WHEREAS, In a great day for democracy, millions of Iraqis risked death on Sunday, January 30, 2005, to vote for a 275-member Transitional National Assembly in a free, democratic election, and although there were more than 100 attacks on polling stations by terrorists, the Iraqis voted; and
     WHEREAS, In their first free elections in more than 50 years, millions of Iraqis turned out to vote with great enthusiasm and determination, and election day brought hope and happiness to the streets of Baghdad and cities and towns throughout the nation of Iraq; and
     WHEREAS, The Iraqis continue to face many difficult challenges, and the United States is committed to supporting the Iraqis in their pursuit of democracy; and
     WHEREAS, Several Iraqi leaders have publicly stated they want their political process to be inclusive of Iraq's complex mosaic of faiths and peoples and the United States supports this process of inclusiveness; and
     WHEREAS, On election day, the people of Iraq spoke to the world through their elections of their desire for democracy and freedom; and
     WHEREAS, Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world helped make this day possible, including our American military forces and the forces of our coalition nations, national and international relief agencies, and tens of thousands of citizens from nations around the world who came to help build a free and independent nation of Iraq;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington commend the Iraqi people and those from around the world who helped the recent election take place, and are working to build a vibrant democracy in the Middle East.