{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360141", "Hastings Introduces Resolution Recognizing 40th Anniversary of Bahamas Independence", "2013-11-02", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement after introducing H.Res. 397, Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the independence of the Bahamas.\u00a0 Joining him as original co-sponsors of the resolution were Representatives Corrine Brown (FL-05), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY-08), John Lewis (GA-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). (Please find attached a copy of the legislation).   \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cOn July 10, 1973, the Bahamas became a free and sovereign country, and throughout 2013 Bahamians are celebrating the 40th anniversary of this tremendous milestone.\u00a0 Our Caribbean neighbor has a proud history and rich culture that dates back centuries, from the Lucayan Indians who first settled the islands to British colonial rule and ultimately independence.\u00a0   \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cThe United States and the Bahamas are united by a shared history, common values, and a commitment to democracy and human rights.\u00a0 I hope that both our nations will continue strengthening their friendship and bilateral partnership, especially in the areas of promoting greater security, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges.\u00a0 In addition, I look forward to working together with lawmakers and civil society organizations in the Bahamas as we continue to expand opportunities for the next generation of leaders, address the effects of climate change, and advance gender equality throughout the Caribbean region.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\n\u201cThis year, I join with the people of the Bahamas and the Bahamian community worldwide in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the independence of the Bahamas.\u201d  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360141"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.7598969861865044, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}