Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) has asked the House Judiciary Committee to move forward with a bill that has already passed the Senate by unanimous consent proclaiming Revolutionary War Hero General Casimir Pulaski an honorary citizen of the United States. Higgins, a member of the Congressional Poland Caucus, led the Caucus with Representatives Rahm Emanuel (IL-05), Dennis Kucinich (OH-10), and Daniel Lipinski (IL-03) in sending a letter to the House Judiciary Committee.  

“Casimir Pulaski was one of America’s original freedom fighters,” Higgins said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice to our country and deserves the highest of recognitions for his service. I can think of no better way to honor his contributions to American freedom than to grant him honorary U.S. citizenship posthumously.”

General Pulaski, known as a fighter for freedom in his native Poland and throughout Europe, came to America to fight alongside the colonists in the Revolutionary War.  He wrote to George Washington, ‘I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.’  Pulaski’s efforts at the Battle of Brandywine saved the life of Washington, and he thereafter appointed Pulaski as Brigadier General of the American Cavalry.   Pulaski went on to fight with distinction at both the Siege of Charleston and the Battle of Savannah, where his life ended after suffering a fatal wound. Pulaski was considered by many to be the “Father of the American Cavalry.”

“Casimir Pulaski is considered a hero, not only by Polonia, but by American military and history enthusiasts,” said Higgins. “The House should follow the Senate action and support granting this great patriot honorary citizenship of our country, to which he gave his life.”

Congressman Higgins is an original cosponsor of the House resolution granting posthumous US citizenship to General Pulaski. The resolution is supported by the Polish Legion of American Veterans and the Polish American Congress.  Over 106,000 residents in Congressman Higgins’ district and more than 9 million Americans nationwide are of Polish ancestry.

            Joining Rep. Higgins on the letter are Rep. Rahm Emanuel (IL-05), Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH-10), Rep. Daniel Lipinski (IL-03), Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY-04), Rep. Steven Cohen (TN-09), Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rep. Chris Carney (PA-10), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-17), Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24), and Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-08).

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