TheWeekInCongress_HCR410

TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending July. 9, 2004

House Concurrent Resolution 410 recognizing the 25^th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and recognizing the republic as a staunch ally of the US and one committed to the principles of democracy and freedom in the Pacific Ocean regions.

BRIEF

The resolution explained the early history of the Marshall Islands as one under Spanish and German rule followed by Japanese rule in the 20^th century.

The Japanese rule proved a problem for the US during WW II as it was that the island group had military significance to fighting the Japanese during WW II..

Congress noted that the islands were liberated from Japan with great sacrifice by the Marshall Islanders to aid the US and Allied forces in the effort. A few years later in 1947 the UN put the islands under US trusteeship. Congress concluded that the US moved the islands successfully towards democratic self-government and ultimately a constitutional convention and the establishment of the island’s Republic status in 1979.

The new Republic has a parliamentary system of government, separation of powers and a bill of rights. The US, then recognized the Marshal Islands as a sovereign nation.

The UN trusteeship ended in 1986 as it was no longer necessary. The Republic continues to be in the significant position as having military strategic significance.

Sponsor: Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ-6^th)

Vote: Passed House 379 to 0 (RC 326)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.