WHEREAS, There is nothing on the planet quite as wonderful as a black and white panda; and

WHEREAS, Securing pandas for Washington is an extraordinary diplomatic undertaking fostering a growing positive business and cultural exchange with the People's Republic of China; and

WHEREAS, An exhibit of pandas will bring people and resources to Washington state, as well as smiles to the faces of everyone who encounters them; and

WHEREAS, Pandas would symbolize the long-standing friendship and warm trade relations between Washington state, the Sichuan Province, and all of the People's Republic of China; and

WHEREAS, This connection would showcase our business partnerships, promote natural science, and expand our friendship; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Panda Foundation was formed under the leadership of former Governor John Spellman, who initiated a close friendship with the Sichuan Province in 1982 to explore and advance the possibility of bringing pandas to Washington state; and

WHEREAS, Many state and national leaders have confirmed their support of the Washington State Panda Foundation's efforts with the People's Republic of China to advance the goal of Washington state becoming the fifth United States location to host pandas; and

WHEREAS, In November of 2015, President Xi Jinping wrote a letter to his friends in the Washington State Legislature confirming the People's Republic of China's commitment to strengthen its exchanges and cooperation with Washington state in all fields; and 

WHEREAS, President Xi Jinping instructed officials in the People's Republic of China to carry out relevant studies regarding exporting pandas to Washington state; and

WHEREAS, The State Forestry Administration of China stands ready to engage in the technical exchanges needed to create the right conditions for this endeavor;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate strongly support the efforts of the Washington State Panda Foundation, the Woodland Park Zoo, the Point Defiance Zoo, our state government, and the People's Republic of China to bring pandas to Washington State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the office of the Washington State Panda Foundation.