[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 353 Referred in Senate (RFS)]


109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 353


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 29, 2006

      Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Commending the people of the Republic of Haiti for holding democratic 
elections on February 7, 2006, and congratulating President-elect Rene 
            Garcia Preval on his victory in these elections.

Whereas the Republic of Haiti held democratic presidential and legislative 
        elections on February 7, 2006;
Whereas reports indicate that the elections were peaceful and that 2.2 million 
        Haitians--more than 60 percent of registered voters--participated in the 
        elections;
Whereas many Haitians walked miles on election day to reach a polling station 
        and waited for hours in line to exercise their right to vote;
Whereas the participation of an overwhelming number of Haitians in the elections 
        demonstrates the commitment of the Haitian people to democracy;
Whereas on February 16, 2006, Rene Garcia Preval was declared the winner of the 
        presidential election with 51.15 percent of the vote;
Whereas on February 23, 2006, the White House announced that President George W. 
        Bush phoned President-elect Rene Garcia Preval to congratulate him on 
        his victory in the elections and to discuss cooperation in Haiti's 
        economic development and the fight against the illegal drug trade;
Whereas the elections of February 7, 2006, are a sign of hope for the future of 
        the people of Haiti;
Whereas violence and natural disasters have caused tremendous suffering and loss 
        of life in Haiti;
Whereas the people of Haiti would benefit from efforts to achieve national 
        reconciliation; and
Whereas the elected government of Haiti will need the support and assistance of 
        the United States and the international community to ensure social and 
        economic development and to improve the lives of the Haitian people: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) commends the people of the Republic of Haiti for 
        holding democratic elections on February 7, 2006;
            (2) congratulates President-elect Rene Garcia Preval on his 
        victory in these historic elections; and
            (3) pledges its support and assistance for national 
        reconciliation, democracy, and development for the people of 
        Haiti.

            Passed the House of Representatives March 28, 2006.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.