[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 273 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 273


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

            December 19 (legislative day, December 18), 2001

      Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
Reaffirming the special relationship between the United States and the 
                      Republic of the Philippines.

Whereas the United States and the Republic of the Philippines have shared a 
        special relationship of mutual benefit for more than 100 years;
Whereas 2001 marks the 50th anniversary of the United States-Philippines Mutual 
        Defense Treaty, signed at Washington on August 30, 1951 (3 UST 3947);
Whereas since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, 
        the Philippines has been among the most steadfast friends of the United 
        States during a time of grief and turmoil, offering heartfelt sympathy 
        and support;
Whereas after the United States launched its war of self-defense in Afghanistan 
        on October 7, 2001, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo 
        immediately announced her Government's unwavering support for the 
        operation, calling it ``the start of a just offensive'';
Whereas during United States operations in Afghanistan, the Government of the 
        Philippines has made all of its military installations available to the 
        United States Armed Forces for transit, refueling, resupply, and staging 
        operations;
Whereas this assistance provided by the Philippines has proved highly valuable 
        in the prosecution of the war in Afghanistan, as acknowledged by the 
        Commander-in-Chief of United States Forces in the Pacific;
Whereas the Philippines also faces grave terrorist threats from the Communist 
        Party of the Philippines, the New People's Army, the National Democratic 
        Front, and the radical Abu Sayaff group, as well as an armed 
        secessionist movement, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front;
Whereas the Abu Sayaff group has historical ties to Osama bin Laden and the al-
        Qaeda network, and has engaged in hundreds of act of terrorism in the 
        Philippines, including bombings, arson, and kidnappings;
Whereas in May 2001, Abu Sayaff kidnapped United States citizens Martin Burnham, 
        Gracia Burnham, and Guillermo Sobero, along with several Filipinos;
Whereas Abu Sayaff killed Mr. Sobero and continues to detain Martin Burnham and 
        Gracia Burnham; and
Whereas the United States and the Philippines are committed to each other's 
        security pursuant to the Mutual Defense Treaty: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) expresses its deepest gratitude to the Government and 
        people of the Philippines for their sympathy and support since 
        the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States;
            (2) expresses its sympathy to the current and recent 
        Filipino victims of terrorism and their families;
            (3) affirms the commitment of the United States to the 
        Republic of the Philippines pursuant to the 1951 Mutual Defense 
        Treaty;
            (4) supports the Government of the Philippines in its 
        efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism; and
            (5) acknowledges the economic and military needs of the 
        Philippines and pledges to continue to assist in addressing 
        those needs.

            Passed the House of Representatives December 18, 2001.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.