Bill Summary
This legislation is a resolution that recognizes the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America. It acknowledges the historical significance of December 1, 2027, which will mark the 250th anniversary of the Kingdom of Morocco becoming the first country to recognize the United States. The resolution also highlights the important events in the relationship between the two nations, such as the establishment of diplomatic relations during the War for Independence and the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1787. It also recognizes the contributions of Moroccan-American communities to the cultural diversity of the United States and the partnership between the two countries in areas such as trade, security, and humanitarian efforts. Lastly, the resolution encourages continued cooperation between the United States and Morocco and supports efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary in 2027.
Possible Impacts
1. The resolution recognizes the longstanding friendship between Morocco and the United States, which could potentially lead to increased goodwill and positive relationships between individuals from both countries.
2. The resolution acknowledges Morocco's history of religious coexistence and the contributions of Moroccan-American communities, promoting a sense of inclusivity and diversity within the United States.
3. The resolution encourages continued cooperation between the United States and Morocco in various areas such as trade, security, and humanitarian efforts, potentially creating new opportunities and partnerships for people in both countries.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 251 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 251
Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco
and the United States of America.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 25, 2025
Mr. Schneider (for himself and Mr. Wilson of South Carolina) submitted
the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco
and the United States of America.
Whereas December 1, 2027, will mark the 250th anniversary of the Kingdom of
Morocco becoming the first country to recognize the United States of
America, a milestone in one of the longest standing diplomatic
relationships in United States history;
Whereas, on December 1, 1777, Sultan Sidi Muhammad Ben Abdullah established
relations with the United States, opening Moroccan ports to American
merchants during the War for Independence;
Whereas, in December 1780, the Continental Congress sent its first diplomatic
correspondence to the Kingdom of Morocco, expressing a desire for peace
and friendship;
Whereas, on July 18, 1787, the United States ratified the Treaty of Peace and
Friendship, also known as the Treaty of Marrakech, establishing formal
diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and the
Kingdom of Morocco;
Whereas the Treaty of Peace and Friendship remains the longest unbroken
diplomatic relationship in United States history;
Whereas the Kingdom of Morocco gifted the Tangier American Legation to the
United States in 1821, making it the first American diplomatic property
abroad and a lasting symbol of United States-Morocco friendship;
Whereas Morocco has historically fostered religious coexistence, including the
protection of Jewish communities, and has engaged in interfaith dialogue
and Holocaust education;
Whereas Moroccan-American communities contribute to the cultural diversity of
the United States and maintain deep connections to their heritage;
Whereas the United States and Morocco have built a multifaceted partnership
based on shared strategic, economic, and cultural interests;
Whereas Morocco remains the only African country with a Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) with the United States, and since the FTA's enactment in 2006,
bilateral agricultural trade has expanded;
Whereas the United States and Morocco cooperate closely on regional security,
counterterrorism efforts, and military coordination, including
participation in joint military exercises such as African Lion;
Whereas Morocco collaborates with the United States in nuclear nonproliferation,
countering illicit arms trafficking, and enhancing regional security
initiatives;
Whereas Morocco is a signatory to the Abraham Accords and continues to engage in
diplomatic initiatives to promote regional stability;
Whereas the United States and Morocco engage in cultural, educational, and
humanitarian cooperation, including Peace Corps programs, disaster
management training, and joint health initiatives; and
Whereas Morocco participates in global humanitarian efforts, including public
health initiatives and crisis response collaborations: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the approaching 250th anniversary of the
Kingdom of Morocco's recognition of the United States and the
enduring friendship between the two nations;
(2) acknowledges Morocco's history of religious coexistence
and the contributions of Moroccan-American communities to
United States society;
(3) affirms the importance of the United States-Morocco
relationship in promoting mutual economic and security
interests;
(4) commends Morocco's engagement in regional diplomacy,
including its participation in the Abraham Accords;
(5) encourages continued United States-Morocco cooperation
in trade, security, digital transformation, and humanitarian
efforts, recognizing both shared opportunities and challenges
in the partnership; and
(6) supports efforts to commemorate this milestone in the
lead-up to 2027, highlighting the historical and strategic
importance of the United States-Morocco alliance.
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