H.Res. 1121

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1121 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1121

Honoring the extraordinary contributions of Irish Americans to the 
American War for Independence on the occasion of the 250th anniversary 
of the United States.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 17, 2026

Mr. Moore of West Virginia (for himself, Mr. Mackenzie, Ms. Salazar, 
Mr. Courtney, Ms. Malliotakis, Mr. Joyce of Ohio, and Mr. Kelly of 
Pennsylvania) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Honoring the extraordinary contributions of Irish Americans to the 
American War for Independence on the occasion of the 250th anniversary 
of the United States.

Whereas July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the 
Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of 
America;
Whereas Irish immigrants and United States citizens of Irish descent played a 
disproportionately significant role in the struggle for United States 
independence from 1775 to 1783;
Whereas historians estimate that up to 40 percent or more of the Continental 
Army consisted of Irish-born soldiers or those of Irish heritage, 
despite being only about 10 percent of the American population at the 
time, providing critical manpower as foot soldiers, officers, and 
specialists in key battles;
Whereas Irish patriots served valiantly under General George Washington, 
including notable figures such as Commodore John Barry, known as the 
``Father of the American Navy'', who captured the first British warship 
on the high seas, fought at Trenton and Princeton, and commanded in the 
War's final naval engagements;
Whereas aides-de-camp to General Washington included Irish immigrants like Dr. 
James McHenry, who later served as the third United States Secretary of 
War, and Colonel John Fitzgerald of Virginia;
Whereas at least 8 signers of the Declaration of Independence had Irish roots or 
were born in Ireland, including Charles Carroll of Carrollton who had 
helped draft Maryland's State Constitution, advocated for religious 
freedom, and later served as one of Maryland's first United States 
Senators (1789-1792);
Whereas Charles Carroll of Carrollton was the only Catholic among the 56 signers 
of the Declaration of Independence and he outlived all other signers, 
dying at age 95;
Whereas Charles Carroll of Carrollton's cousin, Daniel Carroll (1730-1796), 
signed the Articles of Confederation (making Maryland the last State to 
ratify) and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention (1787), 
where he was 1 of only 2 Catholics to sign the United States 
Constitution;
Whereas Irish merchants, craftsmen, and community leaders supported the cause by 
raising funds, supplying the Army, advancing credit to the new 
government, and participating in political deliberations, most notably 
Thomas Fitzsimons (1741-1811), a merchant and Revolutionary War officer, 
he raised funds and supplies, commanded troops, and was 1 of the 2 
Catholic signers of the Constitution;
Whereas the shared quest for liberty from British rule inspired both the 
American colonists and the Irish people, with the success of the 
American Revolution influencing later movements for Irish rights and 
independence;
Whereas the enduring legacy of these contributions reflects the vital role of 
Irish immigrants in building and defending the United States from its 
earliest days; and
Whereas this 250th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse 
threads of heritage that wove together to form the fabric of American 
independence: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) honors the courage, sacrifice, and indispensable 
contributions of Irish Americans during the American War for 
Independence;
(2) recognizes the profound impact of Irish-born patriots 
and their descendants in securing the liberty and founding 
principles of the United States;
(3) celebrates the shared values of freedom and self-
determination that linked the American and Irish experiences;
(4) encourages all Americans to reflect on this heritage as 
part of the Semiquincentennial commemoration of the Nation's 
founding; and
(5) extends its deepest gratitude to the Irish-American 
community for its historic and ongoing role in the American 
story.
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