Kaptur Introduces Resolution Honoring 250 Years of Polish-American Friendship and Reaffirming US Commitment to Poland’s Security
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09), Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) have led the introduction of a House resolution recognizing 250 years of enduring friendship between the American and Polish peoples and reaffirming the vital interest of the United States in Poland’s democracy, sovereignty, prosperity, and security. Congresswoman Kaptur represents one of the largest Polish-American communities in the nation. Other original cosponsors of the resolution include Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06).
“For more than two and a half centuries, the bonds between the Polish and American people have been forged in the cause of Liberty,” said Co-Chair of the Congressional Poland Caucus, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Our two nations are united not merely by strategy, but by sacrifice, memory, and hope. As we mark 250 years of friendship, we reaffirm a simple truth: A secure, democratic, and prosperous Poland strengthens the United States and advances the cause of freedom around the world. May the next 250 years of Polish-American friendship shine even brighter.”
"The United States and Poland have stood together not just as partners, but long-time allies, united by our shared commitment to freedom, democracy, and mutual security. From our earliest ties to our modern alliance through NATO, Poland has remained one of America’s strongest and most reliable allies including making the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States in Afghanistan,” said Co-Chair of the Congressional Poland Caucus, and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09). “This resolution demonstrates our unwavering commitment to Poland’s security and sovereignty, and it reflects our appreciation of a deeply valued relationship dedicated to strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic."
"From the first Polish settlers at Jamestown to their leadership on NATO’s eastern flank today, the Polish-American bond has always been built on freedom and courage,” said Co-Chair of the Congressional Poland Caucus, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10). "As we recognize 250 years of friendship, we reaffirm that America has a deep and enduring interest in Poland’s democracy, sovereignty, prosperity, and security—and we will stand with our Polish allies as we deter Russian aggression and defend the promise of liberty for future generations."
“For 250 years, the United States and Poland have stood together in support of freedom, democracy, and national sovereignty. Our partnership shows that free nations are strongest when we stand side by side,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13). “I am proud to join my colleagues in this resolution honoring that friendship and reaffirming our commitment to keeping this bond strong for generations to come. As a proud Polish American serving in the Illinois Delegation, I remain committed to strengthening this unbreakable alliance.”
“As we celebrate the full resumption of friendship of Poland with America, it is inspiring that the courageous people of Poland are a symbol of resilience. With a brief interlude of democracy, 1790-1793, significantly impacted by the American Revolution, there tragically followed murderous occupation, totalitarianism misrule, and brutal subjugation,” said Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02). “And now there is a flourishing democracy enabling economic growth among the highest in the world for jobs and prosperity with security, deterring war criminal Putin.”
The resolution highlights the heroic contributions of Polish patriots to the American Revolution, including General Tadeusz Kościuszko, whose military engineering helped secure the American victory and whose legacy remains etched into the foundations of West Point. It also commemorates America’s early recognition of Polish independence in 1919, humanitarian assistance provided to the Polish people following World War I, and US support for Poland’s resistance during World War II, including aid to the Warsaw Uprising.
The measure further recognizes Poland’s remarkable democratic and economic transformation following the fall of communism and its accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1999. Since then, Poland has been among America’s strongest and most reliable allies in Europe. Today, Poland remains a pillar of transatlantic security—investing over 4.7 percent of its GDP in defense and serving as a frontline state in support of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
A copy of the resolution text can be found by clicking here.
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