Committee advances measure honoring Irish and Irish‑American contributions, places it on consent calendar

Senator Harper introduced Senate Joint Rule 13, a resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and highlighting Irish and Irish‑American contributions to the nation’s early history and commerce. Harper said the measure acknowledges historical links — including signers of the Declaration of Independence with Irish heritage and printers in County Tyrone — and recommends steps to deepen ties with Ireland.

The resolution asks the Republic of Ireland to consider appointing a consulate general to Utah and asks the governor’s Office of Economic Development to create a committee, including private‑sector and civic representatives, to develop a trade commission to enhance commerce between Utah and Irish jurisdictions. "We're doing the 200 and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States," Harper said while outlining the resolution's aims to recognize immigrant contributions and expand trade.

Senator Vickers moved to favorably recommend SJR 13 to the full Senate and later moved that it be placed on the consent calendar. The committee approved the recommendation and consent placement by voice vote. The committee did not record a roll‑call tally in the hearing transcript; the chair noted the voice vote and returned the item to be advanced to the Senate floor on the consent calendar.

The committee will transmit SJR 13 to the full Senate for consideration under the consent calendar; no further committee action was recorded at the hearing.