[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 915 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 915

 Encouraging the Republic of Hungary to respect the rule of law, treat 
  foreign investors fairly, and promote a free and independent press.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           November 18, 2009

 Mr. Donnelly of Indiana (for himself, Mr. Pence, Mr. Hill, Mr. Burton 
   of Indiana, Mr. Ellsworth, Mr. Souder, and Mr. Carson of Indiana) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                           on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Encouraging the Republic of Hungary to respect the rule of law, treat 
  foreign investors fairly, and promote a free and independent press.

Whereas, on October 23, 1956, some 100,000 Hungarian citizens began a nation-
        wide revolt against the Communist government of Hungary and its 
        domination by the Soviet Union;
Whereas the Hungarian people fought bravely for freedom, democracy, and human 
        rights;
Whereas, on March 12, 1999, the Government of Hungary, reflecting the will of 
        the Hungarian people, formally became a member of NATO and on May 1, 
        2005, Hungary became a full member of the European Union;
Whereas the United States has invested over $9,000,000,000 in Hungary since 1989 
        and the United States is the fourth-largest contributor and largest non-
        European contributor to foreign investment in Hungary according to the 
        U.S. Department of Commerce;
Whereas the Hungarian Investment and Trade Development Agency reports that 
        foreign direct investment has been crucial in boosting Hungary's 
        economic performance and remains the driving force behind Hungary's 
        economic success;
Whereas in 1997, the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board (ORTT) 
        awarded licenses for two national radio stations, which are set to 
        expire on November 19, 2009;
Whereas the two licenses are the only ones that allow for nationwide coverage by 
        commercial, rather than state, radio-broadcast services in Hungary;
Whereas one of these licenses was awarded to a United States company and the 
        other to a European company, each for a total of 12 years;
Whereas the Financial Times reported on November 6, 2009, that before the bids 
        for renewal of their national licenses were due, these companies were 
        approached by individuals claiming to represent the Socialist and Fidesz 
        Parties in Hungary offering to extend their licenses if the parties 
        received 50 percent of the companies' equity;
Whereas the Financial Times also reported on November 6, 2009, that both 
        stations refused this alleged extortion attempt and the ORTT delegates 
        from Fidesz and the ruling Socialist party voted to award the licenses 
        to two politically-connected local bidders instead;
Whereas the Wall Street Journal reported on November 10, 2009, that Hungary's 
        Prime Minister and the Chair of the ORTT have publicly decried the 
        process by which these licenses were awarded;
Whereas the Economist reported on November 7, 2009, that the Chair of the ORTT 
        resigned in protest and refused to sign the politically-motivated 
        contracts;
Whereas United States investors are an important part of the Hungarian economy 
        and deserve equitable treatment in accordance with United States and 
        Hungarian laws;
Whereas unfair treatment of foreign companies will deter investment and hinder 
        economic growth in Hungary; and
Whereas respect for the rule of law and a free and independent press will spur 
        investor confidence in Hungary: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) condemns the recent action by the Hungarian National 
        Radio and Television Board that awarded the national community 
        radio licenses;
            (2) encourages the Republic of Hungary to respect the rule 
        of law and treat foreign investors fairly; and
            (3) encouragers the Republic of Hungary to maintain its 
        commitment to a free and independent press.
                                 <all>