Thanking International Republican Institute for Advancing the March of Freedom

THANKING INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCING THE MARCH OF FREEDOM -- (House of Representatives - March 09, 2004)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, one of my life goals in public service has been to promote democracy and freedom throughout the world. A leading proponent of this goal is the International Republican Institute, widely revered as IRI. Founded in 1983, this visionary nonprofit organization responded to President Ronald Reagan's call in 1982 that "we must be staunch in our conviction that freedom is not the sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the inalienable and universal right of all human beings."

IRI has advanced the march of freedom by teaching nations recovering from Communist and authoritarian totalitarian regimes how to self-govern through the rule of law. IRI adheres to the fundamental American principles of individual freedom, equal opportunity, and entrepreneurial spirit that foster economic development.

I have seen IRI's success firsthand in Bulgaria, as I joined a delegation to observe their first free elections since victory in the Cold War. They have democracy efforts in 56 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, China, Slovakia, and Russia.

I want to personally thank IRI's president, George A. Folsom, for his commitment to bringing the hope of freedom to people all over the world.

In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.