Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the desire for freedom and human rights within Iran.

Whereas throughout history the world has seen the power of one simple idea: when given a choice, people will choose freedom;

Whereas all people are endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;

Whereas the people of the United States respect the people of Iran and value the contributions that Iran's culture has made to world civilization;

Whereas the future of Iran will be decided by the people of Iran;

Whereas the people of Iran are struggling with difficult questions about how to build a modern 21st century Muslim society that is prosperous and free;

Whereas the people of Iran aspire to democracy, civil, political, and religious rights, and the rule of law;

Whereas this desire for freedom and reform is expressed in the multiple overwhelming votes for change;

Whereas the people of Iran are seeking freedom by non-violent means by choosing the ballot over the bullet;

Whereas the vast majority of the people of Iran voted for political and economic reform, yet their voices are being ignored by the unelected people who are the real rulers of Iran;

Whereas talented students and professionals, faced with the dual specter of too few jobs and too many restrictions on their freedom, continue to seek opportunities abroad rather than help build Iran's future at home;

Whereas the people of Iran spontaneously gathered in the streets after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, to stand in peaceful solidarity with the people of the United States and reiterated their desire for a dialogue and improved relations with the United States;

Whereas the United States recognizes the people of Iran's right to choose their own destiny;

Whereas there is a broad-based movement for reform and freedom in Iran that represents all sectors of Iranian society, including youth, women, students, military personnel, and even religious figures, that is pro-democratic and is yearning to live in freedom; and

Whereas the people of Iran deserve the support of the United States in their quest for liberty: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--

(1) the people of the United States support freedom, reform, and self determination for the people of Iran;

(2) as the people of Iran move towards a future defined by greater freedom and tolerance, they will have no better friend than the United States; and

(3) it should be the policy of the United States to support Iran's domestic movement for democracy, reform, and freedom.