*HR1550*
Introduced Version
HOUSE
RESOLUTION No. ___
Introduced by: OBrien, Lehman, Teshka, Bartels,
McNamara
____________________________________
1 A HOUSE RESOLUTION recognizing the 100th
2 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
3 between the United States of America and Ireland.
4 Whereas, A century ago, in October 1924, Ireland formally
5 opened diplomatic relations with the United States of America
6 when Timothy Smiddy of Ireland presented his credentials to
7 U.S. President Calvin Coolidge;
8 Whereas, Following the Irish people's long and painful
9 struggle for independence, the U.S. was one of the first nations
10 to recognize the fledgling Irish state earlier that year, and when
11 Smiddy emerged from the White House, he had become
12 Ireland's first ambassador to any country in the world;
13 Whereas, It was very appropriate that Ireland's first
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1 representative overseas should be dispatched to Washington,
2 D.C., for, while 1924 marked the beginning of formal
3 diplomatic relations, the deep Irish American connection dated
4 back centuries;
5 Whereas, Today, nearly one tenth of Americans identify as
6 being of Irish ancestry. Irish immigrants helped build the
7 America we know today; not only the physical infrastructure,
8 the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the transcontinental
9 railroad, but also the political construct that is America. Irish
10 people have made an enormous contribution to public debate
11 and politics in America, from their local communities right up
12 to the White House, with more than 20 American presidents
13 claiming some Irish ancestry;
14 Whereas, The influence of Irish America extends well beyond
15 the Oval Office and the Capitol Building to every state within
16 the Union, and is made most evident by the significant number
17 of state legislators within the American Ireland State
18 Legislators Caucus, which is open to everyone of Irish heritage
19 and those who are supporters of Ireland;
20 Whereas, Since Timothy Smiddy's momentous audience in
21 the Oval Office 100 years ago, a further 18 Irish ambassadors
22 have presented credentials to U.S. presidents. Over this time,
23 Ireland's relations with the United States have evolved
24 significantly;
25 Whereas, From an impoverished and internationally isolated
26 state, scarred by years of conflict, Ireland has transformed over
27 the past century. Ireland today is at peace, economically
28 prosperous, and culturally vibrant;
29 Whereas, This transformation is due to the support of friends
30 in the United States, from the crucial role America played in
31 brokering peace in Northern Ireland, culminating with the 1998
32 Good Friday Agreement, to the huge American economic
33 investment in Ireland;
34 Whereas, There are almost 1,000 U.S. companies in Ireland,
35 employing over 200,000 people directly. The economic
36 relationship is truly two-way with over 100,000 people
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1 employed in the U.S. by over 650 Ireland companies across all
2 50 states. Ireland is now the ninth largest source of foreign
3 direct investment in the U.S.; and
4 Whereas, The U.S.-Ireland relationship is a shining example
5 of how ancestral ties, historical connections, cultural affinities,
6 and shared values can create a foundation for enduring
7 partnership and mutual prosperity. Irish American state
8 legislators across the United States are playing a vitally
9 important role in fostering this partnership and ensuring that
10 it continues and flourishes for another century to come:
11 Therefore,
12 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the
13 General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
14 SECTION 1. That the Indiana House of Representatives
15 recognizes the 100th anniversary of the establishment of
16 diplomatic relations between the United States of America and
17 Ireland.
18 SECTION 2. That the Principal Clerk of the House of
19 Representatives shall transmit copies of this resolution to State
20 Representative Timothy O'Brien for distribution.
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