[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 18, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 469--COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1916 
     EASTER RISING, A SEMINAL MOMENT IN THE JOURNEY OF IRELAND TO 
                              INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mr. McConnell, and Mr. Markey) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign 
Relations:

                              S. Res. 469

       Whereas the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising has 
     a particular resonance in the United States;
       Whereas since the founding of the United States, Irish 
     people and the millions of United States citizens of Irish 
     descent have helped to shape the history of the United 
     States;
       Whereas, in the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``No 
     people ever believed more deeply in the cause of Irish 
     freedom than the people of the United States'';
       Whereas 5 of the 7 signatories of the 1916 Proclamation of 
     Independence spent periods of time in the United States that 
     significantly influenced the thinking and actions of those 
     signatories;
       Whereas the United States is the only foreign country 
     specifically mentioned in the 1916 Proclamation of 
     Independence;
       Whereas the contemporary ties between the United States and 
     Ireland are of extraordinary depth and breadth;
       Whereas continued United States engagement in the Northern 
     Ireland peace process is vital to safeguarding the gains made 
     since the Good Friday Agreement;
       Whereas the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising 
     offers an opportunity for remembrance, reconciliation, and 
     reimagining of the future;
       Whereas, on May 17 and 18, 2016, the Taoiseach, the Prime 
     Minister of Ireland, will visit Washington, D.C., for events 
     commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter 
     Rising; and
       Whereas more than 200 other commemorative events will take 
     place across the United States to mark the 100th anniversary 
     of the 1916 Easter Rising: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recalls the special ties between Ireland and the United 
     States, continually sustained and strengthened throughout the 
     intertwined history of both countries;
       (2) welcomes the program of commemorations in the United 
     States marking the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter 
     Rising of Ireland, including the events taking place in 
     Washington, D.C.; and
       (3) recognizes the importance of nurturing and renewing the 
     unique relationship between the United States and Ireland, 
     and the people of the United States and Ireland, into the 
     future.

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