This resolution reaffirms the strong, historic German-American friendship and supports continued cooperation across shared values, economic ties, and global security challenges.
Glenn Thompson
Representative
PA-15
This resolution reaffirms the deep, long-standing friendship and vital strategic partnership between the United States and Germany. It celebrates shared democratic values, significant economic ties, and crucial cooperation on global security challenges, including support for Ukraine. The bill highlights the historical contributions of German Americans and the importance of continued bilateral engagement.
Congress Affirms U.S.-Germany Alliance: Highlights $1.1 Trillion Investment and 885,000 U.S. Jobs
This resolution is Congress’s way of formally high-fiving Germany and declaring that the U.S.-German friendship is solid, historic, and crucial for today’s global challenges. It’s a purely symbolic statement, but it packs a lot of data, celebrating the deep ties—from shared democratic values to massive economic contributions—that define the relationship. Essentially, it’s Congress acknowledging that Germany isn’t just an old ally; it’s a vital partner in commerce and security.
The Economic Backbone of Friendship
If you’ve ever wondered how international relations affect your paycheck, look at the numbers cited here. The resolution highlights that German companies employed about 885,000 people in the U.S. in 2021. That’s nearly a million jobs sustained by German investment, which totaled over $1.18 trillion between 2020 and 2022. For the average person, this means that German-owned companies are major employers, whether you work in manufacturing, tech, or logistics. This provision makes it clear that the alliance is good for the American economy and jobs.
Beyond Business: Shared Heritage and Future Leaders
The resolution goes beyond dollars and cents to celebrate the human connection. It notes that over 40 million Americans have German heritage, underscoring the cultural roots of the alliance. Furthermore, it specifically recognizes the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program, which has allowed nearly 28,000 young people from both countries to swap cultures and gain professional skills over the last 42 years. For those of us juggling careers and family, this exchange program is a reminder that the alliance also invests in future generations of trade and diplomatic leaders.
United on the Global Stage
In terms of current events, the resolution reaffirms the joint stance of the U.S. and Germany on major geopolitical issues. It stresses that both nations are united in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and are firm in their stand against antisemitism, expressing solidarity with Israel following the October 2023 terror attacks. This isn’t a new policy, but a formal recognition that when it comes to the big global conflicts, the U.S. and Germany are standing shoulder-to-shoulder, which provides stability in a volatile world. Since this is a resolution, it doesn't create new laws or spend money; it simply reinforces the existing commitment to a strong, historic alliance.