[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10225-10227]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING THE PEOPLE OF MONGOLIA ON THE 800TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONGOLIAN 
                               STATEHOOD

  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 828) commending the people of Mongolia, on the 
800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood, for building strong, 
democratic institutions, and expressing the support of the House of 
Representatives for efforts by the United States to continue to 
strengthen its partnership with that country.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 828

       Whereas Mongolia, a great nation located at the crossroads 
     of many civilizations, in 2006 marks its 800th anniversary as 
     a state;
       Whereas Mongolia has become a functioning democracy in 
     Asia;
       Whereas since 1990 the Mongolian people have held 5 
     parliamentary elections and 4 presidential elections;
       Whereas these elections have been determined to be largely 
     free and fair, without violence or balloting irregularities, 
     and featuring multiple political parties;
       Whereas these elections demonstrate Mongolia's commitment 
     to the rule of law and its determination to consolidate its 
     democratic progress;
       Whereas the Government of Mongolia has conducted economic 
     reforms which introduced market mechanisms and have resulted 
     in the private sector producing the great majority of the 
     gross domestic product, demonstrating Mongolia's commitment 
     to the establishment of a free market economy;
       Whereas Mongolia ratified the United Nations Convention 
     Against Corruption in October 2005, demonstrating its 
     determination to take steps to better ensure political and 
     economic stability and progress;
       Whereas Mongolia has sought to develop political, economic, 
     and security relationships with its neighboring countries in 
     order to enhance confidence and regional security;
       Whereas the people of the United States and Mongolia share 
     common commitments to democracy and freedom, and the 
     Government of Mongolia has expressed its strong desire to 
     deepen and strengthen its partnership with the United States;
       Whereas Mongolia entered into a Trade and Investment 
     Framework Agreement with the United States in 2004, 
     demonstrating its commitment to take further steps to reform 
     and open up its economy and to deepen bilateral economic 
     ties;
       Whereas Mongolia has been a steadfast partner with the 
     United States in the Global War on Terror, and, after the 
     September 11th terror attacks, the Government of Mongolia 
     expressed its strong support for the United States;
       Whereas Mongolia has supported coalition operations by 
     repeatedly contributing troops to both Operation Enduring 
     Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom;
       Whereas Mongolia has contributed troops to support NATO 
     peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and to protect the United 
     Nations war crimes court in Sierra Leone; and
       Whereas Mongolia's strong policy track record has made it 
     eligible for Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) support in 
     2004 and 2005: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the people and Government of Mongolia on 
     the 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood;
       (2) affirms that the United States is proud to be 
     considered Mongolia's ``third neighbor'';
       (3) commends the people and Government of Mongolia for 
     their commitment to democracy, freedom, and economic reform;
       (4) urges the Government of Mongolia to take further steps 
     to fight corruption and provide greater transparency and 
     accountability in government operations;
       (5) shares with the people and Government of Mongolia the 
     desire to enhance the relationship between the United States 
     and Mongolia, based on a comprehensive partnership, shared 
     values, and common interests;
       (6) supports efforts to strengthen strategic, political, 
     economic, educational, and cultural ties between the 2 
     countries;
       (7) encourages private investment and increased business 
     ties between investors in both countries;
       (8) encourages increased people-to-people ties through 
     expanded academic, cultural, and sports exchanges, and
       (9) supports increased Mongolian participation in 
     international organizations and initiatives.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Iowa (Mr. Leach) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. 
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 
828.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Iowa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 828, commending the 
people of Mongolia on their 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood 
which they are preparing to celebrate during the next month. Mongolia's 
storied history stretches back to the 13th century, when, beginning 
under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire grew to become 
the largest contiguous land empire in world history.
  However, the most important portions of this resolution are not those 
that recall the past, but those that point toward the future. In the 
eight recent centuries of Mongolian statehood, the past 16 years have 
perhaps been the most dramatic. In that short time, Mongolia has 
cemented its transition from a Soviet-era Communist state to a 
successful, multiparty, Asian democracy committed to economic reform. 
It has conducted five free and fair parliamentary elections and four 
presidential elections.
  I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Ulan Bator last 
fall as an election observer and to see firsthand the remarkable 
democratic and social progress that the Mongolian people have achieved. 
Mongolia represents a transitional model that merits study by other 
Asian nations, such as North Korea, who have not yet internalized the 
lessons of the 20th century.
  In contrast to its history of constant military concerns, Mongolia 
today is a country committed to peace and international stability, 
whose foreign policy is informed by an admirable humanitarian impulse. 
It has repeatedly deployed troops in support of Coalition efforts in 
Afghanistan and Iraq, and it has supported NATO peacekeeping operations 
in Kosovo.
  As befits two nations committed to democracy and freedom, the United 
States and Mongolia have enjoyed a deepening friendship, both on a 
government-to-government and a people-to-people basis. Our growing 
relationship encompasses not only security matters and development 
assistance, but also trade, with the U.S. and Mongolia having signed a 
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in 2004.
  Although that great landlocked state is physically bordered only by 
China and Russia, the United States is proud to consider itself 
Mongolia's third neighbor on the basis of our shared values and common 
interests. This resolution is a welcome opportunity for the Congress to 
reaffirm our desire to

[[Page 10226]]

strengthen the strategic, political, economic, educational, and 
cultural ties between our countries.
  In closing, I would like to thank the gentleman from American Samoa 
(Mr. Faleomavaega), and also the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Pitts) for his initiative in sponsoring this timely resolution, as well 
as the men and women of the Department of State for their judgment and 
guidance in assembling the final text.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I also would like to commend the distinguished chairman 
of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Hyde, and the senior 
ranking member, Mr. Lantos, for their support of this legislation that 
was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts).
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. The breakup 
of the Soviet empire in the early 1990s jolted the international 
political system and fundamentally changed the course of global 
history. More than a dozen new nations emerged from the ruins of the 
Soviet Union, stretching from the heart of Europe to deep in Central 
Asia.
  While the dissolution of the Soviet Union greatly advanced the 
progress of democracy and human rights, this forward march was not 
without setbacks. Looking at the map today, half of the nations 
formerly within the Soviet orbit have truly embraced democracy, human 
rights and economic reform, while others continue to struggle with 
debilitating other totalitarian regimes.
  Mr. Speaker, since their first steps towards freedom from the firm 
grasp of the Soviet Union in 1990, the Mongolian people have strongly 
embraced democracy and human rights. They took to the streets in the 
bitter cold to force the Mongolian Communist Party from power, and 
quickly replaced it with a democratically elected government.
  Since 1990, Mongolia has held several rounds of free and fair 
elections for president and parliament. While the rapid development of 
democratic institutions has not been without growing pains, the 
government of Mongolia remains a strong and vibrant democracy which has 
sought to play a responsible role in the global community.
  With a newly shared commitment to democracy, the bilateral 
relationship between the United States and Mongolia has flourished over 
the last decade and a half. Mongolia has contributed troops, engineers 
and medical personnel to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and helped to train 
units of the Afghan National Army.
  The United States has also provided over $150 million in assistance 
to the Mongolia people since 1991. Mongolia is now eligible for funding 
from the Millennium Challenge Account, and it is our strong hope that a 
compact with Mongolia will be signed in the near future.
  Ties between the United States and Mongolia were further solidified 
by visits to Mongolia in 2005 by the President of the United States and 
the Secretary of Defense.
  The United States and Mongolia have also shared a commitment to 
working for freedom for the Tibetan people. As a Buddhist nation, 
Mongolia has twice welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama, despite 
enormous pressure from Beijing to prevent this from happening. 
Mongolia's willingness to resist China's strong-arm tactics 
demonstrates the nation's deep-seated commitment to human rights and 
religious freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, since it emerged from the iron clutch of the Soviet 
Union in 1990, Mongolia has been a good friend and ally of our Nation. 
With passage of this resolution introduced by my good friend, Mr. 
Pitts, Congress will further signal its support for even stronger ties 
between our two nations.
  Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 800th anniversary of Mongolian 
statehood. I am pleased that this body can play a small role in 
commemorating this important and significant anniversary in the lives 
of the people of Mongolia. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts) who is the author of this resolution.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Leach for his leadership on 
this issue.
  I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 828, a resolution that I 
authored with strong bipartisan support from the members of the 
International Relations Committee. And I thank the committee members 
for their support and I thank the House leadership for bringing it to 
the House floor today.
  America has a long and proud tradition of standing with those who 
stand for freedom and democracy in the world, and that is why it is 
altogether appropriate that we recognize the people of Mongolia on the 
occasion of their 800th anniversary of statehood.
  The history of Mongolia is a great testament to the power of freedom. 
Once a communist state closely allied with the Soviet Union, Mongolia 
has undergone remarkable changes in recent years. After peacefully 
severing communist ties in 1990, the people of Mongolia have 
established a stable democracy in Asia.
  The reforms Mongolia has undertaken have set a shining example for 
its region of the world. In 1992, Mongolia adopted a Constitution. Five 
parliamentary elections and four presidential elections have now been 
held in Mongolia.
  I personally became involved after the parliament heard of the 
Contract With America in 1994 and what happened here. In the mid-1990s, 
they created the Contract With the Mongolia Voter. They printed 400,000 
copies, distributed it by horse and yak and camel all over the country. 
They had a 92 percent voter turnout and swept the existing then-
communist government out of power. At that point I went over with 
others and gave a seminar to the young members of parliament. Over half 
were under the age of 35. It was an inspiring experience.
  Mongolia has introduced economic reforms that reflect its commitment 
to establishing a free market economy. In the wake of September 11, 
2001, the terrorist attacks, Mongolia has been a steadfast partner in 
the global war on terror. Mongolia has repeatedly sent troops to serve 
in the cause of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, six rotations in Iraq 
and Afghanistan. They are standing with us, and they have also made 
troop commitments to NATO to peacekeeping missions.
  In an expression of our appreciation for their support, President 
Bush traveled to Mongolia last November, the first sitting American 
President ever to do so. During his visit, President Bush addressed the 
Mongolian people. He expressed the relationship and appreciation for 
the relationships our nations share. He said, ``As you build a free 
society in the heart of Central Asia, the American people stand with 
you.'' We echo those sentiments today. By passing this bipartisan 
resolution, we send a clear message that this House stands firmly with 
the people of a free and democratic Mongolia.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
for introducing this legislation. It was my personal privilege to know 
personally the previous ambassador of Mongolia to the United States, 
and I have known him for several years as he made every effort to 
establish a relationship between our two nations. Again, I commend my 
good friend from Pennsylvania for introducing this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 828, 
Recognizing the 800th Anniversary of Mongolian statehood. Mongolia has 
a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. I join the people 
of Mongolia in celebrating their 800th anniversary of statehood. 
Mongolia has a rich, storied ancient history. Its modern 
accomplishments contribute to that history and serve as an inspiration 
to all countries that struggle to adopt a democratic system of 
government.
  The friendship shared by Mongolia and the United States has grown 
stronger as a result

[[Page 10227]]

of Mongolia's strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law at 
home and internationally. As this resolution notes, since 1990, five 
parliamentary and four presidential elections have been held in 
Mongolia, all without violence or disruption. This is a strong 
indicator that when the will of a nation's people is joined by the will 
of their government, there becomes a great capacity to achieve good.
  Mongolian efforts to develop a free market society and a political 
democracy serve as an example of responsible government and progress 
for other developing democracies in the world today. The settlement of 
an $11 billion debt to Russia in 2004 lifted a heavy burden from 
Mongolia and has been instrumental in allowing Mongolia to explore new 
outlets for economic development. There are currently over 30,000 
private businesses in or around Mongolia's capital city of Ulaanbaatar. 
Petroleum, coal, and copper industries continue to be an economic 
mainstay for the people of Mongolia.
  Mongolia is a valued security partner with the United States and the 
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Mongolia's steadfast 
commitment and valued contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom, 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, NATO missions in Kosovo and Sierra Leone, and 
its broader contribution to the Global War on Terror are evidence of 
its leadership on international security matters.
  Mongolia continues to build upon its solid foundation for a 
democratic, prosperous and secure future for its people. I congratulate 
them on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood 
and on their continued political and economic development. Through 
passage of this resolution we express our confidence in them and our 
appreciation for the strong partnership enjoyed between the American 
and Mongolian peoples.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Faleomavaega for his wondrous 
comity on this and so many issues, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 828.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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