H.Res. 273 is being considered on the floor under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. This legislation was introduced by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) on March 19, 2009.
H.Res. 273 resolves that the House of Representatives:
• "Extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of Greece as they celebrate the 188th anniversary of the independence of Greece;
• "Expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed; and
• "Notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European region and in the community of nations since gaining its independence 188 years ago."
According to the resolution's findings, March 25, 2009, Greek Independence Day, marks the 188th anniversary of the beginning of the revolution that freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire. The United States offered humanitarian assistance to Greece during its struggle for independence which began in 1821. Today, Greece is a parliamentary republic of 11 million people.
Since independence, Greece has been an important ally of the United States. In World War II, Greece provided the Axis land war its first major setback at the Battle of Crete. Hundreds of thousands of Greek civilians were killed during that war. Throughout the remainder of the 20th century, Greece has stood with the United States for freedom and democracy. Greece is an active participant in the United Nations, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
