Quigley Passes Bill Recognizing Poland’s Contributions to Democracy, Will Attend Summer Meeting in Krakow

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) passed a bill honoring 10 years of international diplomatic efforts of the Community of Democracies, a collection of 106 democratic nations that was launched in Warsaw under the guidance of then-Secretary of State, Madeline Albright and then-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Bronislaw Geremek. The Community of Democracies has established working groups all over the world in its efforts to strengthen democratic principles and will host a celebration for its anniversary this July in Krakow, which Quigley plans to attend.

"The Community of Democracies is a wonderful example of positive international relations, promoting a global community of nations that are focused on the importance of free people and representative government," said Quigley. "At a time when nascent democracies are struggling to take root and even established participatory governments are under fire, it is critical that we provide them much-needed support. It is especially important that we recognize Poland, as its people recover from this spring's tragedy, for all the invaluable contributions the nation has made to the cause of democracy, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Polish government this summer in Krakow."

In 2009, a Secretariat was established in Warsaw, helping to strengthen the institution and establishing Poland as a permanent base. The Community of Democracies will meet this summer in Krakow to re-launch its initiative and adopt a work program to advance democracy worldwide.

A committed friend and advocate of Poland, Quigley was scheduled to fly with President Obama as the official House of Representatives delegate to the funeral of Polish President Lech Kaczynski in April, but was unable to attend because of the volcanic ash that interrupted air travel across Europe. He is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 2954, a bill that would extend the Visa Waiver Program to include Poland and worked successfully to include the provision in Rep. Luis Gutierrez's (D-IL) Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill.

The resolution commending the Community of Democracies, H. Res. 1143, passed the House of Representatives unanimously this evening.