Title: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Slovenia and the enduring friendship between the American and Slovenian peoples is critical to United States interests.
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
This resolution expresses support for the bilateral relationship between the United States and Slovenia. The resolution also applauds Slovenia's many achievements since gaining independence.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 524 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 524

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the alliance 
between the United States and the Republic of Slovenia and the enduring 
 friendship between the American and Slovenian peoples is critical to 
                        United States interests.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              July 9, 2021

Mr. Gosar submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                      Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the alliance 
between the United States and the Republic of Slovenia and the enduring 
 friendship between the American and Slovenian peoples is critical to 
                        United States interests.

Whereas, on December 23, 1990, the people of Slovenia voted overwhelmingly in 
        favor of independence from the former Yugoslavia in a national 
        referendum;
Whereas, on June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared itself an 
        independent and sovereign country;
Whereas, on December 23, 1991, the Parliament of Slovenia adopted a Constitution 
        based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and democratic 
        ideals;
Whereas, on April 7, 1992, the United States recognized the independence of 
        Slovenia, which was followed by the establishment of diplomatic 
        relations on August 11, 1992;
Whereas Slovenia has made important contributions to international efforts to 
        promote peace, stability, and development in Europe, the Middle East and 
        the Near East, Africa, and elsewhere;
Whereas Slovenia has been an important United States ally in Central Europe and 
        a strong advocate of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the 
        merits of an open and free market economy;
Whereas Central Europe is a critical geographic region for United States, North 
        Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and European Union (EU) interests;
Whereas China and the Russian Federation have made concerted efforts to exert 
        influence on our Central European allies and partners to drive a wedge 
        between these nations and the rest of NATO and the EU;
Whereas Slovenia has become an active member country of international 
        organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, the EU, the 
        Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Organization 
        for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, and the 
        World Trade Organization;
Whereas Slovenia has further strengthened its international role by successfully 
        chairing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 
        2005, and, as the first new member from Central and Eastern Europe, by 
        successfully holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union 
        in 2008, when it also hosted a summit between the United States and the 
        European Union attended by President George W. Bush;
Whereas Slovenia will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union 
        again in 2021;
Whereas Slovenia actively participates in numerous regional forums with strong 
        transatlantic interest, notably the Three Seas Initiative, including its 
        Investment Fund, and the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy 
        Cooperation;
Whereas the United States and Slovenia share broad understanding of many topical 
        issues, including cybersecurity and energy security;
Whereas almost a decade has passed since the last visit of the Prime Minister of 
        Slovenia to the White House and a new interaction at this level is 
        therefore urgently needed;
Whereas June 25, 2021, marks the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's declaration of 
        independence; and
Whereas, on March 3, 2020, Janez Jansa was elected as the 14th Prime Minister of 
        Slovenia and has not yet met with the President of the United States to 
        further political, trade, and military relationships: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) applauds the many achievements of the Republic of 
        Slovenia since gaining its independence and respects its 
        contribution to freedom-loving people around the world;
            (2) recognizes the close friendship, strategic partnership, 
        and strong alliance between the United States and Slovenia, 
        which has facilitated the enhancement of democratic values and 
        the promotion of peace around the world;
            (3) recognizes the important role of the Slovenian 
        community in the United States to promote partnerships and 
        cooperation between the two countries, as well as the 
        significant and historic contributions of this community to the 
        American society and economy, including to the ideal of the 
        American dream;
            (4) encourages continued engagement between the United 
        States and Slovenia to further the bilateral relationship and 
        pursue shared interests and goals around the world; and
            (5) encourages a bilateral meeting between the President of 
        the United States and the Prime Minister of Slovenia.
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