[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H9691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY 
                         OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT.

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the 
Speaker's table the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 66) 
commending the National Endowment for Democracy for its contributions 
to democratic development around the world on the occasion of the 20th 
anniversary of the establishment of the National Endowment for 
Democracy, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the Senate concurrent resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the Senate concurrent resolution, as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 66

       Whereas November 22, 2003, marks the 20th anniversary of 
     the establishment of the National Endowment for Democracy 
     (hereinafter the ``Endowment''), a bipartisan nongovernmental 
     institution that promotes democracy around the world;
       Whereas through the National Endowment for Democracy Act 
     (22 U.S.C. 4411 et seq.), signed into law by President Ronald 
     Reagan on November 22, 1983, Congress has made possible the 
     funding of the Endowment's worldwide grant programs;
       Whereas 2003 also marks the 20th anniversary of the 
     National Republican Institute for International Affairs 
     (which was subsequently renamed the International Republican 
     Institute (IRI)), the National Democratic Institute for 
     International Affairs (NDI), and the Center for International 
     Private Enterprise (CIPE), all of which joined the Free Trade 
     Union Institute (which was subsequently renamed as the 
     American Center for International Labor Solidarity) to form 
     the four affiliated institutions of the Endowment;
       Whereas the Endowment and the affiliated institutes have 
     supported grassroots programs to build democratic 
     institutions, spread democratic values, encourage free market 
     institutions, and promote political parties, worker rights, 
     independent media, human rights, the rule of law, civic 
     education, conflict resolution, political participation by 
     women, and many other essential components of civil society 
     and democratic governance in emerging and transitional 
     democracies, nondemocracies, and war-torn societies;
       Whereas the programs carried out or funded by the Endowment 
     have made significant contributions to the efforts of 
     democratic activists to achieve freedom and self-governance 
     around the world;
       Whereas the Endowment, through the Journal of Democracy, 
     the International Forum for Democratic Studies, the Reagan-
     Fascell Democracy Fellows Program, and the World Movement for 
     Democracy, has served as a key center of democratic research, 
     exchange, and networking, bringing together thousands of 
     democracy activists, scholars, and practitioners from around 
     the world; and
       Whereas the spread of democracy throughout the world, to 
     which the work of the Endowment has contributed 
     significantly, has enhanced the national security interests 
     of the United States and advanced democratic ideals and 
     values throughout the world: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) commends the National Endowment for Democracy for its 
     major contributions to the strengthening of democracy around 
     the world on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 
     establishment of the Endowment; and
       (2) endeavors to continue to support the vital work of the 
     National Endowment for Democracy.

  The Senate concurrent resolution was concurred in.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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