08-R110

2008 -- H 8049

Enacted 03/19/08

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT COUNSEL TO INVESTIGATE THE PRISONER OF WAR-MISSING IN ACTION ISSUE

Introduced By: Representative Charlene Lima

Date Introduced: March 13, 2008

     WHEREAS, The Prisoner of War-Missing in Action (POW-MIA) issue has been a

national dilemma since the end of World War II; and

     WHEREAS, There is a strong need for an independent investigation into all unresolved

matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean

conflict, World War II, Cold War Missions, or Gulf War, including MIA's and POW's; and

     WHEREAS, It is the responsibility and the duty of the United States government to bring

home Americans missing in action from the Vietnam War, the Korean War, World War II, and

Desert Storm; and

     WHEREAS, As of July 2005, the Government Accountability Office listed 88,115

service men and women unaccounted for from World War II, Korean/Cold War conflicts,

Vietnam War, Gulf War, and other current conflicts; and

     WHEREAS, American POW's and their missing comrades have demonstrated the true

spirit of our nation and should never be forgotten; and

     WHEREAS, The families of these inspiring Americans deserve to know what truly

happened to their loved ones; and

     WHEREAS, Americans from every generation have answered the call to duty with

dedication and valor. These brave Americans deserve the respect and gratitude of our nation and

all efforts should be made to resolve the Prisoner of War-Missing in Action issue in their honor;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby concur in urging the United States Congress to appoint an

independent counsel to investigate the Prisoner of War-Missing in Action issue; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of the

Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, and the members of the

Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.

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LC02509

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