A resolution commemorating 90 years of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations, during which Poland has proven to be an exceptionally strong partner to the United States in advancing freedom around the world.

Mr. President, I have sought recognition today to submit a resolution encouraging the people of the U.S. to reflect on and remember the integrity and courage of the 6,135 Polish Christians who took action to save their Jewish countrymen and countrywomen from extermination by Nazi Germany. Earlier this year I cosponsored S. Res. 9, a resolution commemorating 90 years of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations, during which Poland has proven to us be an exceptionally strong partner to the U.S. in advancing freedom around the world. Today I want to recognize a time in history when such a freedom was challenged in Poland and around the world by a despotic regime, and more importantly pay tribute to those few who fought this tyranny and helped save innocent lives.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II, a war remembered for the cruelty of Nazi Germany, as well as for the forces that eventually overcame this cruelty. Following World War II, Yad Vashem and a Remembrance Authority was established to embark on a worldwide project to identify those individuals who helped Jews during the Holocaust. All rescuers of European Jews during World War II are honored today as the ``Righteous Among the Nations'' by Yad Vashem in the State of Israel. Poland's 6,135 ``Righteous'' rescuers constitute some 27 percent of the 22,765 ``Righteous'' throughout the world. Furthermore, while unknown in number, it is important to remember those Polish Christians who were caught and summarily executed along with their families while attempting to carry out such rescues. While their stories may never be told, it is important to mention their heroic efforts.

The 6,135 ``Righteous'' Polish Christians whose acts of courage and integrity have been documented by witnesses should be appropriately honored. These Polish Christians who were willing to risk their own lives and those of their families to save Polish Jews should not be forgotten. These 6,135 Polish Christians will always stand as universal exemplars and role models of human compassion who acted above and beyond the normal expectations of courage and integrity. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution which reflects on and remembers the Polish Righteous Among the Nations.

Mr. President, I rise today to offer a resolution commemorating several remarkable milestones in the U.S.-Poland partnership. This year marks the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Poland, the 50th anniversary of the Fulbright Exchange Program with Poland, and the 10th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO.

The U.S.-Polish friendship formally began in 1919 and has endured through two world wars, the Cold War, and the emergence of a vibrant democracy after the fall of communism. This partnership has been bolstered by two unqualified successes of U.S. diplomacy. The Fulbright Exchange Program has nurtured the pursuit of higher learning for Polish and American students, professors, and researchers, for many decades offering Poles a rare window into the opportunities afforded by democratic society. Such exchanges invigorated intellectual thought and creativity in Poland, Eastern Europe, and the West and helped to hasten the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact.

Poland exhibited great energy in undertaking economic, political, and military reforms, and the NATO alliance was strengthened by Polish membership in 1999. Poland today remains the closest of our allies, having contributed great wherewithal to combating global terrorism and bringing stability to Afghanistan and Iraq. In recognition of the profound successes of the U.S.-Polish alliance, I am pleased to introduce this resolution congratulating the Polish people on their great accomplishments as a free democracy and expressing our country's appreciation for Poland's steadfast partnership.

I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in supporting this important legislation.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 40, S. Res. 9.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be added as a cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to this measure be printed in the Record.