(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joined Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and a group of House Democrats in calling on President Trump to raise the concerning state of Poland’s democracy and human rights situation with Polish President Andrzej Duda when he visits the White House today. In a letter to the President, the lawmakers underscored America’s commitment to Poland as a crucial NATO ally while raising concerns about democratic backsliding in Poland, particularly regarding the freedom of the press and the independence of the military and judiciary.

“We greatly appreciate Poland as a critical ally which contributes substantially to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and to broader transatlantic security. Poland has contributed to military operations in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, and plays a key role in pushing back against Russian aggression. We hope that you will use your strong relationship with President Duda to underscore the continued strength of the bilateral relationship, but also to press the Polish government to better support our shared democratic values,” read the letter. “While the United States and Poland will remain close allies – indeed, because we are the closest of friends – it is critical that you speak honestly with Polish leaders about the importance of standing up for democratic values.”

The letter was also signed by Representatives Bill Keating (D-MA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), David Trone (D-MD),  Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Susan Wild (D-PA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), and Albio Sires (D-NJ)

Full text of the letter can be found here.

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