Recognizing the 205th anniversary of the War of Greek Independence.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1143
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-06T14:41:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1143) recognizes the 205th anniversary of the War of Greek Independence, which began on March 25, 1821. It celebrates shared democratic values between the United States and Greece, highlights historical ties, and reaffirms strong bilateral cooperation in security, energy, and regional stability.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive "Whereas" clauses outlining historical and contemporary context, such as:
- Ancient Greece's influence on U.S. democracy and the Founding Fathers.
- U.S. support for Greek independence through philhellenes (Americans who supported Greece) and humanitarian aid.
- Ongoing alliances, including NATO membership, mutual defense agreements, and strategic partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean (e.g., with Israel and Cyprus via the "3+1" format).
- Greece's roles in the EU, UN Security Council (2025-2026), NATO defense spending (>3% of GDP), and regional stability in the Balkans.
- Contributions of the Greek-American community and infrastructure like the port of Alexandroupolis.
The core "Resolved" section directs the House of Representatives to:
- Extend congratulations to Greece on the anniversary.
- Express support for democracy, human rights, and rule of law.
- Note Greece's regional and global role since independence.
- Commend the Greek-American community as a bridge between nations.
- Praise Greece's geostrategic importance, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkans, for upholding international law and sovereignty.
- Appreciate deepening U.S.-Greece cooperation on energy, security, and European energy security.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a simple resolution of the House, which expresses opinions or sentiments but does not create new law, appropriate funds, or have binding effect.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and diplomatic: Strengthens U.S.-Greece relations, potentially boosting morale among Greek-Americans and signaling bipartisan U.S. support for Greece amid regional tensions.
- No direct effects on government agencies, citizens, or budgets, as it lacks legal force.
- International relations: Reinforces alliances like NATO and trilateral partnerships, indirectly supporting U.S. interests in European stability and energy diversification.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Greek people and government: Honored through recognition.
- Greek-American community: Commended for contributions and role in ties.
- U.S. Congress: Bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Bilirakis, Pappas) and Foreign Affairs Committee.
- U.S. and Greek militaries/governments: Highlighted for defense and strategic cooperation.
- Regional partners: Israel, Cyprus, Balkans nations, via referenced partnerships.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Fully compliant as a non-binding House resolution under Article I of the U.S. Constitution; no enforceable obligations.
- Political: Demonstrates strong, bipartisan pro-Greece sentiment in Congress, aligning with U.S. strategic goals in NATO, the Eastern Mediterranean, and countering rivals (implied via Ottoman history and current contexts). Could influence future foreign aid or resolutions but carries no mandate.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
Cosponsors (14)
Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-03-27: Submitted in House
- 2026-03-27: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 205th anniversary of the War of Greek Independence. — issued 2026-03-27 — PDF (6 pages)