A resolution recognizing the contributions of Irish-Americans in the history and progress of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 254) recognizing the designation of March 2009 as Irish-American Heritage Month and honoring the significance of Irish- Americans in the history and progress of the United States, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

I now yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, representing the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and being one of Irish heritage, I am happy to rise in support of this resolution, House Resolution 254, which is a bill to recognize the importance of Irish-American heritage and to honor the significance of Irish-Americans in the history of the United States.

This bill was introduced by my friend and colleague last month, Carolyn McCarthy of New York, on St. Patrick's Day, and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform amended the measure on April 2 in order that it be reported by unanimous consent.

House Resolution 254 gives the Members of this Chamber the chance to honor the valuable contributions that Americans of Irish heritage have made to our country since its inception. In fact, nine of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were men of Irish origin, and Irish-Americans have served in the Armed Services for this country in every war in which the United States has ever fought. At least 19 Presidents of the United States can claim Irish heritage, including our current President, Barack Obama.

The works of Eugene O'Neill, F. Scott Fitzgerald and George Bernard Shaw remain invaluable parts of our literary history. Artists including Gregory Peck, John Wayne and Helen Hayes have helped enrich our Nation's culture, and social reformers such as suffragist Leonora Barry and labor organizer Mary Kenny O'Sullivan fought to extend basic rights to others. Henry Ford's assembly line revolutionized manufacturing, and Irish immigrants who settled here in the 1840s helped to make our largest cities into centers of commerce and industry.

I would like to thank my colleague, the gentlelady from New York, Carolyn McCarthy, for sponsoring this measure. I would also like to thank the ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), for helping us to get it to the floor today.

Many emigrated here from Ireland, hoping to share in our freedom and prosperity. In turn, they have helped to make our country great. For their countless contributions to American history and progress, I urge my colleagues to support the quick passage of House Resolution 254.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just want to thank the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. McCarthy). As others are, she is also traveling to Washington at this time, and wanted to be here for this resolution. I ask our colleagues to join Member Carolyn McCarthy in supporting the resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

What began with 300,000 Irish immigrants in 1776 has grown to more than 44 million Irish-Americans today. Throughout our Nation's history, the Irish who came to America saw the promise and hope for their future. Once here, they have been instrumental in building a Nation from the ground up--working on farms, constructing railways and creating major centers of commerce throughout the country. The Irish have done much to build up this country with their blood, sweat and tears. We have all seen countless ways in which these Irish-Americans have advanced our Nation politically, economically and culturally.

Since first arriving here, the Irish in America have demonstrated a commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Nation through their talent and their values. Their contributions have represented the depth and breadth of American society from the most humble to the most exalted. Nineteen Presidents, including George Washington, and at least eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish ancestry. Two hundred sixty-three recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor were born in Ireland, and the list of contributions by Irish- Americans goes on: Elizabeth Cady Stanton's successful fight for women's voting rights; John Barry, the first flag officer of the United States Navy; James Hoban's architectural design for the White House; and Annie Moore's brave passage through Ellis Island as America's first immigrant.

The Irish in America have recognized and have spread the message of opportunity as a result of their great success in our country. The history of our country has shown that the Irish have strengthened the United States in all facets of our growth and development. One in four Americans can trace part of their ancestry to Ireland, including ancestors on my mother's side of my family. Therefore, it is no wonder that the Irish in America have in the past and will continue in the future to strengthen and enrich our country.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution.

Having no additional speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 254, a resolution recognizing the unique and distinguished role that Irish Americans have played in the history of our nation.

They have provided the backbone of our workforce, enlivened our art and culture, defended our country, and served in this Congress and as President of the United States.

In fact, there isn't an aspect of our nation that hasn't been improved by the efforts of Irish Americans.

Today, almost one in four Americans can trace their heritage back to Ireland.

With such a large and growing population, it is guaranteed that Irish Americans will continue to have a significant impact on our country for generations to come.

I'm proud to stand today with my colleagues, those lucky enough to be Irish American, as well as those who aren't, and honor this group that has been so important to our nation.