H.Con.Res. 47 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 47 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 30, 2013 Mr. Larsen of Washington (for himself, Mr. Kilmer, and Mr. Heck of Washington) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Calling for a democratically elected government for the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Whereas the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal seek to become a people with a democratically elected government through free and fair elections; Whereas the people of the nation of Nepal seek a government based on democratic values and norms earning the faith and consent of the governed; Whereas the Government of Nepal should be a national government, promoting law and order, and the enforcement of laws through a legal system derived from a national constitution; Whereas the Government of Nepal should guarantee universal human rights, including freedom of speech, the press, assembly, religion, and due process under the law; Whereas the Government of Nepal should also protect the people of Nepal and strive to provide basic needs such as clean air, water, electricity, food, shelter, and health care; Whereas the people of the United States seek the establishment of free and fair democratic elections for all people everywhere; Whereas the people of the United States and the people of Nepal have enjoyed over 60 years of peaceful relations; Whereas the United States has a compelling national interest in the security, stability, and development of Nepal; Whereas the United States seeks to maintain gains in peace and security, further the Nepali transition to a democratic government, support the continued delivery of needed social services, provide effective health care solutions to the Nepali people, and address the challenges of food insecurity and climate change; Whereas the United States and Nepal have long promoted open trade and investment between the two countries, establishing a framework agreement for bilateral talks to promote bilateral trade and investment; Whereas the United States has long exported agricultural products, aircraft parts, optic and medical instruments, low-value shipments, and machinery to Nepal, and Nepal has enjoyed exporting textile floor coverings, apparel, headgear, and leather to the United States; and Whereas both the United States and Nepal have benefitted from an open and fair trade framework: Now, therefore, be it That Congress— (1) welcomes the free and fair elections for the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal; (2) encourages the use of all efforts, energies, and diligence to help the people of Nepal to effectively participate in the electoral process; (3) joins with the international community in providing the resources necessary to hold free, fair, and timely elections, facilitate a peaceful transition of power, and establish a government that will protect the rights of the people; and (4) supports the efforts of the people of Nepal to maintain self-determination for their general welfare and the welfare of future generations.