109 HCON 408 PCS: Commending the Government of Canada for its U.S. House of Representatives 2006-06-29 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III Calendar No. 508 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 408 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 14, 2006 Received June 29, 2006 Placed on the calendar CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Commending the Government of Canada for its renewed commitment to the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan.

Whereas twenty-four Canadian citizens were killed as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States; Whereas the people of Gander, Newfoundland, provided food, clothing, and shelter to thousands of stranded passengers and temporary aircraft parking to thirty-nine planes diverted from United States airspace as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States; Whereas the Government of Canada, as led by former Prime Ministers Jean Jacques Chrétien and Paul Martin and continued by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has provided humanitarian, diplomatic, and security personnel on the invitation of the Government of Afghanistan since 2001; Whereas Canada has pledged $650,000,000 in development aid to Afghanistan; Whereas Afghanistan is Canada's largest recipient of bilateral development aid; Whereas Canada has stationed approximately 2,300 defense personnel who comprise Task Force Afghanistan, in order to improve security in southern Afghanistan, particularly in the province of Kandahar; Whereas Canada has over 70 diplomatic officers worldwide who are dedicated to growing democracy and equality in Afghanistan; Whereas at least seventeen Canadians have given the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror; Whereas Canada's commitment to the Government of Afghanistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamid Karzai, was due to expire in February 2007; Whereas on May 17, 2006, the Canadian Government led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper requested that the Canadian House of Commons extend Canada's commitment in the Global War on Terror; Whereas on May 17, 2006, the Canadian Parliament voted to extend peace and security operations in Afghanistan until 2009, to increase its development assistance by $310 million, and to build a permanent and secure embassy in Afghanistan to replace its current facility; and Whereas this was the latest sign of the renewed commitment of numerous United States allies in the Global War on Terror: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress— (1)commends the Government of Canada for its renewed and long-term commitment to the Global War on Terror; (2)commends the leadership of former Canadian Prime Ministers Jean Jacques Chrétien and Paul Martin and current Prime Minister Stephen Harper for their steadfast commitment to democracy, human rights, and freedom throughout the world; (3)commends the Government of Canada for working to secure a democratic and equal Afghanistan; (4)commends the Government of Canada's commitment to reducing poverty, aiding the counternarcotics efforts through counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns, and ensuring a peaceful and terror-free Afghanistan; (5)commends the Government of Canada for its three-pronged commitment to Afghanistan: diplomacy, development, and defense; and (6)expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the United States for Canada's enduring friendship and leadership in the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan.

Passed the House of Representatives June 13, 2006. Karen L. Haas Clerk. June 29, 2006 Placed on the calendar