Committee favors resolution recognizing Irish and Irish‑American contributions and calls for trade ties

Senator Harper presented Senate Joint Resolution 13 to the House Rules Standing Committee on March 2, highlighting historical Irish contributions to the founding of the United States and noting several signers of the Declaration of Independence who were of Irish heritage. The resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary and also calls on the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the World Trade Center and others to explore enhanced trade relations and a memorandum of understanding with Ireland. Senator Harper also said the resolution calls for consideration of an honorary consulate to promote ties.

Representative Wilcox moved that the committee pass the resolution with a favorable recommendation, noting personal affinity and the timing in March. The committee voted unanimously to favorably recommend SJR 13.