U.K. Referendum

Floor Speech

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Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, the British people will vote in a historic referendum on the question of their continued Membership in the European Union.

Their ultimate decision on whether to remain, or to leave, will-- without question--have implications on not only their future, but also on the future of the European Union.

Mr. Speaker, there has naturally been a tremendous amount of debate on both the likely final vote tally and on the precise outcomes of any given result.

And as we have observed this debate, witnessed domestic and international financial markets respond to swings in polling data, and listened to endless speculation by the pundits, there should be one thing that is absolutely certain--with no room for debate or speculation.

That, regardless of the outcome of the referendum, is the commitment on the part of the United States to stand--unequivocally--with our trusted ally the United Kingdom.

However Mr. Speaker, leading up to the vote tomorrow, the Obama administration has certainly been keen to express their preferred outcome, and justifications for this position.

And quite publicly.

It has even been suggested that the United States would not be in the market for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement with an independent United Kingdom.

Thus placing the Special Relationship at quote ``the back of the queue''.

This type of rhetoric and effort to tilt the scales has been particularly troubling.

Fortunately Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that this, and other such statements, reflect the prevailing belief in Congress that the United States would abandon our ally--let alone seek to actively penalize the United Kingdom for any decision made by their citizens.

Our relationship with the United Kingdom will remain strong.

The Special Relationship enjoyed by the United States and the United Kingdom has long advanced our shared values and forged a unique and unbreakable bond between our peoples.

Our relationship with the United Kingdom has weathered all storms and stood up to the countless challenges placed before it.

It is a central factor in the foreign, security, economic, and trading policies of our nation.

It has advanced prosperity and defended the security of our nation and the free world.

Simply put, the United States is stronger because of the Special Relationship.

Regardless of the vote tomorrow, the United States will stand shoulder to shoulder with the United Kingdom.

We will not abandon our shared commitment to freedom, security, democracy, human rights, and a strong and enduring transatlantic relationship.

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