[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1405 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1405

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                          July 1, 2010.
Whereas in the year 2010, 17 African nations will celebrate the 50th anniversary 
        of their independence from France, Italy, or Great Britain, including 
        Cameroon (January 1, 1960), Togolese Republic (April 27, 1960), Republic 
        of Mali (June 20, 1960), Republic of Senegal (June 20, 1960), Republic 
        of Madagascar (June 26, 1960), Democratic Republic of the Congo (June 
        30, 1960), Somalia (July 1, 1960), Republic of Benin (August 1, 1960), 
        Republic of Niger (August 3, 1960), Burkina Faso (August 5, 1960), 
        Republic of Cote d'Ivoire (August 7, 1960), Republic of Chad (August 11, 
        1960), Central African Republic (August 13, 1960), Republic of the Congo 
        (August 15, 1960), Gabonese Republic (August 17, 1960), Federal Republic 
        of Nigeria (October 1, 1960), and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania 
        (November 28, 1960);
Whereas contemporary United States ties with Sub-Saharan Africa today far 
        transcend the humanitarian interests that have frequently underpinned 
        United States engagement with the continent;
Whereas there is a growing understanding among foreign policy experts that 
        economic development, natural resource management, human security, and 
        global stability are inextricably linked;
Whereas cooperation between the United States Armed Forces and Africa is 
        growing, with United States and African forces routinely conducting 
        joint exercises;
Whereas African governments are steadily taking a larger role in the provision 
        of security and peacekeeping on the continent, due in part to United 
        States security assistance and training;
Whereas Africa's growing importance is reflected in the intensifying efforts of 
        China, Russia, India, Iran, and other countries to gain access to 
        African resources and advance their ties to the continent; and
Whereas a more comprehensive, multi-faceted regional policy is essential for the 
        United States to operate effectively in this increasingly competitive 
        environment: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) congratulates the people of the 17 African nations that in 2010 
        are marking the 50th year of their national independence;
            (2) honors the lives of the ten of thousands of patriots, including 
        innocent civilians, who died, were imprisoned, or otherwise dedicated 
        their lives, often at great personal sacrifice, to achieving African 
        political independence;
            (3) commends the socioeconomic and political progress being made by 
        these nations, while acknowledging the associated challenges that many 
        still face;
            (4) recognizes Africa's significant strategic, political, economic, 
        and humanitarian importance to the United States; and
            (5) renews the commitment of the United States to help the people of 
        sub-Saharan Africa to foster democratic rule, advance civic freedom and 
        participation, and promote market-based economic growth, and to 
        alleviate the burden of poverty and disease that so many in the region 
        continue to face.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.