datamatters24/research-document-archive huggingface dataset:
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 16
Calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Cuba, including 
Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JANUARY 28, 2003
Mr. ANDREWS submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on International Relations 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners 
in Cuba, including Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, and for other 
purposes.
Whereas the Cuban Government found Dr. Oscar Elias 
Biscet, a 39-year-old Afro-Cuban physician and human 
rights activist, guilty of ‘‘dishonoring the symbols of the 
fatherland’’ and sentenced him to 3 years in a Cuban 
prison merely because he placed the Cuban flag upside 
down as an international symbol of distress; 
Whereas as documented by Amnesty International, Dr. Oscar 
Elias Biscet has joined the ranks of thousands of political 
prisoners being held in Cuba’s abysmal prisons; 
Whereas some of these prisoners are being held merely for 
expressing their frustration with the Cuban Government’s
•HCON 16 IH 
refusal to provide better health care and improve prison 
conditions; 
Whereas in 1999, the Cuban Government adopted the Law 
for the Protection of National Independence and the 
Economy of Cuba, also known as ‘‘Law Number 88’’ or 
the ‘‘Gag Law’’; 
Whereas under this law Cubans face up to 5 years in prison 
for the harmless act of writing a letter that describes 
food shortages and up to 20 years in prison for sup-
porting the United States embargo of Cuba; 
Whereas the Cuban Government uses its food rationing sys-
tem to promote tyranny and control the Cuban populace; 
Whereas in cases in which the Cuban Government is unable 
to establish grounds for long prison terms for political 
dissidents, these dissidents are continually harassed, de-
tained for short periods of time, subject to their phones 
being tapped, and otherwise under constant surveillance; 
Whereas foreign dignitaries are seldom allowed by the Cuban 
Government to meet with Cuban political dissidents; and 
Whereas Cuban dictator Fidel Castro continues to deny that 
the Cuban Government holds any political prisoners: 
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That 
(1) it is the sense of the Congress that the em-
bargo of Cuba should not be lifted until the Cuban 
Government agrees to decriminalize free speech, as-
sociation, and movement, and other elements crucial
•HCON 16 IH 
to the development of democracy and the protection 
of fundamental human rights; and 
(2) the Congress calls on the Cuban Govern-
ment—
(A) to immediately release all political pris-
oners in Cuba, including Dr. Oscar Elias 
Biscet; 
(B) to eliminate all of Cuba’s criminal laws 
that unnecessarily restrict the fundamental 
human rights to freedom of speech, association, 
and movement; and 
(C) to respect fundamental human rights 
and free multiparty and internationally super-
vised elections in Cuba.
Æ
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 170
Supporting the goals and ideals of ‘‘National Community Residential Care 
Month’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 8, 2003
Mr. OSE submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Government Reform 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Supporting the goals and ideals of ‘‘National Community 
Residential Care Month’’.
Whereas the need for quality and dependable health care for 
the elderly, disabled, and mentally ill increases every 
year; 
Whereas community residential care provides medical, social, 
and nutritional assistance to individuals who cannot pro-
vide for themselves; 
Whereas the community residential care industry provides a 
workable and home-like environment for individuals un-
able to care for themselves at home, and does so in a 
manner which promotes confidence, support, and self-es-
teem for the individuals receiving such care;
•HCON 172 EH
Whereas international travel to the United States is the larg-
est service export, having generated a trade surplus for
14 consecutive years;
Whereas domestic and international travel generated an esti-
mated $537.2 billion in expenditures in 2002, supporting
more than 7.9 million jobs, and creating more than $98.7
billion in tax revenue for Federal, State, and local gov-
ernments;
Whereas the slowing of the United States economy and inter-
national conflicts have had a tremendous negative effect
on the tourism industry;
Whereas the Department of Commerce has released the 2002
international year-end arrivals data, revealing that the
level of international travel to the United States declined
an additional 7 percent between 2001 and 2002;
Whereas tourism contributes substantially to personal
growth, education, appreciation of intercultural dif-
ferences, and the enhancement of international under-
standing and good will;
Whereas the abundant natural and man-made attractions of
the United States and the hospitality of the American
people establish the United States as the preeminent des-
tination for both foreign and domestic travelers;
Whereas National Tourism Week was established by Con-
gress in 1983, and first celebrated in May 1984, when
President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation urging
citizens to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies
and activities;
Whereas, since 1984, National Tourism Week has been cele-
brated each May by the travel and tourism community,
•HCON 170 IH 
Whereas the community residential care industry is staffed 
by committed, hardworking professionals who dedicate 
their working lives to the care of the elderly, disabled, 
and mentally ill; 
Whereas persons providing community residential care must 
meet stringent licensing requirements; 
Whereas both the national and international community resi-
dential care industry are deserving of recognition and ap-
preciation; and 
Whereas the Community Residential Care Association of Cali-
fornia has designated the month of May as ‘‘National 
Community Residential Care Month’’: Now, therefore, be 
it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress supports the goals and ideals 
of National Community Residential Care Month and re-
quests that the President issue a proclamation calling on 
the people of the United States to observe such a month 
with appropriate programs and activities.
Æ
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 171
Expressing the thanks of Congress to the people of Qatar for their cooperation 
in supporting United States Armed Forces and the armed forces of 
coalition countries during the recent military action in Iraq and wel-
coming His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al-Thani, Emir of 
the State of Qatar, to the United States. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 8, 2003
Mr. RAHALL (for himself and Mr. ROHRABACHER) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Inter-
national Relations 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Expressing the thanks of Congress to the people of Qatar 
for their cooperation in supporting United States Armed 
Forces and the armed forces of coalition countries during 
the recent military action in Iraq and welcoming His 
Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al-Thani, Emir 
of the State of Qatar, to the United States.
Whereas Qatar is a longstanding ally of the United States in 
the Middle East region; 
Whereas the people of Qatar graciously hosted United States 
Armed Forces and the armed forces of coalition countries 
during the recent military action in Iraq;
•HCON 171 IH 
Whereas the United States and Qatar will continue to build 
upon this military cooperation; 
Whereas Qatar continues to grow in its economic and stra-
tegic defense cooperation with the United States and its 
allies; 
Whereas the people of Qatar voted on April 29, 2003, on a 
referendum approving the establishment of their first 
Parliamentarian Constitution; 
Whereas years of democratic reform, including establishment 
of a parliament based on universal suffrage, development 
of a free press, and evolution of a free market have 
greatly strengthened the bonds between our two nations; 
Whereas an unwavering commitment to the development of 
the education of its citizens reinforces Qatar’s path to-
ward democracy; and 
Whereas Doha, the capital of Qatar, hosted in November 
2001 the Fourth World Trade Organization Ministerial 
Conference, where a number of agreements expanding 
our defense, commercial, and cultural ties were signed: 
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress—
(1) expresses thanks to the people of Qatar for their 
support of United States Armed Forces and the armed 
forces of coalition countries during the recent military ac-
tion in Iraq; 
(2) warmly welcomes His Highness Sheikh Hamad 
bin Khalifah Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to the 
United States; and
•HCON 171 IH 
(3) looks forward to broadening and deepening the 
friendship and cooperation between the United States and 
Qatar.
Æ
108TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 172
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas travel and tourism has a major impact on the econ-
omy of the United States as the 3rd largest retail sales
industry in the Nation;
Whereas 1 out of every 7 people employed in the United
States civilian labor force is directly or indirectly em-
ployed in the travel and tourism industry;
•HCON 172 EH
travel industry associations, as well as many States, cit-
ies, and localities throughout the Nation; and
Whereas May 10 through 18, 2003, is the 20th Annual Na-
tional Tourism Week: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress—
(1) supports National Tourism Week; and
(2) requests that the President issue a procla-
mation calling upon the people of the United States
and interested groups to observe National Tourism
Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Passed the House of Representatives June 2, 2003.
Attest:
Clerk.
108TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 172
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Supporting the 20th Annual National Tourism
Week.
IV 
★
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 172
Supporting the 20th Annual National Tourism Week. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 9, 2003
Mr. FOLEY (for himself, Mr. FARR, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. GIBBONS, Mr. MCHUGH, 
Mr. TANNER, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. 
BOYD, Mr. DEMINT, Mr. SHAW, Mr. LANTOS, Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode 
Island, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. DEUTSCH, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. PORTER, Mr. 
DELAHUNT, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. BOEHLERT, Ms. NORTON, Mr. ABER-
CROMBIE, Mr. UPTON, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. 
RYAN of Ohio, Ms. BERKLEY, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, and Mr. CASE) sub-
mitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Government Reform 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Supporting the 20th Annual National Tourism Week.
Whereas travel and tourism has a major impact on the econ-
omy of the United States as the 3rd largest retail sales 
industry in the Nation; 
Whereas 1 out of every 7 people employed in the United 
States civilian labor force is directly or indirectly em-
ployed in the travel and tourism industry; 
Whereas international travel to the United States is the larg-
est service export, having generated a trade surplus for 
14 consecutive years;
•HCON 172 IH1S 
Whereas domestic and international travel generated an esti-
mated $537.2 billion in expenditures in 2002, supporting 
more than 7.9 million jobs, and creating more than $98.7 
billion in tax revenue for Federal, State, and local gov-
ernments; 
Whereas the slowing of the United States economy and inter-
national conflicts have had a tremendous negative effect 
on the tourism industry; 
Whereas the Department of Commerce has released the 2002 
international year-end arrivals data, revealing that the 
level of international travel to the United States declined 
an additional 7 percent between 2001 and 2002; 
Whereas tourism contributes substantially to personal 
growth, education, appreciation of intercultural dif-
ferences, and the enhancement of international under-
standing and good will; 
Whereas the abundant natural and man-made attractions of 
the United States and the hospitality of the American 
people establish the United States as the preeminent des-
tination for both foreign and domestic travelers; 
Whereas National Tourism Week was established by Con-
gress in 1983, and first celebrated in May 1984, when 
President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation urging 
citizens to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies 
and activities; 
Whereas, since 1984, National Tourism Week has been cele-
brated each May by the travel and tourism community, 
travel industry associations, as well as many States, cit-
ies, and localities throughout the Nation; and 
Whereas May 10 through 18, 2003, is the 20th Annual Na-
tional Tourism Week: Now, therefore, be it
•HCON 172 IH1S 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That the Congress—
(1) supports National Tourism Week; and 
(2) requests that the President issue a procla-
mation calling upon the people of the United States 
and interested groups to observe National Tourism 
Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Æ
HCON 176 RFS 
Whereas all Americans can improve their quality of life by se-
curing competent, objective, and comprehensive financial 
advice to assist them in attaining their financial goals; 
Whereas, in the past year, proclamations have been issued in 
numerous States and the District of Columbia recog-
nizing the importance of the financial planning process in 
meeting the goal of financial independence and other 
long-term financial objectives; 
Whereas widespread adherence to a financial planning proc-
ess can help reduce the burdens and obligations of the 
public and private sectors in providing a financial safety 
net for less fortunate Americans; and 
Whereas the Financial Planning Association has designated 
the week beginning October 6, 2003, as ‘‘Financial Plan-
ning Week’’: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress—
(1) supports the goals and ideals of ‘‘Financial 
Planning Week’’; 
(2) recognizes the significant impact that sound 
financial planning can have on securing financial 
independence and achieving life’s goals and dreams; 
(3) acknowledges and commends the millions of 
American families across the United States, as well 
as the financial planning profession, for their adher-
ence and dedication to the financial planning proc-
ess; and
III 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 172
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 
JUNE 3, 2003
Received and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Supporting the 20th Annual National Tourism Week.
Whereas travel and tourism has a major impact on the econ-
omy of the United States as the 3rd largest retail sales 
industry in the Nation; 
Whereas 1 out of every 7 people employed in the United 
States civilian labor force is directly or indirectly em-
ployed in the travel and tourism industry;
HCON 172 RFS 
Whereas international travel to the United States is the larg-
est service export, having generated a trade surplus for 
14 consecutive years; 
Whereas domestic and international travel generated an esti-
mated $537.2 billion in expenditures in 2002, supporting 
more than 7.9 million jobs, and creating more than $98.7 
billion in tax revenue for Federal, State, and local gov-
ernments; 
Whereas the slowing of the United States economy and inter-
national conflicts have had a tremendous negative effect 
on the tourism industry; 
Whereas the Department of Commerce has released the 2002 
international year-end arrivals data, revealing that the 
level of international travel to the United States declined 
an additional 7 percent between 2001 and 2002; 
Whereas tourism contributes substantially to personal 
growth, education, appreciation of intercultural dif-
ferences, and the enhancement of international under-
standing and good will; 
Whereas the abundant natural and man-made attractions of 
the United States and the hospitality of the American 
people establish the United States as the preeminent des-
tination for both foreign and domestic travelers; 
Whereas National Tourism Week was established by Con-
gress in 1983, and first celebrated in May 1984, when 
President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation urging 
citizens to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies 
and activities; 
Whereas, since 1984, National Tourism Week has been cele-
brated each May by the travel and tourism community,
HCON 172 RFS 
travel industry associations, as well as many States, cit-
ies, and localities throughout the Nation; and 
Whereas May 10 through 18, 2003, is the 20th Annual Na-
tional Tourism Week: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That the Congress—
(1) supports National Tourism Week; and 
(2) requests that the President issue a procla-
mation calling upon the people of the United States 
and interested groups to observe National Tourism 
Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Passed the House of Representatives June 2, 2003. 
Attest: 
JEFF TRANDAHL, 
Clerk.
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 173
Recognizing the historic significance of the 55th anniversary of the founding 
of the state of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and co-
operation between the United States and Israel. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 9, 2003
Mr. FOLEY (for himself and Mr. LANTOS) submitted the following concurrent 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the historic significance of the 55th anniversary 
of the founding of the state of Israel and reaffirming 
the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the 
United States and Israel.
Whereas at the First Zionist Congress held at Basel, Switzer-
land, from August 29 to 31, 1897, participants under the 
leadership of Theodore Herzl affirmed their desire to re-
establish a Jewish homeland in the historic land of Israel; 
Whereas the desire of the Jewish people to establish an inde-
pendent modern State of Israel is the outgrowth of the 
existence of the historic Kingdom of Israel that was es-
tablished over 3,000 years ago in the city of Jerusalem 
and in the land of Israel;
•HCON 173 IH 
Whereas, on November 29, 1947, the United Nations General 
Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Pal-
estine, and through that vote, to create the state of 
Israel; 
Whereas, on May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed 
the establishment of the sovereign and independent State 
of Israel and the United States established full diplomatic 
relations with Israel; 
Whereas President Harry Truman recognized Israel just min-
utes after it declared independence; 
Whereas the establishment of modern Israel as a homeland 
for the Jewish people followed the extermination of more 
than six million European Jews during the Holocaust; 
Whereas since its establishment 55 years ago, Israel has re-
built a nation, forged a new and dynamic society, and 
created a unique and vital economic, political, cultural, 
and intellectual life despite the heavy costs of six wars, 
unrelenting terrorism, frequent international ostracism, 
and economic boycotts; 
Whereas the people of Israel have established a vibrant and 
functioning pluralistic and democratic political system 
that guarantees the freedoms of speech and of the press, 
free, fair, and open elections, and respect for the rule of 
law; 
Whereas, at great social and financial cost, Israel has ab-
sorbed hundreds of thousands of Jews from countries 
throughout the world, many of them refugees from Arab 
countries, and has fully integrated them into Israeli soci-
ety; 
Whereas for over half a century the United States and Israel 
have maintained a special relationship based on mutually
HCON 176 RFS 
(4) encourages the American people to observe 
‘‘Financial Planning week’’ with appropriate pro-
grams and activities.
Passed the House of Representatives November 4, 
2003. 
Attest: 
JEFF TRANDAHL, 
Clerk.
•HCON 173 IH 
shared democratic values, common strategic interests, 
and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect; and 
Whereas the people of the United States have an affinity for 
the people of Israel and regard Israel as a strong and 
trusted ally and as an important strategic partner: Now, 
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That Congress—
(1) recognizes the historic significance of the 
55th anniversary of the founding of the sovereign 
and independent modern state of Israel; 
(2) commends the people of Israel for their re-
markable achievements in building a new state and 
a pluralistic and democratic society in the Middle 
East in the face of terrorism, hostility, and bellig-
erence by many of its neighbors; 
(3) reaffirms the bonds of friendship and co-
operation which have existed between the United 
States and Israel for the past 55 years and which 
have been significant for both countries; and 
(4) extends the warmest congratulations and 
best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for 
a peaceful, prosperous, and successful future.
Æ