[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 56 Referred in House (RFH)]


109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. CON. RES. 56


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            November 2, 2005

          Referred to the Committee on International Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
Expressing appreciation for the contribution of Chinese art and culture 
      and recognizing the Festival of China at the Kennedy Center.

Whereas mutual cultural understanding and appreciation helps to advance the 
        overall bilateral relationship between the United States and China;
Whereas Chinese cultural achievements have enriched the world for over 5,000 
        years;
Whereas Chinese artists both in China and in the United States have excelled in 
        music, dance, fashion, theater, film, and the visual arts;
Whereas the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a month-
        long celebration of Chinese cultural contributions at the Festival of 
        China in October 2005;
Whereas the event, with more than 50 performances and exhibitions and over 800 
        artists, will be the largest festival in the history of the Kennedy 
        Center;
Whereas the Kennedy Center characterizes the Festival of China as ``the largest 
        celebration of Chinese performing arts in American history'';
Whereas events like the Festival of China, along with efforts to promote 
        educational and scientific cooperation between the United States and 
        China, further mutual understanding between our two societies;
Whereas publicly- and privately-funded exchange programs and other forms of 
        Sino-American contacts foster positive relations; and
Whereas cultural events like the Festival of China help strengthen diplomatic, 
        commercial, and political cooperation between the United States and 
        China: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
That it is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the diverse array of cultural contributions made by 
        Chinese artists based in China, the United States, and around 
        the world benefit the entire international community;
            (2) the Kennedy Center, along with the Chinese Ministry of 
        Culture, should be commended for promoting Chinese achievement 
        in the arts at the Festival of China;
            (3) the significant undertaking and efforts necessary to 
        organize the Festival of China provides a unique opportunity 
        for bilateral cooperation;
            (4) building upon the Festival of China, additional efforts 
        that promote cultural understanding between the United States 
        and China should be encouraged;
            (5) the United States and China should work to promote 
        cultural, as well as scientific and educational, cooperation 
        between the two countries;
            (6) the United States and China should continue to promote 
        exchange programs, such as the Festival of China, as a vital 
        tool for advancing mutual understanding and cooperation between 
        the people of the United States and the people of China; and
            (7) the hundreds of performers and individuals who have 
        contributed their time and effort to make this landmark 
        celebration of Chinese culture and the arts a success are to be 
        congratulated.

            Passed the Senate November 1, 2005.

            Attest:

                                             EMILY J. REYNOLDS,

                                                             Secretary.