Reaffirming The Historic Ties Between The United States And The Netherlands

Floor Speech

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Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra), a cosponsor of this measure and the ranking member of the Select Committee on Intelligence who obviously has deep roots, having been born in the Netherlands.

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Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

The United States and the Netherlands are strong allies. The roots of our close relationship stretch back for more than 100 years before our Nation's independence. In September of 1609, Henry Hudson explored a vast river and territory in what is now New York State while on an expedition for the Dutch East India Company. On his return from that expedition, Hudson wrote such glowing reports on the promise of the lands that he had discovered that Dutch citizens 17were inspired to cross the Atlantic and establish the New Netherland settlement. The values of those early Dutch settlers--values of entrepreneurship, democracy, tolerance and hard work--continue to influence our society today 400 years later.

The friendship between the young United States of America and the Netherlands was tested when America was on the brink of bankruptcy due to the financial cost incurred in its fight for independence and reached out to the Netherlands for financial support. Ultimately, the Dutch provided the United States with a loan that proved vital to ensuring the survival of our young Nation. Subsequently, in another strong sign of friendship, the Netherlands was the first European country to diplomatically recognize the new United States of America.

Many of us have grown up with the story of brave young Hans Brinker who saved the people of the Netherlands by sticking his finger in the dam to prevent a devastating flood. Well, what many people don't know is that this story was actually made famous in 1865 by American author Mary Mapes Dodge to illustrate for American children the characteristic values of bravery, resourcefulness and self-sacrifice, associated with the people of the Netherlands. In this story, Hans Brinker stood alone. However, the history of the Dutch-American relationship demonstrates our commitment that should either be in need, the other will stand by them. This commitment has truly been in evidence whenever the Dutch and Americans have fought side by side through the second World War, the Korean War, the Gulf Wars, and numerous other global efforts. Today we're working together in Afghanistan and in Iraq to prevent extremists from unleashing devastating violence against the people of those countries and our own.

I am pleased to support this resolution today, which marks the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Hudson River and the beginning of the deep and lasting friendship between the Netherlands and the United States of America.

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