[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 91 Referred in House (RFH)]

  1st Session
S. CON. RES. 91


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           December 11, 2001

          Referred to the Committee on International Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
   Expressing deep gratitude to the government and the people of the 
 Philippines for their sympathy and support since September 11, 2001, 
                        and for other purposes.

Whereas the United States and the Republic of the Philippines have shared a 
        special relationship of mutual benefit for more than 100 years;
Whereas, since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, 
        the Philippines has been among the world's 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 Operation Enduring Freedom 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 the United States operations in Afghanistan, the government of 
        the Philippines has made all of its military installations available to 
        the Armed Forces of the United States for transit, refueling, resupply, 
        and staging operations;
Whereas this assistance provided by the Philippines has proved highly valuable 
        in the prosecution of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan;
Whereas the Philippines also faces terrorist threats from the Communist Party of 
        the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front and the 
        radical Islamic Abu Sayaff group, as well as armed secessionist 
        campaigns by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and elements of the Moro 
        National 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 acts of terrorism in the 
        Philippines, including bombings, arson, and kidnappings;
Whereas, in May 2001, Abu Sayaff kidnapped American citizens Martin Burnham, 
        Gracia Burnham and Guillermo Sobero, along with several Filipinos;
Whereas Abu Sayaff has killed Guillermo Sobero and still detains Martin Burnham 
        and Gracia Burnham; and
Whereas, the United States and the Philippines are committed to each other's 
        security in the Mutual Defense Treaty, signed at Washington August 30, 
        1951 (3 UST 3947): Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That 
Congress--
            (1) expresses its deepest gratitude to the government and 
        the people of the Philippines for their sympathy and support 
        since September 11, 2001;
            (2) expresses its sympathy to the current and recent 
        Filipino victims of terrorism and their families;
            (3) affirms the commitments of the United States to the 
        Philippines as expressed in the Mutual Defense Treaty, signed 
        at Washington August 30, 1951 (3 UST 3947);
            (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 Senate December 10, 2001.

            Attest:

                                                  JERI THOMSON,

                                                             Secretary.