Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise to share my deepest sympathies and solemn condolences with the people of Poland and all those who are impacted by this tragic plane crash. President Kaczynski will be deeply missed. He was determined to ensure the strength, prosperity, and sovereignty of Poland and was a strong ally of the United States.

Chicago also mourns the loss of one of our own, Wojciech Seweryn, who perished in the crash.

The Polish and American people have long shared a deep attachment to the values of freedom and independence. Today, with over 9 million people of Polish ancestry in the U.S., including roughly 1 million in Illinois, Poland remains one of America's closest allies. Our two nations continue to cooperate closely on issues of national security, regional and global security, democratization, and human rights. Our friendship and partnership have been and will continue to be steadfast.

Nothing we say today will make up for the tremendous loss that Poland has suffered and continues to grieve. However, as a proud Polish American, I hope that by sharing our own grief, sympathy, and unity with the Polish people, we will be able to help them gather the resolve and strength needed to get through such difficult times.