Bill Summary
The resolution recognizes and celebrates 250 years of friendship between the United States and Poland, highlighting the historical ties and cooperation between the two nations. It acknowledges significant events, such as Polish support during the American Revolution, the U.S. recognition of Polish sovereignty after World War I, and Poland's role as a strong ally within NATO. The resolution emphasizes Poland's contributions to global security, especially in the context of recent conflicts, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting Poland's democracy, sovereignty, and security. It calls for continued collaboration between the U.S. and Poland, including the stationing of U.S. military personnel in Poland to enhance defense efforts. The resolution expresses gratitude for Poland's longstanding support and friendship over the past 250 years.
Possible Impacts
The resolution recognizing 250 years of Polish-American friendship can affect people in several ways:
1. **Cultural Recognition and Heritage Promotion**: The designation of October as Polish American Heritage Month and the emphasis on the long-standing friendship between the two nations can encourage Polish-Americans to celebrate their heritage. This recognition fosters a sense of pride and community among Polish-Americans, promoting cultural events, educational programs, and public awareness about their contributions to American society.
2. **Strengthened Security and Military Ties**: The resolution reaffirms the importance of U.S. military presence in Poland and the collaborative defense efforts between the two nations. This can affect the lives of military personnel and their families, as well as Polish citizens who feel more secure knowing that they have a strong ally in the U.S. The increased collaboration may also lead to joint training exercises and the sharing of military technology, enhancing the defense capabilities of both countries.
3. **Support for Democratic Values and Economic Cooperation**: By emphasizing Poland's role in supporting democracy and security in Europe, the resolution may lead to increased economic cooperation and investment opportunities between the U.S. and Poland. This can create jobs and improve living standards in both countries, benefiting citizens through economic growth and stability. Additionally, joint initiatives in areas like science and education, as highlighted by the Fulbright Commission, can enhance educational opportunities for individuals in both nations.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1082 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1082
Recognizing 250 years of Polish-American friendship and reaffirming the
interest of the United States of America in the democracy, sovereignty,
prosperity, and security of Poland.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 25, 2026
Ms. Kaptur (for herself, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Keating, Mr.
Turner of Ohio, Ms. Budzinski, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Mr.
Bishop, and Mrs. Dingell) submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the
Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined
by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as
fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing 250 years of Polish-American friendship and reaffirming the
interest of the United States of America in the democracy, sovereignty,
prosperity, and security of Poland.
Whereas relations between the Polish and American people have been core to the
national histories of both nations since the first Polish settlers
arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608, beginning centuries of
cooperation between what would become the United States of America and
the Republic of Poland;
Whereas numerous Poles fought in the American Revolution, including General
Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who sailed to the American colonies in June 1776 to
support American revolutionaries in their fight for self-determination,
and oversaw the construction of fortifications in places such as West
Point, New York;
Whereas the United States was the first major power to recognize the statehood
of the Second Polish Republic in 1919;
Whereas the American Relief Administration provided significant humanitarian aid
to Poland to assist in its recovery from the First World War, including
the establishment of hundreds of kitchens which fed more than 1,500,000
mothers and children each day;
Whereas the Kosciuszko Squadron, consisting of Polish soldiers and American
volunteers, was formed in 1919 to defend Polish sovereignty during the
Polish-Soviet War;
Whereas more than 5,500,000 Polish citizens signed the Declarations of
Admiration and Friendship for the United States in 1926 in honor of the
150th anniversary of American independence;
Whereas the United States supported the Polish resistance to Nazi occupation
during the Second World War, including the provision of weapons,
ammunition, and medical supplies through airdrops to support the Warsaw
Uprising of 1944;
Whereas over 5,000 students have participated in the Poland-United States
Fulbright Commission since 1959, fostering greater international
collaboration and the development of scientific innovations;
Whereas numerous sister cities have been established between the United States
and Poland, including Toledo and Poznan, Knoxville and Che5m, and
Chicago and Warsaw in 1960;
Whereas, in 1986, the United States designated October as Polish American
Heritage Month;
Whereas Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1999,
strengthening transatlantic security and successfully fulfilling
Poland's ambitious efforts to transform its political system, economy,
and military, and becoming one of the United States strongest allies in
Europe;
Whereas, when the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001, Poland
joined the rest of the NATO alliance in coming to the United States aid,
ultimately deploying over 28,000 Polish soldiers and personnel to
Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and 2,500 soldiers to
Iraq as part of United States-led operations;
Whereas Poland has helped lead the European response to Russia's full-scale
invasion of Ukraine since 2022 by supporting Ukraine's defense and by
welcoming Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russian forces, including over
1,000,000 that resettled in Poland and over 17,000,000 Ukrainian
refugees that crossed the Polish border;
Whereas Poland is now a leader in the defense of Europe and the deterrence of
Russian aggression, investing more than 4.7 percent of its gross
domestic product in defense to take ownership of its own security in
coordination with the United States and other allies;
Whereas approximately 10,000 military personnel of the Armed Forces of the
United States are currently stationed in Poland, in part to deter Russia
from expanding its war in Europe to include other countries that it has
threatened, including Poland; and
Whereas both the United States of America and the Republic of Poland continue to
acknowledge the continued successes of their mutual democracies, which
lead to greater prosperity and freedom for all their citizens: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) affirms the vital interest of the United States of
America in Poland's democracy, sovereignty, prosperity, and
security;
(2) recognizes that Poland is a steadfast ally for the
United States of America and calls on American and Polish
leaders to support continued efforts to bolster efforts by
Poland and other allies to take greater ownership of their own
defense, in close coordination with the United States;
(3) calls for the continuation of stationing members of the
Armed Forces of the United States in Poland to support defense
planning, capacity-building, and training with the Armed Forces
of Poland and other allied and partner forces; and
(4) expresses its gratitude to the people of Poland for
their more than 250 years of support for the American people
and welcomes more than 250 years of continued friendship.
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