H.Res. 1405

Congratulating the people of the 17 African nations that in 2010 are marking the 50th year of their national independence

Sponsor	Rep. Rush, Bobby L.
Committee	Foreign Affairs
Date	June 29, 2010 (111th Congress, 2nd Session)
Staff Contact	Ja'Ron Smith

H.Res. 1405 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, under a motion to suspend the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage.  The legislation was introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) on January 21, 2010.

H.Res. 1405 would resolve that the House of Representative:

• “Congratulates the people of the 17 African nations that in 2010 are marking the 50th year of their national independence;
• “Salutes the continuing status of these people as citizens of free and sovereign countries;
• “Honors the lives of the ten of thousands of patriots, including innocent civilians, who died, were imprisoned, or otherwise dedicated their lives, often at great personal sacrifice, to achieving African political independence;
• “Commends the socioeconomic and political progress being made by these nations, while acknowledging the associated challenges that many still face; and
• “Renews the commitment of the United States to help the people of sub-Saharan Africa to foster democratic rule, advance civic freedom and participation, and promote market-based economic growth, and to alleviate the burden of poverty and disease that so many in the region continue to face.”

According to the resolution’s findings, in the year 2010, 17 African nations will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their independence from France, Italy, or Great Britain.