A HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO WORK MORE CLOSELY WITH GERMANY ON TRADE ISSUES AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE UNITED STATES‑GERMANY ALLIANCE, CELEBRATING DECADES OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN NORTH CAROLINA AND GERMANY, STRENGTHENING FRIENDSHIP AND ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND GERMANY, ACKNOWLEDGING THE IMPACT OF GERMAN CULTURE AND CENTURIES OF GERMAN IMMIGRATION ON NORTH CAROLINA, AND REAFFIRMING THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY.
Whereas, North Carolina and Germany have enjoyed decades of friendly and enduring relations, marked by robust economic partnerships, vibrant cultural ties, and shared values that have strengthened the relations between the two regions; and
Whereas, North Carolina has enjoyed a rich cultural infusion from Germany through immigration, particularly the establishment of the Moravian community in Winston‑Salem, and the State's first capital, New Bern, founded by Swiss and German Palatines led by Baron Christoph von Graffenried, and German namesakes for our communities, including the County of New Hanover, named after the House of Hanover, and the Counties of Mecklenburg and Brunswick, named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg‑Strelitz, Queen Consort of Great Britain, and King George I of Great Britain, Duke of Brunswick‑Lüneburg, and Prince‑Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, respectively; and
Whereas, Germany stands as one of the largest originators of foreign direct investment in North Carolina, with over $3 billion invested into North Carolina's economy since 2007; and
Whereas, Germany is one of North Carolina's largest trading partners, and ninth largest export destination, with $4 billion in trade annually; and
Whereas, Germany has played an essential role in job creation in North Carolina across various sectors, with 230 German companies employing over 43,000 North Carolinians, with 7,075 new jobs and more than $2.2 billion in capital investment announced since 2014, thereby contributing significantly to the State's employment and economy; and
Whereas, North Carolina has emerged as a premier destination for German investment and ranks among the top US states selected by Germany as a beneficiary of foreign direct investment, reflecting the State's favorable business environment, developed infrastructure, and skilled workforce; and
Whereas, German companies have made significant contributions to North Carolina's economic diversification and innovation, driving research and development initiatives through North Carolina's esteemed higher education institutions and in partnerships with domestic industries; and
Whereas, trade with Germany plays an instrumental role in North Carolina's economic activity, enhancing prosperity and growth, and fostering mutually beneficial exchanges of goods, services, and technologies, thereby solidifying Germany as a vital trading partner and ally; and
Whereas, over 16,600 German expatriates currently live or work in North Carolina, leading to the establishment of the Deutsche Schule Charlotte in 1974 to service the German language education needs of the German‑speaking community in Charlotte; and
Whereas, five daily direct flights now connect North Carolina with Germany, including service from the Charlotte Douglas and Raleigh‑Durham International Airports to Frankfurt and Munich; and
Whereas, ApprenticeshipNC's dual‑track model for manufacturing apprenticeships was inspired by the Duales Ausbildungssystem pioneered by Germany; and
Whereas, Germany and the United States have maintained a steadfast alliance, founded on shared principles of democracy, human rights, and global security with this beneficial relationship contributing to international and regional peace, stability, and prosperity; and
Whereas, the democratic principles upheld by both Germany and the United States, serving as essential foundations for international order and cooperation, form the bedrock of the enduring friendship between North Carolina and Germany; and
Whereas, North Carolina remains committed to its friendship with Germany and to the US‑German alliance and peaceful trade between the nations; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives recognizes the historic significance of the friendship and alliance between the United States and Germany.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives commends the people of Germany for their remarkable achievements in promoting democracy, economic prosperity, and international cooperation.
SECTION 3.  The House of Representatives applauds Germany for its continued partnership and economic cooperation with the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 4.  The House of Representatives affirms the steadfast and enduring friendship and cooperation between Germany and the State of North Carolina and expresses commitment to further strengthening these ties.
SECTION 5.  The House of Representatives urges Congress to work closer with Germany on mutually beneficial trade relations to encourage increased investment and collaboration between German and American companies in the economy of both the United States and Germany, respectively.
SECTION 6.  The House of Representatives expresses to Congress full support for the longstanding alliance between the United States of America and Germany, which remains essential for global security and prosperity.
SECTION 7.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Embassy of Germany in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate‑General of Germany in Atlanta, Georgia, each member of North Carolina's Congressional Delegation, the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives and the Secretary of the United States Senate, and the President of the United States.
SECTION 8.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.