[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 24759-24762]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF UNITED STATES-POLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 266) celebrating 90 years of 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, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 266

       Whereas the United States established diplomatic relations 
     with the newly independent Second Polish Republic in April 
     1919;
       Whereas the year 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the 
     fall of communism in Poland, as well as the restoration of 
     democracy and market economy in that country;
       Whereas the year 2009 marks the 10th anniversary of 
     Poland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 
     (NATO);
       Whereas the year 2009 marks the 5th anniversary of Poland's 
     accession to the European Union (EU);
       Whereas the year 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the 
     Fulbright Educational Exchange Program in Poland;
       Whereas Poland has overcome a legacy of foreign occupation 
     and period of communist rule to emerge as a free and 
     democratic nation;
       Whereas Poland is a valued partner in the fight against 
     global terrorism and has contributed troops to the 
     stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and 
     Iraq; and
       Whereas Poland has cooperated closely with the United 
     States on issues such as democratization, nuclear 
     nonproliferation, human rights, regional cooperation in 
     Central and Eastern Europe, and reform of the United Nations: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) celebrates the 90th anniversary of United States-Polish 
     diplomatic relations;
       (2) congratulates the Polish people on their great 
     accomplishments as a free democracy; and
       (3) expresses appreciation for Poland's steadfast 
     partnership with the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The gentleman from American Samoa is recognized.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from American Samoa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am in strong support of House Resolution 266, which 
celebrates 90 years of diplomatic relations between the United States 
and Poland. I wish to thank my good friend, the distinguished gentleman 
from the State of Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) for his authorship and 
introduction of this bill that enables the House to join the Senate in 
marking this significant anniversary and reaffirming our friendship 
with an important ally.
  It is remarkable to think that it has been only 20 years since Poland 
began to emerge from a period marked by war, Communist rule and 
occupation. On June 4, 1989, the good people of Poland voted in semi-
democratic parliamentary elections. They resulted in a landslide 
victory for opposition candidates fielded by the Solidarity trade union 
over the ruling Communists. The new government moved swiftly to re-
establish democratic practices and a free market economy.
  This election marked a turning point in the region, as other Soviet 
satellite states in Central and Eastern Europe regained their freedom 
by the end of 1989. Poland undertook internal reforms that enabled its 
rapid integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. Indeed, 2009 marks 
the fifth anniversary of Poland's membership with the European Union 
and the 10th anniversary of its accession to NATO. Poland has since 
been playing an active role in the international community, helping to 
secure peace and stability through its contributions to civilian and 
military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  In addition, Poland has been a strong ally of the United States. This 
year we are marking 90 years of diplomatic relations, with the United 
States being the first country to recognize the newly independent 
Second Polish Republic in January 1919. This was particularly fitting 
given the key role played by President Woodrow Wilson in demanding that 
an independent Poland be included in the Treaty of Versailles.
  Since that time, there has continued to be a close friendship between 
our two peoples and countries. The estimated 10 million of our fellow 
Polish Americans who comprise 3 percent of the U.S. population have 
made considerable contributions to the cultural, economic, social, and 
political fabric of our great Nation. I welcome the planned visit by 
Vice President Biden to Poland later this month, as it provides an 
excellent opportunity to affirm our strong bilateral relationship.

[[Page 24760]]

  I strongly support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the 
same.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume. I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 266, which 
celebrates 90 years of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations and the fact 
that Poland has proven to be a strong partner for the United States in 
advancing freedom around the world.
  Poland has come a long way since throwing off the yoke of Communism 
20 years ago. In fact, it was only 2 months ago that Poles celebrated 
the 20th anniversary of the first free and democratic parliamentary 
elections in their country, held in 1989, which followed decades of 
Communist rule and Soviet domination of Poland. The election, in fact, 
helped provide the inspiration for the peoples of other Central and 
Eastern European nations to subsequently free themselves from the 
shackles of the Communist regimes in their countries.
  Today, Poland is a free and democratic country and a full and valued 
member of a number of international organizations, including the 
European Union and NATO. Through NATO, Poland is a full ally of the 
United States and, in that role, has significantly contributed to the 
United States-led efforts to fight global terrorism.
  This resolution, Mr. Speaker, celebrates the 90th anniversary of the 
U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations. It congratulates the Polish people on 
their great accomplishments as a great democracy, and it expresses 
appreciation for Poland's partnership with the United States.
  Given the specific intent of the resolution before us today dealing 
with the importance of our relationship with our ally, Poland, I would 
like to comment on the recent decision by President Obama to cancel the 
long-range missile defense project with Poland. We could debate the 
recent decision to cancel the long-range missile defense project in 
Poland, a decision with which many of us, obviously, disagree. In light 
of the history of Eastern Europe over the past century, and of Poland, 
in particular, we should exercise care in the ways that we arrive at 
decisions that have great consequence to our allies in that region.
  In this instance, the decision to cancel the missile defense project 
was communicated to Polish officials only the night before it was 
announced. The decision was also announced on the 70th anniversary of 
the invasion of the Soviet Union of Poland in 1939. What an insult. In 
light of the timing of the decision, and given that Russian troops 
invaded Georgia last year, should we have been surprised when our 
Polish allies reacted with alarm at the suddenness of the announcement? 
I think not.
  In short, Mr. Speaker, our relationship with Poland requires skillful 
handling and needs to take into account what Poland has experienced 
over the past 100 years in order to avoid sending unintended and 
potentially damaging messages to such a close ally.
  Mr. Speaker, I support the resolution before us today.
  I reserve the balance of our time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 
minutes to the distinguished gentleman, the author of this piece of 
legislation, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).

                              {time}  1230

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
266, celebrating 90 years of diplomatic relations between the United 
States and Poland and recognizing Poland's critical role in advancing 
freedom and democracy across the globe. We must never forget Lech 
Walesa's leadership inside Poland and the Polish pope, Pope John Paul 
II's leadership from the outside which helped lead to the collapse of 
the Soviet Union and the collapse of the wall separating the East and 
West and the freedom that that brought to so many hundreds of millions 
of people around the world.
  As a Polish American, as the co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on 
Poland, and as someone who represents part of the most Polish city 
outside of Poland, I'm especially proud to sponsor this resolution. I 
would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for 
working with me on this resolution and on other important issues.
  In addition to marking the 90th anniversary of U.S.-Poland diplomatic 
relations, this year also marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of 
communism in Poland, the 10th anniversary of Poland's accession to 
NATO, and the 5th anniversary of Poland's membership in the European 
Union.
  Ninety years ago, there were already 150,000 Polish immigrants in and 
around Chicago. The Polish American Association recently noted that 
following World War II, ``Polish Americans made up a large part of the 
countless families moving into Chicago suburbs, especially southwest 
suburbs such as Oak Lawn and Hickory Hills and western suburbs such as 
Berwyn and Lyons.'' These are all areas I represent, and such 
communities are one reason our countries are so close.
  Poland's struggle against communism and its emergence as a free and 
democratic nation are a great chapter in the history of the 20th 
century. In recent years, Poland has strongly supported the United 
States diplomatically and militarily, helping to combat global 
terrorism and contributing troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
resolution and in conveying America's thanks to the Polish people. 
Poland has been one of our Nation's best friends and strongest allies. 
We must honor this relationship and make sure that we work to continue 
it and work to strengthen that relationship with great respect.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to yield 4 minutes to 
the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks), a member of the Armed Services 
and Judiciary Committees and the co-Chair of the House Missile Defense 
Caucus.
  Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. I thank the gentlelady, as always.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to stand here today in strong, 
wholehearted support of our cherished ally, the nation of Poland, and 
in strong support of House Resolution 266. And I want to thank Mr. 
Lipinski, a cherished friend of mine, for his willingness to put forth 
this resolution.
  After the recently announced decision by the Obama administration 
abandoning our promised missile defense interceptors in Poland, our 
allies' newspaper headlines stated the situation in rather stark terms, 
Mr. Speaker. One Polish newspaper had the headline, ``Betrayed! The USA 
has sold us to the Russians and stabbed us in the back.''
  Now, Mr. Speaker, it's a travesty beyond words that the United States 
of America, the bastion of freedom throughout the entire world, would 
give reason to a loyal ally like Poland to write headlines like that. 
Poland has strongly supported the United States diplomatically and 
militarily and has joined with us courageously in combating global 
terrorism and has contributed troops to the coalitions led by the 
United States of America both in Afghanistan and in Iraq.
  For these reasons and so many others, Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to 
stand here today with my colleagues to warmly congratulate the Polish 
people on their remarkable accomplishments as a free nation and to 
express our gratitude for Poland's steadfast partnership with the 
United States and to affirm our clear and unwavering support for the 
free democratic nation of Poland.
  Mr. Speaker, I would go one step further by stating that one of the 
best ways we could demonstrate our deep love and appreciation for the 
nation and people of Poland would be to prove that we mean this by 
extending the Visa Waiver Program to our Polish allies. We've already 
extended the Visa Waiver Program to 35 other allies, including other 
European nations like Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, 
Lithuania, and Latvia, and I strongly believe we should have extended 
this same courtesy to our allies in Poland long ago. Poland repealed 
its own visa requirement back in 1991 and allows Americans to travel

[[Page 24761]]

throughout Poland without the use of a visa.
  The nation of Poland has proven time and again, Mr. Speaker, its 
steadfast dedication to the cause of human freedom as well as its 
friendship with the United States, and it is appropriate that they 
understand that America is grateful. And I just reiterate my gratitude 
to Mr. Lipinski and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes 
to my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko).
  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in wholehearted support of this 
resolution. I thank Representative Lipinski for his outstanding work 
that he has done to bring this resolution to the floor.
  In 1919, the United States established diplomatic relations with the 
newly formed Polish Republic. After 90 years of diplomatic relations, 
our relations have never been stronger.
  Over the last 90 years, the Polish people have overcome profound 
challenges, and Poland has emerged as a beacon for democracy and 
economic revitalization. In the 1980s, Polish workers rose against the 
Soviet elite, and despite significant oppression, forced democratic 
elections in 1989 and was a significant factor in the fall of the Iron 
Curtain. Despite the decades of Soviet control, over the last 20 years, 
the Polish economy has expanded dramatically and now is one of the 
economic engines of Europe.
  Over the years, Poland has cooperated closely with the United States 
on issues such as democratization, nuclear proliferation, human rights, 
regional cooperation in Eastern Europe, and reform of the United 
Nations.
  Today we can recognize these great contributions and reaffirm our 
commitment to our relationship with this great ally by voting in 
support of this resolution. I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to vote 
in support of House Resolution 266.
  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also join in support of H. 
Res. 266, celebrating 90 years of diplomatic relations between the 
United States and the Polish Republic.
  In those years, Poland has suffered invasion, and then the cruel 
domination of communism.
  The religious faith and the courage of Poland's people carried them 
out of those dark years, and Poland today is a beacon of democracy to 
the rest of the world.
  With an impressive history, Poland is also poised to be a leader of 
Europe's future.
  I visited Poland with a group of other Members, so I have a firsthand 
sense of the hospitality of Poland, and also of Poland's commitment to 
freedom and national security.
  I am very disappointed in President Obama's decision not to follow 
through with the placing of ground-based missile defense systems in 
Poland. In the United States House of Representatives and in the 
Senate, there are still many supporters of such a system.
  I appreciate the serious debates and commitments Poland has made to 
be an ally of the United States on missile defense, and I will continue 
to urge full cooperation between the United States and Poland on this 
matter.
  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 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.
  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. 
Lipinski, for introducing this legislation commemorating the 90th 
anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-Polish Diplomatic Relations.
  The Polish people and the people of the United States have a long 
history of friendship that dates back to the American war of 
independence when Polish patriot Casimir Pulaski volunteered to serve 
in the Continental Army and led his own cavalry regiment in fighting 
the British.
  We have stood shoulder to shoulder during dark times in both our 
histories, and in more recent times, we rejoiced together as the iron 
curtain that had enshrouded Poland and Eastern Europe was cast aside.
  And, in 1999, the United States and NATO welcomed Poland into our 
security partnership.
  In 2008, America signed a cooperative security agreement with Poland 
to further our mutual security interests. This included the 
establishment of a missile defense system to protect both Europe and 
the United States from ballistic missile attacks from rogue states such 
as Iran.
  This agreement was signed as a result of the strong courage of 
Poland's leaders who believed the United States government when it 
promised to help protect their homeland.
  Ironically, on September 17, 2009--the 70th anniversary of the 1939 
Soviet invasion of Poland--the Administration withdrew U.S. support for 
this mutual missile defense system in Europe. The Administration must 
now respond to find other ways that our cooperative partnership may be 
advanced.
  As a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the author of the 
NATO First Act, I believe the United States must remain committed to 
working with the Polish people to sustain our mutual partnership.
  I urge support of H. Res. 266.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 266, celebrating 90 years of United States-Polish diplomatic 
relations. It was April of 1919 when the United States first 
established a diplomatic relationship with the Polish Republic, and for 
nearly a century our two counties have worked together to maintain this 
important bond. Throughout the course of this lasting friendship, we 
have seen Poland overcome a period of communist rule and a legacy of 
foreign occupation to emerge as the free and democratic nation it is 
today, showing the great strength and resolve of the Polish people.
  The mark of a great nation, however, is not measured solely by the 
distance of its own advancement, but by its ability and willingness to 
help advance and protect other nations in the world community. Poland 
has collaborated closely with the United States in efforts to promote 
democratization and human rights in regions beyond the nation's 
borders. Additionally, the great nation of Poland has assisted the 
United States in fundamental efforts to limit nuclear proliferation, 
facilitate regional cooperation in Eastern Europe, and reform the 
United Nations.
  As a proud member of the Polish Caucus, it is my honor to recognize 
Poland for its indispensable support and committed partnership with the 
United States in advancing worldwide

[[Page 24762]]

liberty. Poland has continually supported the United States, both 
militarily and diplomatically, in efforts aimed at combating global 
terrorism.
  I am proud to say that my home state of Connecticut has one of the 
largest Polish-American populations in the country. Polish-Americans 
play an active role in the community through the many cultural and 
civic organizations established in my district. This includes the 
Greater Hartford Polish Cultural Club, which was proud to host the 61st 
Annual National Convention of the American Council for Polish Culture 
in August of this year. The continued celebration of the vibrant 
heritage of Polish-Americans is a testament to the strength of the 
enduring partnership between our two great nations.
  It is with great appreciation for Poland's efforts in upholding the 
ideals of freedom that I rise in support of House Resolution 266, 
celebrating 90 years of United States-Polish diplomatic relations.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I have no further 
speakers and yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 266, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________