Chicago (PMN)—At a ceremony in Chicago on May 3, 2008, U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland from Minister Michal Kaminski and Minister Robert Draba of the Chancellery of the President of Poland. This award is given by the Republic of Poland to foreigners and Poles abroad for distinguished contribution to cooperation between Poland and other countries.

"It is truly an honor to receive this award," said Emanuel. "Poland is a first-class friend and I will continue my fight in Congress to ensure that the Poles of Chicago are never treated like second-class citizens. I look forward to continued dialogue and partnership on improving the cultural and economic ties between our nations."

Emanuel has led the way to modernize and expand the Visa Waiver Program. In his first term in Congress, Emanuel introduced an amendment to the foreign aid bill calling on the Secretary of State to include Poland in the Visa Waiver program. In the 109th Congress, Emanuel introduced a resolution calling on the Secretary of State to include Poland in the Visa Waiver program [HR 78]. Last year, President Bush called on Congress to expand the program to deserving nations making it easier for citizens of our allies to come to the United States and at the same time share information to thwart terrorist plots. In 2007, Emanuel introduced the Visa Waiver Modernization Act of 2007 [HR 1543] expanding the Visa Waver program to our allies in the global war on terror including Poland.

The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland is bestowed on foreigners and Polish citizens permanently living abroad, who by their activities have made outstanding contributions to international cooperation and to bonds between the Republic of Poland and other nations and countries. In September, 2007, at a ceremony at Millennium Park in Chicago President Kaczynski thanked Emanuel for his work on behalf of Polonia. Emanuel was in Washington D.C. and was unable to attend the event, and Emanuel officially accepted his award in May.