Risch, Menendez, Ricketts, Shaheen Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating 30 Years of Czech and Slovakian Independence

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member and chair of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, this week introduced a bipartisan resolution congratulating the people of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic on the 30th anniversary of their independence, and recognizing their substantial support to Ukraine against Russian aggression

“After years of bravely defying the tyranny of the Soviet Union, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic broke free of the Warsaw Pact and eagerly established democracies that continue to grow and thrive,” said Ranking Member Risch. “As we mark the 30 years of their independence, I am proud to introduce a resolution commemorating the occasion and reaffirming U.S. support for these close allies.”

“I celebrate with the people of the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic as they mark this third decade of independence,” said Chairman Menendez. “This resolution promotes our shared values of liberty, democracy, and respect for human rights, and reaffirms the importance of our warm friendship. Their partnership as NATO allies is also as important as ever, especially in light of the global security threat posed by Russia as it continues its aggression against Ukraine. Congratulations to our good friends on this tremendous milestone.”

“Congratulations to the people of the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic as they celebrate 30 years of independence,” said Ricketts. “Our countries share a commitment to freedom, peace, and security, and partnerships like the National Guard State Partnership Program benefit all three countries. The Czech Republic and Slovak Republic also deserve our thanks for their leadership in NATO and support for the people of Ukraine. I am proud to represent the state with the highest percentage of Czech Americans and proud to co-sponsor this resolution.”

“As valued members of the transatlantic Alliance, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic have been instrumental in supporting Ukraine against Putin’s war of aggression and promoting freedom in Europe,” said Shaheen. “Our strong bilateral and multilateral relationships – founded in respect for democracy and human rights – will continue to be a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, which is why I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution recognizing both countries’ 30th anniversary of independence.”

Text of the resolution can be found here.

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