Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.

Bill Number

H.Res. 251

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-08-09T08:05:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 251) aims to formally recognize the 250th anniversary of the Kingdom of Morocco's recognition of the United States in 1777, celebrating the enduring diplomatic, economic, cultural, and security partnership between the two nations. It highlights historical milestones and encourages ongoing cooperation ahead of the 2027 anniversary.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses outlining historical and current aspects of the U.S.-Morocco relationship, followed by six specific resolutions adopted by the House of Representatives:

• Recognition of the anniversary: Acknowledges the milestone of Morocco being the first country to recognize the U.S. and the longevity of their diplomatic ties, including the 1787 Treaty of Peace and Friendship (also known as the Treaty of Marrakech), which remains the oldest unbroken U.S. diplomatic relationship.
• Historical contributions: Notes Morocco's early support during the American War for Independence, such as opening ports to U.S. merchants in 1777 and gifting the Tangier American Legation in 1821 as the first U.S. diplomatic property abroad.
• Cultural and social aspects: Praises Morocco's history of religious coexistence (e.g., protecting Jewish communities and promoting interfaith dialogue and Holocaust education) and the role of Moroccan-American communities in enriching U.S. cultural diversity.
• Economic ties: Highlights the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) since 2006, which has boosted bilateral trade, especially in agriculture; Morocco is the only African nation with such an FTA with the U.S.
• Security and diplomatic cooperation: Emphasizes joint efforts in counterterrorism, military exercises (e.g., African Lion), nuclear nonproliferation, countering arms trafficking, and regional stability through initiatives like the Abraham Accords (peace agreements normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including Morocco).
• Other collaborations: Covers cultural, educational, and humanitarian partnerships, including Peace Corps programs, disaster management, health initiatives, and global crisis response.
• House actions:

1. Recognizes the 250th anniversary and enduring friendship.
2. Acknowledges Morocco's religious tolerance and Moroccan-American contributions.
3. Affirms the strategic value of the bilateral relationship for economic and security interests.
4. Commends Morocco's role in regional diplomacy, including the Abraham Accords.
5. Encourages expanded cooperation in trade, security, digital transformation, and humanitarian efforts.
6. Supports commemorative activities leading to 2027 to underscore the alliance's importance.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional sentiment rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: May encourage the U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense to prioritize or publicize joint initiatives with Morocco, potentially leading to increased funding or focus on commemorative events. It could also strengthen diplomatic advocacy for Morocco in international forums.
• On citizens: Boosts cultural awareness and pride among Moroccan-American communities; promotes educational exchanges and humanitarian programs that benefit U.S. participants (e.g., Peace Corps volunteers).
• On international relations: Reinforces U.S.-Morocco ties, potentially enhancing regional stability in North Africa and the Middle East through shared security efforts. It signals U.S. support for Morocco's diplomatic role, which could influence broader alliances like the Abraham Accords and counterterrorism partnerships.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Congress and executive branch: As the resolution's adopters and implementers of related policies.
• Kingdom of Morocco's government: Benefits from formal U.S. recognition, which could aid its international standing.
• Moroccan-American communities: Gain acknowledgment of their contributions and heritage.
• Businesses and traders: U.S. and Moroccan companies involved in agriculture, trade, and digital sectors may see expanded opportunities under the encouraged FTA enhancements.
• Security and humanitarian organizations: Entities like the U.S. military, Peace Corps, and international aid groups involved in joint exercises or programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and has no force of law, aligning with Congress's constitutional power to express foreign policy views (Article I). It does not affect treaties or executive agreements.
• Political: Symbolically strengthens bipartisan support for U.S.-Morocco relations (introduced by Representatives from both parties). It could influence future appropriations or nominations related to North African policy, while highlighting Morocco's role in countering regional threats without endorsing controversial issues like the Western Sahara dispute. Politically, it promotes a narrative of historical alliance amid global challenges like terrorism and economic recovery.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham [R-AZ-8], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-03-25: Submitted in House
• 2025-03-25: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America. — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (4 pages)