Honoring the extraordinary contributions of Irish Americans to the American War for Independence on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1121 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1121

  Honoring the extraordinary contributions of Irish Americans to the 
American War for Independence on the occasion of the 250th anniversary 
                         of the United States.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 17, 2026

 Mr. Moore of West Virginia (for himself, Mr. Mackenzie, Ms. Salazar, 
  Mr. Courtney, Ms. Malliotakis, Mr. Joyce of Ohio, and Mr. Kelly of 
Pennsylvania) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
            the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Honoring the extraordinary contributions of Irish Americans to the 
American War for Independence on the occasion of the 250th anniversary 
                         of the United States.

Whereas July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the 
        Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of 
        America;
Whereas Irish immigrants and United States citizens of Irish descent played a 
        disproportionately significant role in the struggle for United States 
        independence from 1775 to 1783;
Whereas historians estimate that up to 40 percent or more of the Continental 
        Army consisted of Irish-born soldiers or those of Irish heritage, 
        despite being only about 10 percent of the American population at the 
        time, providing critical manpower as foot soldiers, officers, and 
        specialists in key battles;
Whereas Irish patriots served valiantly under General George Washington, 
        including notable figures such as Commodore John Barry, known as the 
        ``Father of the American Navy'', who captured the first British warship 
        on the high seas, fought at Trenton and Princeton, and commanded in the 
        War's final naval engagements;
Whereas aides-de-camp to General Washington included Irish immigrants like Dr. 
        James McHenry, who later served as the third United States Secretary of 
        War, and Colonel John Fitzgerald of Virginia;
Whereas at least 8 signers of the Declaration of Independence had Irish roots or 
        were born in Ireland, including Charles Carroll of Carrollton who had 
        helped draft Maryland's State Constitution, advocated for religious 
        freedom, and later served as one of Maryland's first United States 
        Senators (1789-1792);
Whereas Charles Carroll of Carrollton was the only Catholic among the 56 signers 
        of the Declaration of Independence and he outlived all other signers, 
        dying at age 95;
Whereas Charles Carroll of Carrollton's cousin, Daniel Carroll (1730-1796), 
        signed the Articles of Confederation (making Maryland the last State to 
        ratify) and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention (1787), 
        where he was 1 of only 2 Catholics to sign the United States 
        Constitution;
Whereas Irish merchants, craftsmen, and community leaders supported the cause by 
        raising funds, supplying the Army, advancing credit to the new 
        government, and participating in political deliberations, most notably 
        Thomas Fitzsimons (1741-1811), a merchant and Revolutionary War officer, 
        he raised funds and supplies, commanded troops, and was 1 of the 2 
        Catholic signers of the Constitution;
Whereas the shared quest for liberty from British rule inspired both the 
        American colonists and the Irish people, with the success of the 
        American Revolution influencing later movements for Irish rights and 
        independence;
Whereas the enduring legacy of these contributions reflects the vital role of 
        Irish immigrants in building and defending the United States from its 
        earliest days; and
Whereas this 250th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse 
        threads of heritage that wove together to form the fabric of American 
        independence: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors the courage, sacrifice, and indispensable 
        contributions of Irish Americans during the American War for 
        Independence;
            (2) recognizes the profound impact of Irish-born patriots 
        and their descendants in securing the liberty and founding 
        principles of the United States;
            (3) celebrates the shared values of freedom and self-
        determination that linked the American and Irish experiences;
            (4) encourages all Americans to reflect on this heritage as 
        part of the Semiquincentennial commemoration of the Nation's 
        founding; and
            (5) extends its deepest gratitude to the Irish-American 
        community for its historic and ongoing role in the American 
        story.
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