IV 
110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 1254 
Supporting the values and goals of the ‘‘Joint Action Plan Between the 
Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Government 
of the United States of America to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimi-
nation and Promote Equality’’, signed by Secretary of State Condoleezza 
Rice and Brazilian Minister of Racial Integration Edson Santos on 
March 13, 2008. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 9, 2008 
Mr. ENGEL (for himself, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. BERMAN, 
Mr. KUHL of New York, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. DAVIS of 
Illinois, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. SIRES, Mr. HONDA, Mr. DELAHUNT, 
Mr. CROWLEY, and Mr. JEFFERSON) submitted the following resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
RESOLUTION 
Supporting the values and goals of the ‘‘Joint Action Plan 
Between the Government of the Federative Republic of 
Brazil and the Government of the United States of 
America to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination 
and Promote Equality’’, signed by Secretary of State 
Condoleezza Rice and Brazilian Minister of Racial Inte-
gration Edson Santos on March 13, 2008. 
Whereas the United States and Brazil have many qualities in 
common, such as the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of 
their populations and each country’s efforts to protect de-
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•HRES 1254 IH 
mocracy and the civil rights and liberties of all their citi-
zens; 
Whereas the United States and Brazil share common his-
tories of slavery and colonialism, a diverse cultural demo-
graphic of European, African, Asian, and indigenous peo-
ples, and strong values of democracy; 
Whereas these commonalities result in an extraordinary abil-
ity to jointly seek solutions to distinct issues that affect 
both countries, such as racial discrimination and inequal-
ity; 
Whereas in comparison to the general population, minority 
groups in the United States and Brazil are more at risk 
for discrimination in the areas of employment, education, 
law enforcement, and access to justice and basic services, 
including health care, housing, and lending; 
Whereas African-Americans, Afro-Brazilians, and indigenous 
people in the United States and Brazil have been dis-
advantaged due to a history of racial inequality and dis-
crimination in each country; 
Whereas due to social disparities that exist as a result of ra-
cial discrimination in the United States and Brazil, there 
is a continuing need to combat racial discrimination and 
promote equality throughout both societies; 
Whereas in recognition of the need to address racial and eth-
nic discrimination and promote equality in both coun-
tries, the Department of State, Brazil’s Ministry of Exte-
rior Relations, and the Special Secretariat for the Pro-
motion of Racial Equality began formal talks in October 
2007 to negotiate areas of bilateral cooperation on com-
bating discrimination and creating opportunities for eth-
nic minorities in the United States and Brazil; 
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