[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 274 Engrossed in House (EH)]
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 274
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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Commending the National Endowment for Democracy for its contributions
to democratic development around the world on the occasion of the 20th
anniversary of the establishment of the National Endowment for
Democracy.
108th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 274
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas November 22, 2003, marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of
the National Endowment for Democracy (hereinafter the ``Endowment''), a
bipartisan nongovernmental institution that promotes democracy around
the world;
Whereas through the National Endowment for Democracy Act (22 U.S.C. 4411 et
seq.), signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on November 22, 1983,
Congress has made possible the funding of the Endowment's worldwide
grant programs;
Whereas 2003 also marks the 20th anniversary of the National Republican
Institute for International Affairs (which was subsequently renamed the
International Republican Institute (IRI)), the National Democratic
Institute for International Affairs (NDI), and the Center for
International Private Enterprise (CIPE), all of which joined the Free
Trade Union Institute (which was subsequently renamed as the American
Center for International Labor Solidarity) to form the four affiliated
institutions of the Endowment;
Whereas the Endowment and the affiliated institutes have supported grassroots
programs to build democratic institutions, spread democratic values,
encourage free market institutions, and promote political parties,
worker rights, independent media, human rights, the rule of law, civic
education, conflict resolution, political participation by women, and
many other essential components of civil society and democratic
governance in emerging and transitional democracies, nondemocracies, and
war-torn societies;
Whereas the programs carried out or funded by the Endowment have made
significant contributions to the efforts of democratic activists to
achieve freedom and self-governance around the world;
Whereas the Endowment, through the Journal of Democracy, the International Forum
for Democratic Studies, the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program,
and the World Movement for Democracy, has served as a key center of
democratic research, exchange, and networking, bringing together
thousands of democracy activists, scholars, and practitioners from
around the world; and
Whereas the spread of democracy throughout the world, to which the work of the
Endowment has contributed significantly, has enhanced the national
security interests of the United States and advanced democratic ideals
and values throughout the world: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That Congress--
(1) commends the National Endowment for Democracy for its
major contributions to the strengthening of democracy around
the world on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the
establishment of the Endowment; and
(2) endeavors to continue to support the vital work of the
National Endowment for Democracy.
Passed the House of Representatives October 7, 2003.
Attest:
Clerk.