[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 343 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         July 12, 2005.
Whereas on May 16, 2005, the Parliament of the State of Kuwait amended Article 1 
        of the Election Law 35 of 1962, providing female citizens of Kuwait the 
        right to vote and run in the 2007 elections;
Whereas the rights of women are of paramount importance in international human 
        rights, to be respected and promoted regardless of historical, cultural, 
        or religious heritage;
Whereas the active advancement of women's rights throughout the world is and 
        remains an important policy priority of the United States; and
Whereas the Department of State recognizes that the Kuwaiti parliamentary vote 
        of May 16, 2005, was an important step forward for the women of Kuwait 
        and the nation as a whole, and the United States views this step as a 
        positive development on the road to political reform, serving as a 
        positive example for other governments and societies in the region that 
        are on the path to political freedom, inclusion of women, and full 
        democratization: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That House of Representatives--
            (1) commends the Government and Parliament of the State of Kuwait 
        for providing female citizens of Kuwait the right to vote and hold 
        public office;
            (2) urges the full participation of Kuwaiti women in the political 
        life of their country; and
            (3) encourages the Government of Kuwait to continue taking positive 
        steps to achieve full modernization of its political system and lasting 
        democratic reform.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.