[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 11, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E560-E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              APPRECIATING FRIENDSHIP GROUP BULGARIA--USA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2025

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, a dream come true and 
answer to prayers has been the restoration of friendship of the people 
of Bulgaria with America after decades of separation by the Iron 
Curtain.
  The latest achievement has been the establishment in the National 
Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria of the Friendship Group Bulgaria--
USA. This duplicates the Bulgarian Caucus I founded in 2004 in the U.S. 
Congress, which I now co-chair with Congressman Brad Schneider of 
Illinois, confirming Republican and Democrat appreciation of Bulgaria 
and valued Bulgarian-Americans.
  My affection for the people of Bulgaria began when I was selected by 
Lee Atwater of

[[Page E561]]

the Reagan Administration to be an observer of the Bulgarian National 
Assembly elections on June 10, 1990, on behalf of the International 
Republican Institute. With the collapse of the Soviet Empire, countries 
of Europe, the Baltics, Central Europe, and Central Asia conducted the 
first post-communist elections, replacing totalitarian dictatorships.
  Before arriving in Sofia, my research incorrectly identified Bulgaria 
appreciated being the most subservient Soviet satellite. Upon arriving, 
I found that this was not true as it was instantly inspiring to meet 
courageous Bulgarian patriots restoring democracy, which had been 
destroyed by Nazis and communists.
  Additionally, getting my attention was that Bulgaria and my home 
state of South Carolina were so similar--beautiful beaches to the east, 
mountains to the west, and our respective capitals of Sofia and 
Columbia are both in the center.
  I enjoy confirming to Bulgarians that an extraordinary feature in 
Bulgaria that we do not have in South Carolina are the phenomenal 
structures and antiquities of ancient Thrace, Greece, and Rome being 
the foundation of Western Civilization and remain to remind us of our 
shared heritage.
  Pumping gas myself in college, I especially understand gas stations. 
In 1990, arriving Bulgaria, I only recognized that a pathetic building 
appearing as an outhouse was actually a gas station because there were 
lines of cars waiting patiently--with no gas. Then, I found out the 
cars were not actually cars, but Russian Ladas and East German 
Trabants, being 2-stroke motorcycle engines with a hood.
  Now, I see modern Circle K's convenience stores fully stocked with a 
Wendy's or a Lukoil with a Burger King. And especially good, many cars 
are now X-5 BMW's made in South Carolina--and I want every Bulgarian to 
have a BMW.
  The foundation of the Friendship Group Bulgaria--USA encourages Black 
Sea patriots of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia who are under attack by 
war criminal Putin who is insanely seeking to resurrect the failed 
Soviet Union, oppressing the people of Russia.
  One day, Russians will liberate themselves for freedom.
  Last month, I was honored to meet with Defense Minister Atanas 
Zapryanov and Ambassador Georgi Panayatov, with talented Bulgarian 
pilots in Greenville, South Carolina, receiving F-22 jet fighters 
produced by Lockheed Martin.
  We join valued NATO allies Romania and Turkiye in support of 
Bulgaria, as Bulgaria is a vital ally with the Novo Selo NATO Base, 
where young Bulgarians and young Americans train side-by-side for Peace 
Through Strength.

                          ____________________