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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Karen Bell is completing her exemplary tenure as |
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British consul general in Houston in the summer of 2019; and |
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WHEREAS, Since 2015, Ms. Bell has overseen the United |
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Kingdom's engagement in a five-state area that encompasses Texas, |
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Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico; in that role, she |
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guides the provision of consular services to British nationals |
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while working tirelessly to strengthen political ties between the |
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U.S. and the UK, to enhance trade and investment partnerships, and |
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to promote science and innovation links; her tenure has seen |
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numerous milestones in the relationship between Texas and the UK, |
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including the inauguration of the Bio Bridge initiative to share |
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life science technology and the creation of multiple memoranda of |
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understanding laying the foundations for direct cooperation in the |
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years ahead; and |
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WHEREAS, A career diplomat known for her deep expertise as |
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well as her kindness, wit, and charm, Ms. Bell joined the Foreign |
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and Commonwealth Office in the 1980s; she served most recently as |
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deputy head of mission for the British Consulate General in Hong |
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Kong, and her previous postings included Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and |
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Canada; a promotion is taking her next to the Republic of Vanuatu, |
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where she will become the UK high commissioner; and |
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WHEREAS, Ms. Bell is supported in all her endeavors by the |
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love and encouragement of her husband, Adrian Bell, and their sons, |
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Chris and Tom; while residing in the Bayou City, the family gained |
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its very own Texas native, a border collie named Stella; and |
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WHEREAS, Through her knowledge, experience, and steadfast |
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dedication, Karen Bell has helped to further the long-standing |
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friendship between the Lone Star State and the United Kingdom, and |
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in so doing, she has earned the admiration and appreciation of |
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innumerable Texans; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Karen Bell for her outstanding service as |
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British consul general in Houston and extend to her sincere best |
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wishes for continued success in her new role; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Ms. Bell as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |