IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 677 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 24, 2009 Mr. McDermott (for himself, Mr. Royce, and Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Extending best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of India’s independence from the British Empire.

Whereas August 15th, India's Independence Day, is a national holiday in India; Whereas, on August 15, 1947, India officially became a sovereign nation; Whereas, August 15, 2009, will mark the 62nd anniversary of the day India gained its independence from the British Empire; Whereas India has progressed as a secular, sovereign, and democratic republic, and continues to make progress toward social, economic, and gender equality; Whereas India suffered brutal terrorist attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, has long been a target for terrorist attacks, and yet responded with commendable diplomatic leadership; Whereas India is encouraged to alter the direction of its development to combat global climate change, and the United States looks forward to cooperating with India in its initiative to promote economic growth in a low-carbon environment; Whereas the United States is the largest trading partner of India, and foreign direct investment by India contributes significantly to the United States economy; Whereas India's rapid economic growth offers immense opportunities for United States businesses; Whereas India has the largest number of foreign students in the United States, with over 90,000 students from India studying at universities in the United States; Whereas Americans of Indian origin are the fastest growing and one of the highest educated immigrant groups in the United States; Whereas India’s story of independence has inspired millions around the world to seek nonviolent solutions, including civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Whereas India has recently carried out the largest ever recorded democratic election; and Whereas India and the United States have a strong ongoing partnership regarding the promotion of democratic values, cooperation on international security, and collaboration on strategic initiatives: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)looks forward to ongoing friendship with India and continuing partnership in matters of mutual concern; (2)applauds the Indian-American community for the important role it plays in the relationship between the United States and India; and (3)extends best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of India's independence from the British Empire.