CELEBRATING SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

CELEBRATING SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)] [House] [Page H2533] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING SAINT PATRICK'S DAY (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, happy Saint Patrick's Day. Today is a great day across the globe where we celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, and we are reminded of all that the Irish and the Irish diaspora have contributed to humanity and accomplished worldwide. Here in the United States of America, since 1991, every President, Democrat or Republican, has issued a proclamation declaring March as Irish Heritage Month, until now. For 35 years this longstanding tradition has been honored. This President has failed to do so. Therefore, I hereby declare on behalf of a grateful nation March 2026 as Irish Heritage Month in the United States of America. Some may ask: What Congressman has the power to do such a thing? The answer is easy. I am simply declaring what is inherently true, whether the President of the United States of America continues to be derelict in his duty to officially declare it such or not. To be Irish is to know the struggle for democracy, liberty, and freedom. From the very beginning of our Nation, the Irish have ensured that these noble aims have persevered. The American story could not have been written without the contributions made by the intrepid Irish immigrants who came to our shores in pursuit of prosperity and, in turn, made our Nation what it is today. When George Washington went into battle against the crown forces of England, it was the Irish who stood at his side and fought for victory and independence from the oppressive British Government. When the Civil War was fought, it was the Irish, fresh off the ships in the harbor, who joined the Union Army and battled the treasonous Confederates to end slavery and preserve the Union. Many Irish battalions, including the Fighting 69th Irish Infantry led by Thomas Francis Meagher, bled for the soul of our blossoming Nation and proved the fighting Irish were here to stay, build, and thrive. The Irish have been our war heroes, donning the military uniform and running into battle across the globe in service and sacrifice in every single conflict our Nation has ever seen, oftentimes, laying down their lives for the freedoms we hold dear. Generations of Irish patriots have challenged our Nation to live up to its highest ideals. Their struggle is woven into the fabric of our democracy, and their voices ring like a clarion call to our better angels. It was the Irish fleeing famine and oppression who worked alongside so many other new immigrants to build our country, our canals, our roads, our bridges, our railroads, our skyscrapers, our subways, and so much more. The Irish would go on to become integral to every aspect of American society: laborers, nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters, teachers, lawyers, civil servants, public advocates, businessowners, bankers, entertainers, and, yes, politicians who know what happens when government falls into the hands of those who callously disregard the less fortunate and discriminate based on race, creed, culture, or country of origin. Countless Irishmen and -women have helped to make the United States what it is today, the greatest Nation in the history of the world. Mr. Speaker, as Irish Americans, we will march on, as we always have, not just for the Irish but for everyone in this great Nation and future citizens we will never know. God bless the Irish. God bless the United States of America. Erin go Bragh. Happy Saint Patrick's Day, and happy Irish Heritage Month. ____________________