The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“WEST VIRGINIA HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 74” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S1889-S1890 on March 18, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
WEST VIRGINIA HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 74
Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise today to bring attention to an effort spearheaded by a native West Virginian, Mr. William J. Friedman. I ask to have printed in the Record a copy of the West Virginia-House Concurrent Resolution No. 74, which was passed by the West Virginia State Legislature on March 12, 2012, detailing his efforts.
Mr. Friedman is a proud West Virginian. He is the longest tenured member of the National Democratic Club, and founder of both the 116 Club and the prestigious Georgetown Club.
According to his colleagues, Mr. Friedman is also a veteran who served this country in the Korean War and lived in Africa for almost 15 years. Mr. Friedman was present during a number of movements within the region; including the civil war in Mozambique and the dismantling of South African apartheid.
I am informed that Mr. Friedman served his country abroad by investing millions in the country of Mozambique with hopes of spreading American style capitalism and creating hundreds of jobs.
Further, I am told that Mr. Friedman was inspired by Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano, which led to his relocation to Mozambique. At the time, Mozambique was in midst of a bloody civil war. Even so, Mr. Friedman assisted the newly appointed Presi- dent to develop relationships with western nations.
Mr. Friedman has said that he invested millions of dollars to promote free enterprise in Mozambique. Accordingly, I am told that Mr. Friedman established the first direct foreign investment with Overseas Private Investment Corporation insurance in the country of Mozambique.
Mr. Friedman continued investing in the country until Mozambique held its first multi-party elections and, as a result, Joaquim Chissano was elected President of the Republic of Mozambique.
As a U.S. Senator, it is such an honor to serve the great people of West Virginia and to bring attention to their special efforts. I always say that the people of West Virginia are some of the most patriotic in the country.
The resolution follows:
State of West Virginia, Legislative Resolution
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 74
[By Delegates Canterbury, Armstead, T. Campbell, Carmichael, Evans, Gearheart, Hamilton, C. Miller, Nelson, Sigler, Sumner and Walters]
[Adopted by the Legislature, March 9, 2012]
Requesting the Congressional Delegation from the State of West Virginia to ask the United State Department of State to make certain demands on the government of the United Arab Emirates.
Whereas, The Government of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is in arrears on certain of its sovereign obligations; and
Whereas, Some West Virginians are in possession of bonds issued by the Government of Abu Dhabi, bonds that are now in arrears and at risk of default; and
Whereas, Repayment of these bonds by the Government of Abu Dhabi would result in significant tax revenues to the State of West Virginia and also return investors' capital for reinvestment in significant new projects in West Virginia; and
Whereas, Members of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation have attempted to resolve this matter with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C, but without result; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That West Virginia Congressional Delegation be requested to communicate further to the United State Department of State; and, be it
Further Resolved, That, pursuant to the United States Constitution, Article 1, Section 8, Paragraph 3, which bestows on the United States Congress the duty to regulate commerce with foreign nations, the Congressional Delegation from the State of West Virginia should renew their resolve and ask their Congressional colleagues and every United States legislator, on a bipartisan basis, to ask the United States Department of State to demand that the government of the United Arab Emirates honor and pay their sovereign financial obligations that are guaranteed by the Government of Abu Dhabi as evidenced by bonds signed by their own officials.
I, Gregory M. Gray, Clerk of the House of Delegates, and as such Clerk, Keeper of the Rolls of the Legislature of West Virginia, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of House Concurrent Resolution 74, which was adopted by the Legislature on the 9th day of March, 2012.
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