[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 647 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 647

Expressing support for the designation of August 15, 2023, as ``Indian 
Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of World's Two Largest 
                             Democracies''.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             August 4, 2023

  Mr. Thanedar (for himself, Mr. Carter of Georgia, and Mr. Sherman) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                           on Foreign Affairs

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                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for the designation of August 15, 2023, as ``Indian 
Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of World's Two Largest 
                             Democracies''.

Whereas the Republic of India achieved its independence from the British Empire 
        on August 15, 1947, marking the end of the struggle which freed the 
        Indian people;
Whereas, on said day, Jawaharlal Nehru, the inaugural Prime Minister of India, 
        hoisted the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort 
        in Delhi;
Whereas members of India's numerous ethnic groups, minorities, and religions 
        including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, all participate in the 
        celebration of Independence Day;
Whereas, according to United Nations population estimates, India is the largest 
        democracy in the world, with an estimated population of more than 
        1,425,000,000 people;
Whereas India's contributions to democracy have inspired leaders and movements 
        across the globe, including civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, 
        Jr.;
Whereas India embraces with the United States a system where the ultimate 
        authority to govern is vested in the people;
Whereas these and other ideals have forged a close bond between our two nations 
        and their peoples;
Whereas Prime Minister Modi's Official State Visit to the United States on June 
        22, 2023, anchored the United States and India in a new level of trust 
        and mutual understanding based on common interests and shared 
        commitments to freedom, democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, and 
        respect for human rights;
Whereas Americans with Indian heritage enhance public life in the United States 
        as government officials, military personnel, and law enforcement 
        officers who diligently uphold the principles of the United States 
        Constitution and contribute to the enriching diversity of the Nation; 
        and
Whereas it is proper and desirable to celebrate with the Indian people, and to 
        reaffirm the democratic principles on which our two nations were born: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses support for the designation of ``Indian 
        Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of World's Two 
        Largest Democracies'';
            (2) offers heartfelt greetings to the people of India as 
        they conclude their festivities commemorating the 75th 
        anniversary of India's liberation from the British Empire;
            (3) acknowledges the contributions of Americans of Indian 
        descent to society in the United States; and
            (4) expresses the belief that the strong partnership 
        between the United States and India, rooted in shared 
        democratic values, will continue to advance global democracy 
        and foster peace, stability, and prosperity for all nations.
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