[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 15 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 15


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 11, 2004

        Received; referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
          Commending India on its celebration of Republic Day.

Whereas the Republic of India is the world's largest democracy;
Whereas on January 26, 1950, India adopted its Constitution, which formalized 
        India as a parliamentary democracy;
Whereas the celebration of India's Republic Day on January 26th is the second 
        most important national holiday after Independence Day;
Whereas the framers of India's Constitution were greatly influenced by the 
        American Founding Fathers James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John 
        Adams;
Whereas among the rights and freedoms provided to the people of India under its 
        Constitution is universal suffrage for all men and women over the age of 
        eighteen;
Whereas India's Constitution adopted the American ideals of equality for all 
        citizens, regardless of faith, gender, or ethnicity;
Whereas the basic freedoms we cherish in America such as the freedom of speech, 
        freedom of association, and freedom of religion are also recognized in 
        India;
Whereas Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi is recognized around the world as the father of 
        India's nonviolent struggle for independence;
Whereas people of many faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, 
        were united in securing India's freedom from colonial rule and have all 
        served in various capacities in high-ranking government positions;
Whereas the Republic of India has faithfully adhered to the principles of 
        democracy by continuing to hold elections on a regular basis on the 
        local, regional, and national levels;
Whereas the people of the United States and the Republic of India have a common 
        bond of shared values and a strong commitment to democratic principles; 
        and
Whereas President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee are 
        elected leaders of the world's two largest democracies and are actively 
        cultivating strong ties between the United States and India: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) commends India on its celebration of Republic Day; and
            (2) reiterates its support for continued strong relations 
        between the United States and India.

            Passed the House of Representatives March 11, 2004.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.