Congress gives Revolutionary War vet honorary citizenship

The House and Senate passed legislation granting U.S. citizenship to a Spaniard who helped the United States win the Revolutionary War. 

On Thursday night, the Senate passed H.J.Res. 105 through a unanimous consent agreement.

{mosads}The House passed the resolution by voice-vote in July. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) introduced the measure, which posthumously gives honorary citizenship to Bernardo de Gálvez, a general who died more than 200 years ago.

“General Gálvez was a Spanish general who provided invaluable support to the American war effort both before and after Spain’s official entry into the Revolutionary War,” Miller said. “Honorary citizenship is a rare and extraordinary ceremonial recognition granted to foreigners who have rendered great service to the United States.”

Galvez led 7,500 troops in multiple battles against the British along the Gulf Coast. Miller said only seven other people have been granted honorary citizenship — two of them were also Revolutionary War veterans.

The measure now heads to President Obama’s desk to be signed into law.