IV 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 915 
Encouraging the Republic of Hungary to respect the rule of law, treat 
foreign investors fairly, and promote a free and independent press. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NOVEMBER 18, 2009 
Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana (for himself, Mr. PENCE, Mr. HILL, Mr. BURTON 
of Indiana, Mr. ELLSWORTH, Mr. SOUDER, and Mr. CARSON of Indiana) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs 
RESOLUTION 
Encouraging the Republic of Hungary to respect the rule 
of law, treat foreign investors fairly, and promote a free 
and independent press. 
Whereas, on October 23, 1956, some 100,000 Hungarian citi-
zens began a nation-wide revolt against the Communist 
government of Hungary and its domination by the Soviet 
Union; 
Whereas the Hungarian people fought bravely for freedom, 
democracy, and human rights; 
Whereas, on March 12, 1999, the Government of Hungary, 
reflecting the will of the Hungarian people, formally be-
came a member of NATO and on May 1, 2005, Hungary 
became a full member of the European Union; 
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•HRES 915 IH 
Whereas the United States has invested over $9,000,000,000 
in Hungary since 1989 and the United States is the 
fourth-largest contributor and largest non-European con-
tributor to foreign investment in Hungary according to 
the U.S. Department of Commerce; 
Whereas the Hungarian Investment and Trade Development 
Agency reports that foreign direct investment has been 
crucial in boosting Hungary’s economic performance and 
remains the driving force behind Hungary’s economic 
success; 
Whereas in 1997, the Hungarian National Radio and Tele-
vision Board (ORTT) awarded licenses for two national 
radio stations, which are set to expire on November 19, 
2009; 
Whereas the two licenses are the only ones that allow for na-
tionwide coverage by commercial, rather than state, 
radio-broadcast services in Hungary; 
Whereas one of these licenses was awarded to a United 
States company and the other to a European company, 
each for a total of 12 years; 
Whereas the Financial Times reported on November 6, 2009, 
that before the bids for renewal of their national licenses 
were due, these companies were approached by individ-
uals claiming to represent the Socialist and Fidesz Par-
ties in Hungary offering to extend their licenses if the 
parties received 50 percent of the companies’ equity; 
Whereas the Financial Times also reported on November 6, 
2009, that both stations refused this alleged extortion at-
tempt and the ORTT delegates from Fidesz and the rul-
ing Socialist party voted to award the licenses to two po-
litically-connected local bidders instead; 
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•HRES 915 IH 
Whereas the Wall Street Journal reported on November 10, 
2009, that Hungary’s Prime Minister and the Chair of 
the ORTT have publicly decried the process by which 
these licenses were awarded; 
Whereas the Economist reported on November 7, 2009, that 
the Chair of the ORTT resigned in protest and refused 
to sign the politically-motivated contracts; 
Whereas United States investors are an important part of the 
Hungarian economy and deserve equitable treatment in 
accordance with United States and Hungarian laws; 
Whereas unfair treatment of foreign companies will deter in-
vestment and hinder economic growth in Hungary; and 
Whereas respect for the rule of law and a free and inde-
pendent press will spur investor confidence in Hungary: 
Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) condemns the recent action by the Hun-
garian National Radio and Television Board that 
awarded the national community radio licenses; 
(2) encourages the Republic of Hungary to re-
spect the rule of law and treat foreign investors fair-
ly; and 
(3) encouragers the Republic of Hungary to 
maintain its commitment to a free and independent 
press. 
Æ 
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