Congressional Resolution Echoes President Obama's Comments on a "United" United Kingdom

Press Release

On June 5th, 2014, President Barack Obama stated, "There is a referendum process in place and it is up to the people of Scotland… we obviously have a deep interest in making sure that one of the closest allies we will ever have remains a strong, robust, united and effective partner."

Now a Congressional Resolution, H.Res.713, has been introduced, with wide-ranging Democratic and Republican support, expressing the same sentiment. The Resolution states that the House of Representatives, "Respects the right of the Scottish people to make their decision regarding their status in the September 18th referendum" and "expresses support for united, secure, and prosperous United Kingdom."

The Resolution was authored by Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman of California who said, "The people of Scotland have an important decision to make and they will consider many factors, most of them domestic. However, some in Scotland may be interested in how we can work together most effectively for a secure, prosperous and peaceful world. It's clear from this side of the Atlantic that a United Kingdom, including Scotland, would be the strongest possible American ally. A wide range of my colleagues involved in the Foreign Affairs Committee, from some of the most conservative Republicans to the most liberal Democrats, have joined with me in introducing a Resolution that echoes President Barack Obama's statement in favor of a strong, robust, united and effective partner."

Those joining Congressman Sherman in introducing the House Resolution include Republican Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, Ranking Member (Chief Democrat) on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican Dana Rohrabacher, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, and William Keating, Ranking (Chief Democrat) Member of the Subcommittee on Europe. The list of 27 members of Congress introducing the Resolution also include Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, and Steve Israel, who heads the political arm for House Democrats.

"Our "Special Relationship' with the United Kingdom is unparalleled," said Republican Foreign Affairs Chairman Royce. "It is crucial for both our nations to continue our close cooperation on key diplomatic, security, economic, and human rights concerns. A strong, unified United Kingdom has been a leader in the world and I look forward to continuing our valuable partnership."

Congressman Sherman, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Chief Democrat on its Subcommittee on Trade continued, "America's multi-faceted alliance with the United Kingdom spans two centuries. Together we have worked to prevent conflict and respond to disasters around the world. America needs a strong ally which maintains its military, intelligence, and cyber defense capacities."

The following members of Congress have joined in introducing the Resolution: Sherman (sponsor), Ed Royce, Eliot Engel, Dana Rohrabacher, William Keating, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Gerald Connolly, Trent Franks, Gregory Meeks, Paul Cook, Steve Israel, Steve Stockman, Robert Brady, Billy Long, Karen Bass, Michael Turner, Lois Frankel, Alan Lowenthal, Juan Vargas, Tony Cardenas, Jim Costa, Janice Hahn, Grace Napolitano, Mike Thompson, Jackie Speier, David Scott, and Loretta Sanchez.

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