While the bill is sponsored by congressman Rick Larsen (Washington), congressman Dennis Heck (Washington), congresswoman Suzan DelBene (Washington), congressman Derek Kilmer (Washington), congressman Ami Bera (California), congressman Jared Polis (Colorado), congressman Ander Crenshaw (Florida) have co-sponsored the bill. [break]
The bill was introduced in the US Congress at the initiative of Darshan Rauniyar, a naturalized American citizen of Nepali origin. Since returning to the US after his recent trip to Nepal, Rauniyar has been educating the members of the US Congress about Nepal´s situations and the plight of Nepali people in Nepal.
Rauniyar, a democrat, who had run for public office to represent Washington State’s first congressional district in the USA’s House of Representatives, has been instrumental in getting the message that the US has a compelling national interest in the security, stability, and development of Nepal and that Nepali people are seeking a peaceful transition to a democratic government.
“This is a historic moment for Nepal and Nepali people around the world. It is essential that all Nepalis come together now to put Nepal on the right course,” a press statement quoted Rauniyar as saying. “Whether living abroad or at home, Nepalis need to speak out with one voice for a decisive resolution of the fitful process of the restoration of a full and functional democracy.”
The resolution has demanded that the Nepal government promote law and order and enforce laws through a legal system derived from a national constitution, guarantee universal human rights, freedom of speech, the press, assembly, religion, and due process under the law.
Rauniyar has been advocating for a resolution by the US Congress that welcomes free and fair elections for the people of Nepal, encourages the use of all efforts, energies and diligence to help the people of Nepal effectively participate in the electoral process and join with the international community in providing the resources necessary to hold free, fair and timely elections facilitate a peaceful transition of power.
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