State of Vermont
House of Representatives
Montpelier, Vermont
House Resolution
H.R. 13
House resolution expressing concern for and demanding the immediate release of Captain Richard Phillips of Underhill
Offered by: All members of the House of Representatives
Whereas, on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2009, Somali pirates seized the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama, a cargo ship carrying humanitarian food aid destined for Somalia and Uganda in ocean waters 380 miles east of the Somali capital of Mogadishu, and
Whereas, this is the first time that the dangerous Somali pirates have seized a United States’ registered ship and crew, and
Whereas, Captain Richard Phillips of Underhill is the captain of the Maersk Alabama, and his crew and he, without any weapons, were able to negotiate their freedom except for his own, and
Whereas, according to news reports, as of 12:00 p.m. today, April 9, 2009, the Somali pirates continue to hold Captain Phillips hostage, and
Whereas, Vermonters are keeping Captain Phillips foremost in their thoughts, hoping for his immediate release, and that he will be returned to his ship unharmed, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That this Legislative body expresses its utmost concern for the safety and well-being of Captain Richard Phillips and demands that he be released immediately, and be it further
Resolved: That the Clerk of the House be directed to send a copy of this resolution to President Obama, to the ship’s owner, Maersk Line Limited in Norfolk, Virginia, and to Captain Phillips’ wife, Andrea, in Underhill.
