H.Res. 981

H.Res. 981 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, under a motion to suspend the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) on December 16, 2009.

H.Res. 981 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine, and encourages continued efforts to implement the provisions of the United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership;
• "Expresses its support for the efforts of the Ukrainian people to consolidate democratic institutions, rule of law, respect for human rights, and economic reforms;
• "Recognizes the suffering of the Ukrainian people due to the downturn in the world economy, and supports measures by the international financial institutions to assist Ukraine;
• "Urges all parties in Ukraine to seek resolution of disputes and to take active measures to enable necessary political and economic reforms;
• "Urges the Government of Ukraine and all political parties to ensure that the 2010 election is conducted freely, fairly, transparently, and without manipulation;
• "Encourages the Government of Ukraine and all political parties to welcome the participation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international election monitors, cooperate fully with them, and provide them unimpeded access to all aspects of the election process; and
• "Reiterates its enduring support and friendship for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people."

According to the resolution's findings, the United States and Ukraine have a strong relationship, as evidenced by the United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership, signed in December 2008, by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with the objective of expanding cooperation on defense, trade, energy, democratic development, and cultural exchange.