Jim Sensenbrenner: “Senate Joint Resolution 13 confers honorary U.S. citizenship on the Marquis de Lafayette in recognition of his many…”

“Senate Joint Resolution 13 confers honorary U.S. citizenship on the Marquis de Lafayette in recognition of his many contributions to and sacrifices for the cause of American independence and his lifelong crusade for the principles of representative government. American citizenship is the highest honor that we as a country can confer upon the citizen of another country. The granting of honorary citizenship is the admission and welcoming of that person into our national family. The granting of honorary U.S. citizenship has only been given to individuals four times in our history. The Marquis de Lafayette's role in the fight for this country's freedom justifies adding the Marquis to this select group of individuals. This resolution acknowledges the many efforts made by the Marquis de Lafayette that are the basis for granting him honorary United States citizenship. Because of the many ways in which the Marquis played a major role in the creation of our great Nation, it is appropriate to bestow the rare distinction of honorary U.S. citizenship upon the Marquis de Lafayette.”