Recognizing the 200th anniversary of the heroic Exodus of Missolonghi and commemorating its historical significance to the Greek War of Independence.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1203
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-27T22:08:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1203) recognizes the 200th anniversary in 2026 of the Exodus of Missolonghi, a key event in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830), where the city's residents heroically broke out of a siege rather than surrender. It commemorates the event's role in inspiring global support for Greek independence and highlights shared historical ties between the United States and Greece.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing historical context, followed by five main actions for the House of Representatives:
- (1) Recognizes the anniversary as a defining moment in Greek and world history.
- (2) Pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Missolonghi's men, women, and children.
- (3) Honors philhellenes (international supporters of Greek independence), including Americans who fought alongside Greeks.
- (4) Affirms shared democratic values and historical bonds between the U.S. and Greece, rooted in ideals of liberty.
- (5) Encourages educational, cultural, and commemorative activities to raise awareness of the event.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution (a formal statement of opinion by the House), so it does not amend laws, create mandates, or have legal force.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and cultural: Boosts public awareness of the event through encouraged activities; fosters U.S.-Greece friendship and cultural exchange.
- International relations: Reinforces the U.S.-Greece strategic partnership by highlighting historical solidarity.
- No direct effects on government agencies (beyond potential committee review), citizens, or funding; minimal fiscal impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Greek-American community and descendants of philhellenes: Honored and motivated for commemorations.
- People of Greece and Missolonghi: Symbolic recognition of their history.
- U.S. House of Representatives: Adopts the resolution if passed.
- Educators, historians, and cultural organizations: Encouraged to promote events.
- U.S.-Greece bilateral relations: Indirectly strengthened.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are routine expressions of Congress and do not require presidential approval or affect the Constitution.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (e.g., by Reps. Bilirakis, Pappas, Malliotakis, Titus) signals unified support for Greece amid ongoing U.S. foreign policy interests; referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for review. Promotes soft diplomacy without controversy.
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 (3)
Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-04-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 200th anniversary of the heroic Exodus of Missolonghi and commemorating its historical significance to the Greek War of Independence. — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (4 pages)