[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 192 (Tuesday, December 3, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF ROMANIA'S GREAT UNION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 3, 2019

  Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Romania on her 
101st celebration of unification. This year is especially significant 
as we also celebrate 30 years since the fall of Communism in Romania.
  December 1st is representative of the sovereignty of Romania because 
on this date in 1918 the Alba Iulia National Assembly met to unify the 
peoples and territories of Romania. The Resolution passed by the 
Assembly united Moldova and Wallachia with Transylvania, Crisana, 
Banat, and Maramures. While the authorities of Romania have changed 
several times since then, the proud and independent spirit of the 
Romanian people has not.
  December holds an increased meaning as the Romanian Revolution 
occurred in 1989 in which the people wrested an opportunity for self-
direction from the dark times of the Communism towards the bright 
future of a democratic country which nowadays shares common values with 
the United States. Over the past 30 years, Romania has become a bastion 
of democracy in Eastern Europe and a solid and strong U.S. ally in the 
region. Romania is setting an example of steady commitment to 
transatlantic security and democratic leadership, while the Romanian 
public opinion has an overwhelmingly favorable view of American 
leadership and role in the world.
  Romania, as a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization since 
2004, has sent troops to support NATO missions in the Western Balkans, 
Afghanistan and Iraq and is contributing 2 percent of its gross 
domestic product on defense spending. Romania has been a leading nation 
in providing cybersecurity support to NATO and its partners and is 
working with the U.S. Government on the secure implementation of fifth 
generation wireless communication networks (5G) technology. Romania 
also joined the European Union in 2007 and recently successfully 
finished a term holding the EU's presidency.
  The United States and Romania have enjoyed almost 140 years of 
diplomatic relations and share a deep and longstanding friendship, a 
strategic partnership built on historical ties, and a joint commitment 
to advancing the security and prosperity of their citizens and 
communities.
  Madam Speaker, it is for these reasons that I urge all of my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating Romania on the 101st 
anniversary of its Great Union Day.

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