the United States-Polish 
diplomatic relations, during which Poland has proven to be an 
exceptionally strong partner to the United States in advancing freedom 
around the world. I support this resolution because Poland is an 
important ally, partner, and friend to the United States.
  My home town of Houston, Texas has a strong connection with Poland. 
Texas has long been an important destination for Polish people 
immigrating to the United States. In 1818 a handful of Polish 
immigrants arrived in Texas seeking refuge from turmoil in Europe. 
Immigration from Poland increased in the 1850s as severe weather, 
economic hardship, a food shortage, and disease spurred people to seek 
better fortunes elsewhere. Texas received another wave of Polish 
immigrants in

[[Page E2549]]

the 1870s on the heels of political turmoil in Poland.
  According to the Texas State Historical Association Houston there 
were 55,000 people of Polish descent in Houston in 2000. Aspects of the 
Polish culture are important to Houston's heritage and are celebrated 
in our annual Polish Festival and Polish Film Festival. Houston is also 
the home to a Polish consulate. I am proud to support this resolution 
as an acknowledgement of Houston's enduring ties with Poland.
  The relationship between the United States and Poland was first 
formally established in the wake of World War I. In 1919, the U.S. and 
the newly-formed Polish Republic established diplomatic ties creating a 
formal relationship between governments that also served to symbolize 
the shared cultural heritage. Twenty years ago, communism fell in 
Poland and was replaced with a democratic government and market 
economy. While the relationship between the U.S. and Poland was at 
times difficult under communism, the spirit of mutualism and desire for 
cultural exchange endured. The Fulbright Educational Exchange Program 
began in Poland in 1959 allowing students from both sides of the Iron 
Curtain to maintain and grow our shared heritage.
  In the 20 years since the fall of communism, Poland has also 
developed into a strong ally for our country. In 1999, Poland joined 
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, cementing our shared 
military interest. Poland has been a strong diplomatic and military 
ally in our struggle against terrorism across the globe by contributing 
troops to U.S.-led coalitions. Poland has also demonstrated its close 
ideological relationship with the United States through joint efforts 
on democratization, nuclear proliferation, human rights, Eastern 
European affairs, and reforming the United Nations. The United States 
and Poland have a strong relationship and I am proud to support this 
resolution celebrating the 90 years of diplomatic relations.

                          ____________________