[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 39 (Monday, March 18, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1889-S1890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            WEST VIRGINIA HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 74

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise today to bring attention to 
an effort spearheaded by a native West Virginian, Mr. William J. 
Friedman. I ask to have printed in the Record a copy of the West 
Virginia-House Concurrent Resolution No. 74, which was passed by the 
West Virginia State Legislature on March 12, 2012, detailing his 
efforts.
  Mr. Friedman is a proud West Virginian. He is the longest tenured 
member of the National Democratic Club, and founder of both the 116 
Club and the prestigious Georgetown Club.
  According to his colleagues, Mr. Friedman is also a veteran who 
served this country in the Korean War and lived in Africa for almost 15 
years. Mr. Friedman was present during a number of movements within the 
region; including the civil war in Mozambique and the dismantling of 
South African apartheid.
  I am informed that Mr. Friedman served his country abroad by 
investing millions in the country of Mozambique with hopes of spreading 
American style capitalism and creating hundreds of jobs.
  Further, I am told that Mr. Friedman was inspired by Mozambique 
President Joaquim Chissano, which led to his relocation to Mozambique. 
At the time, Mozambique was in midst of a bloody civil war. Even so, 
Mr. Friedman assisted the newly appointed Presi-

[[Page S1890]]

dent to develop relationships with western nations.
  Mr. Friedman has said that he invested millions of dollars to promote 
free enterprise in Mozambique. Accordingly, I am told that Mr. Friedman 
established the first direct foreign investment with Overseas Private 
Investment Corporation insurance in the country of Mozambique.
  Mr. Friedman continued investing in the country until Mozambique held 
its first multi-party elections and, as a result, Joaquim Chissano was 
elected President of the Republic of Mozambique.
  As a U.S. Senator, it is such an honor to serve the great people of 
West Virginia and to bring attention to their special efforts. I always 
say that the people of West Virginia are some of the most patriotic in 
the country.
  The resolution follows:

             State of West Virginia, Legislative Resolution


                   HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 74

       [By Delegates Canterbury, Armstead, T. Campbell, 
     Carmichael, Evans, Gearheart, Hamilton, C. Miller, Nelson, 
     Sigler, Sumner and Walters]
       [Adopted by the Legislature, March 9, 2012]
       Requesting the Congressional Delegation from the State of 
     West Virginia to ask the United State Department of State to 
     make certain demands on the government of the United Arab 
     Emirates.
       Whereas, The Government of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 
     is in arrears on certain of its sovereign obligations; and
       Whereas, Some West Virginians are in possession of bonds 
     issued by the Government of Abu Dhabi, bonds that are now in 
     arrears and at risk of default; and
       Whereas, Repayment of these bonds by the Government of Abu 
     Dhabi would result in significant tax revenues to the State 
     of West Virginia and also return investors' capital for 
     reinvestment in significant new projects in West Virginia; 
     and
       Whereas, Members of the West Virginia Congressional 
     Delegation have attempted to resolve this matter with the 
     Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C, but 
     without result; therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
       That West Virginia Congressional Delegation be requested to 
     communicate further to the United State Department of State; 
     and, be it
       Further Resolved, That, pursuant to the United States 
     Constitution, Article 1, Section 8, Paragraph 3, which 
     bestows on the United States Congress the duty to regulate 
     commerce with foreign nations, the Congressional Delegation 
     from the State of West Virginia should renew their resolve 
     and ask their Congressional colleagues and every United 
     States legislator, on a bipartisan basis, to ask the United 
     States Department of State to demand that the government of 
     the United Arab Emirates honor and pay their sovereign 
     financial obligations that are guaranteed by the Government 
     of Abu Dhabi as evidenced by bonds signed by their own 
     officials.
       I, Gregory M. Gray, Clerk of the House of Delegates, and as 
     such Clerk, Keeper of the Rolls of the Legislature of West 
     Virginia, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and 
     correct copy of House Concurrent Resolution 74, which was 
     adopted by the Legislature on the 9th day of March, 
     2012.

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