Quigley Recognizes Poland’s Contributions to Democracy in Advance of Summer Meeting in Krakow

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) introduced 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. 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. I would like to especially thank the nation of Poland for their invaluable contributions to the Community of Democracies and look forward to continuing to work with the Polish government this summer in Krakow to promote the cause of democracy."

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.

In his eleven months in Congress, Quigley has proven an effective advocate for Poland and Polish-Americans. He met with Polish Ambassador Robert Kupiecki and helped pass a measure to grant honorary citizenship to Polish general Casimir Pulaski. He also sponsored H.R. 2954, a bill that would extend the Visa Waiver Program to include Poland and then worked to include it in Rep. Luis Gutierrez's (D-IL) Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill.