H.C.R. No. 84
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Recent changes in the global economy have introduced
new opportunities for a closer and more mutually beneficial trade
relationship between Texas and the United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, Texans have a long history of friendship with the
United Kingdom; Sam Houston, president of the Republic of Texas,
was the first state leader to send a diplomatic mission to London,
and a plaque on St. James Street still marks the site of the
legation of the Republic of Texas; the first British Consulate in
the State of Texas was established in Galveston in 1846; and
WHEREAS, Today, the United Kingdom is the top source of
foreign direct investment in Texas, and subsidiaries of British
companies provide over 119,000 jobs for Texans; the UK is also one
of the state's largest global export markets, with British
households and businesses purchasing more than $10.2 billion in
services and goods such as petroleum, aerospace products, and
medical equipment from Texas each year; moreover, high levels of
tourism and business travel bring our two peoples even closer, both
economically and culturally, while cooperation on major defense
projects such as the F-35 fighter jet project based in Fort Worth
emphasizes our shared security interests; and
WHEREAS, Represented by the British Consulate General in
Houston, the government of the United Kingdom works with Texas
state and municipal leaders, nongovernmental organizations, and
businesses to create a more prosperous future, and together Texans
and Britons share a commitment to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and
recover from its economic effects, to create robust and resilient
supply chains, and to build a more secure energy infrastructure;
and
WHEREAS, The relationship between Texas and the UK can be
strengthened by continued dialogue on issues of trade and commerce
that fall within state jurisdiction, as well as the eventual
passage of a comprehensive free trade agreement between the United
States and the United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas takes great pride in its
partnership with the United Kingdom, and the citizens of the Lone
Star State look forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation
with their friends across the Atlantic; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize the vital importance of the enduring friendship
between Texas and the United Kingdom and commend all those
individuals who are working to maintain and strengthen that
relationship and the bonds of shared history, language, and
culture, including British Ambassador to the United States Karen
Pierce and British Consul General in Houston Richard Hyde; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Consul General of the United Kingdom in Houston and
the British Ambassador to the United States in Washington, D.C., as
an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives
and Senate.
Parker
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______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 84 was adopted by the House on May
14, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 120, Nays 1, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 84 was adopted by the Senate on May
27, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
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Governor