IV 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 61 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 24, 2017 Mr. Espaillat submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of a Juan Pablo Duarte Day.

Whereas the people of the Dominican Republic acquired autonomy and sovereignty on the 27th day of February 1844; Whereas the Island of Quisqueya, the indigenous name for what later became the island of Hispaniola, was the cradle of thinking and achievement in the western hemisphere, establishing the first university and cathedral of the New World; Whereas on the 26th day of January 1813, Juan Pablo Duarte, the founding father of the Dominican Republic, was born; Whereas, during the month of January 2017, Dominicans will celebrate the 204th Anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte’s birth; Whereas Juan Pablo Duarte, along with Francisco Del Rosario Sanchez and Ramon Matias Melia, formed La Trinitaria, a secret organization that initiated the movement for the independence of the Dominican Republic; and Whereas, during the month of February 2017, Dominican Nationals and Dominican Americans from throughout the Dominican Republic and the United States will celebrate the independence of the Dominican Republic: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of a Juan Pablo Duarte Day; (2) supports the establishment of a national day of recognition for Juan Pablo Duarte to honor the founding father of the Dominican Republic; and (3) urges the people of the United States to observe a national day of recognition for Dominican-Americans with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.