A HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO WORK MORE CLOSELY WITH FRANCE ON TRADE ISSUES AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE UNITED STATES‑FRANCE ALLIANCE, CELEBRATING CENTURIES OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN NORTH CAROLINA AND FRANCE, STRENGTHENING FRIENDSHIP AND ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND FRANCE, ACKNOWLEDGING THE IMPACT OF FRENCH CULTURE AND CENTURIES OF FRENCH IMMIGRATION ON NORTH CAROLINA, AND REAFFIRMING THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.
Whereas, North Carolina and France have enjoyed decades of friendly and enduring relations, marked by robust economic partnerships, vibrant cultural ties, and shared values that have strengthened the relations between the two regions; and
Whereas, North Carolina has been enriched by French cultural influences, as evidenced by towns such as Bath, Beaufort, New Bern, and La Grange, which bear the legacy of French Huguenots and settlers from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and by the city of Fayetteville, named in honor of General Marie‑Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, known to Americans as the Marquis de Lafayette, a French volunteer and ally in the American Revolution, a steadfast friend of General Washington and America, and recognized as an honorary citizen of the United States of America by the U.S. Congress in 2002; and
Whereas, France stands as an important originator of foreign direct investment in North Carolina, with over $429 million invested into North Carolina's economy since 2013; and
Whereas, France has played a vital role in job creation in North Carolina across various sectors, with 84 French firms employing over 15,500 North Carolinians, accounting for more than 5% of job creation by foreign firms in North Carolina, thereby contributing significantly to the State's employment and economy; and
Whereas, North Carolina has emerged as a premier destination for French investment, with French firms achieving incredible success, marked by 32% growth over the past ten years, reflecting the State's favorable business environment, developed infrastructure, and skilled workforce; and
Whereas, trade with France plays an instrumental role in North Carolina's economic activity, enhancing prosperity and growth, and fostering mutually beneficial exchanges of goods, services, and technologies, thereby solidifying France as a vital trading partner and ally; and
Whereas, France is one of North Carolina's largest trading partners, and fourth largest export destination, with more than $3 billion in combined trade annually, with a 34% increase from 2011 to 2021; and
Whereas, over 4,565 French immigrants live in North Carolina; and
Whereas, France and the United States maintain one of the oldest alliances in history, with France providing decisive support for the United States' independence, negotiated with King Louis XVI and his foreign minister, Charles Gravier, the Comte de Vergennes, by Benjamin Franklin on behalf of the Continental Congress; and
Whereas, the United States provided support to France in World War I and World War II against the forces of tyranny, with 2,501 American soldiers dying on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, alone, 39 of whom were North Carolinians; and
Whereas, France and the United States' alliance, from its inception 247 years ago, the longest such relationship between two republics, has been a wellspring for democracy, liberty, and the rights of mankind for the entire world, and a steadfast partnership, contributing to international and regional peace, stability, and prosperity; and
Whereas, these democratic principles, upheld by both France and the United States, serving, as they do, as the essential foundations for international order and cooperation, form the bedrock of the enduring friendship between North Carolina and France; and
Whereas, North Carolina honors the contributions of French forces, including the Marquis de Lafayette's role, in securing independence for the United States of America, as a foundational part of the U.S.‑France alliance; and
Whereas, North Carolina remains committed to its friendship with France and to the U.S.‑France alliance and peaceful trade between the nations; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives recognizes the historic significance of the friendship and alliance between the United States and France.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives commends the people of France for their remarkable achievements in promoting democracy, economic prosperity, and international cooperation.
SECTION 3.  The House of Representatives applauds France for its continued partnership and economic cooperation with the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 4.  The House of Representatives affirms the steadfast and enduring friendship and cooperation between France and the State of North Carolina and expresses commitment to further strengthening these ties.
SECTION 5.  The House of Representatives urges Congress to work more closely with France on mutually beneficial trade relations to encourage increased investment and collaboration between French and American companies in the economy of both the United States and France, respectively.
SECTION 6.  The House of Representatives expresses to Congress full support for the longstanding alliance between the United States of America and France, which remains essential for global security and prosperity.
SECTION 7.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., the Honorary Consuls of France to the U.S. Southeast in Atlanta, Georgia, each member of North Carolina's Congressional Delegation, the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives and the Secretary of the United States Senate, and the President of the United States.
SECTION 8.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.