[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, happy Saint Patrick's Day.
  Today is a great day across the globe where we celebrate the patron 
saint of Ireland, and we are reminded of all that the Irish and the 
Irish diaspora have contributed to humanity and accomplished worldwide.
  Here in the United States of America, since 1991, every President, 
Democrat or Republican, has issued a proclamation declaring March as 
Irish Heritage Month, until now. For 35 years this longstanding 
tradition has been honored. This President has failed to do so.
  Therefore, I hereby declare on behalf of a grateful nation March 2026 
as Irish Heritage Month in the United States of America.
  Some may ask: What Congressman has the power to do such a thing?
  The answer is easy. I am simply declaring what is inherently true, 
whether the President of the United States of America continues to be 
derelict in his duty to officially declare it such or not.
  To be Irish is to know the struggle for democracy, liberty, and 
freedom. From the very beginning of our Nation, the Irish have ensured 
that these noble aims have persevered.
  The American story could not have been written without the 
contributions made by the intrepid Irish immigrants who came to our 
shores in pursuit of prosperity and, in turn, made our Nation what it 
is today.
  When George Washington went into battle against the crown forces of 
England, it was the Irish who stood at his side and fought for victory 
and independence from the oppressive British Government.
  When the Civil War was fought, it was the Irish, fresh off the ships 
in the harbor, who joined the Union Army and battled the treasonous 
Confederates to end slavery and preserve the Union.
  Many Irish battalions, including the Fighting 69th Irish Infantry led 
by Thomas Francis Meagher, bled for the soul of our blossoming Nation 
and proved the fighting Irish were here to stay, build, and thrive.
  The Irish have been our war heroes, donning the military uniform and 
running into battle across the globe in service and sacrifice in every 
single conflict our Nation has ever seen, oftentimes, laying down their 
lives for the freedoms we hold dear.
  Generations of Irish patriots have challenged our Nation to live up 
to its highest ideals. Their struggle is woven into the fabric of our 
democracy, and their voices ring like a clarion call to our better 
angels.
  It was the Irish fleeing famine and oppression who worked alongside 
so many other new immigrants to build our country, our canals, our 
roads, our bridges, our railroads, our skyscrapers, our subways, and so 
much more.
  The Irish would go on to become integral to every aspect of American 
society: laborers, nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters, 
teachers, lawyers, civil servants, public advocates, businessowners, 
bankers, entertainers, and, yes, politicians who know what happens when 
government falls into the hands of those who callously disregard the 
less fortunate and discriminate based on race, creed, culture, or 
country of origin.
  Countless Irishmen and -women have helped to make the United States 
what it is today, the greatest Nation in the history of the world.
  Mr. Speaker, as Irish Americans, we will march on, as we always have, 
not just for the Irish but for everyone in this great Nation and future 
citizens we will never know.
  God bless the Irish. God bless the United States of America. Erin go 
Bragh. Happy Saint Patrick's Day, and happy Irish Heritage Month.

                          ____________________