87R19409 TBO-D
 
  By: Parker H.C.R. No. 84
 
  Substitute the following for H.C.R. No. 84:
 
  By:  Button C.S.H.C.R. No. 84
 
 
 
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, Recent changes in the global economy have introduced
  new opportunities for a closer and more mutually beneficial trade
  relationship between Texas and the United Kingdom; and
         WHEREAS, Texans have a long history of friendship with the
  United Kingdom; Sam Houston, president of the Republic of Texas,
  was the first state leader to send a diplomatic mission to London,
  and a plaque on St. James Street still marks the site of the
  legation of the Republic of Texas; the first British Consulate in
  the State of Texas was established in Galveston in 1846; and
         WHEREAS, Today, the United Kingdom is the top source of
  foreign direct investment in Texas, and subsidiaries of British
  companies provide over 119,000 jobs for Texans; the UK is also one
  of the state's largest global export markets, with British
  households and businesses purchasing more than $10.2 billion in
  services and goods such as petroleum, aerospace products, and
  medical equipment from Texas each year; moreover, high levels of
  tourism and business travel bring our two peoples even closer, both
  economically and culturally, while cooperation on major defense
  projects such as the F-35 fighter jet project based in Fort Worth
  emphasizes our shared security interests; and
         WHEREAS, Represented by the British Consulate General in
  Houston, the government of the United Kingdom works with Texas
  state and municipal leaders, nongovernmental organizations, and
  businesses to create a more prosperous future, and together Texans
  and Britons share a commitment to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and
  recover from its economic effects, to create robust and resilient
  supply chains, and to build a more secure energy infrastructure;
  and
         WHEREAS, The relationship between Texas and the UK can be
  strengthened by continued dialogue on issues of trade and commerce
  that fall within state jurisdiction, as well as the eventual
  passage of a comprehensive free trade agreement between the United
  States and the United Kingdom; and
         WHEREAS, The State of Texas takes great pride in its
  partnership with the United Kingdom, and the citizens of the Lone
  Star State look forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation
  with their friends across the Atlantic; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby recognize the vital importance of the enduring friendship
  between Texas and the United Kingdom and commend all those
  individuals who are working to maintain and strengthen that
  relationship and the bonds of shared history, language, and
  culture, including British Ambassador to the United States Karen
  Pierce and British Consul General in Houston Richard Hyde; and, be
  it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the Consul General of the United Kingdom in Houston and
  the British Ambassador to the United States in Washington, D.C., as
  an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives
  and Senate.