Rep. Forlini offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 276.  

            A resolution to urge the Italian government to continue its support for the Consulate of Italy in Detroit, Michigan.

            Whereas, To reduce costs, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in the process of evaluating its consulates world-wide for potential closures; and

            Whereas, Michigan has a long history and strong connections with Italy. Detroit can date its Italian connections all the way back to its establishment; Alfonzo Tonti, an Italian, was second in command to Antoine Cadillac, the founder of Detroit. Since then, Michigan has become home to hundreds of thousands of Italians and Italian-Americans. More than 250,000 second-generation Italian-Americans and more than 35,000 Italian-born immigrants now call Southeast Michigan—where the consulate is located—home. They remain proud of their Italian heritage: participating in annual parades to celebrate this heritage, joining Italian-American organizations, and founding churches and businesses throughout the region; and

            Whereas, Michigan's connections to Italy have only grown stronger in recent years. FIAT, the Italian automobile manufacturer, now is the majority owner of Chrysler, whose headquarters are located in Southeast Michigan. The partnership between FIAT and Chrysler has led to an influx of Italian businesses locating and wishing to locate in Southeast Michigan. Michigan welcomes this activity and hopes to continue to grow these relationships between Michigan and Italy; and

            Whereas, The Consulate of Italy in Detroit has been instrumental in facilitating Italian businesses establishing in Michigan. The consulate supports Italian businesses operating in Michigan, assists U.S. businesses working with their counterparts in Italy, and provides numerous essential services to Italian citizens coming to Michigan. Its continued efforts are essential in realizing the full growth potential sparked by FIAT purchasing Chrysler; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Italian government to continue its support for the Consulate of Italy in Detroit, Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Consul of Italy in Detroit, the Italian Ambassador to the United States, the U.S. Secretary of State, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.