Top Legislation - View All
Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Archives, Business, Business records, Claims, Congressional reporting requirements, Data banks, Directories, Electronic government information, Europe, Federal-state relations, Finance, Fines (Penalties), Foreign policy, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, History, Insurance, Insurance companies, International affairs, Jewish holocaust (1939-1945), Law, Legal fees, Parties to actions, Public records, Punitive damages, State and local government, Technology, Telecommunication
Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - House Committee on Foreign Affairs Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Jan. 3, 2009. Bill TextTo require disclosure of Holocaust-era policies by insurers and establish a federal cause of action for claims arising out of a covered policy. 8/1/2008--Reported to House amended, Part I. (There is 1 other summary) Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Requires insurers of Holocaust-era policies to: (1) respond within 90 days to written inquiries from eligible persons regarding such polices; (2) provide to such persons all information in the possession of such insurer regarding whether such person is a potential beneficiary; and (3) notify the Holocaust Claims Processing Office (HCPO) immediately in writing of the inquiry, with a copy of all acknowledgments and information provided to such eligible person. Terminates such requirement 10 years after enactment of this Act. Instructs the Secretary of State to: (1) seek to enter into an agreement with each European country with which no appropriate agreement exists to [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Authorization, Budgets, China, Civil liberties, Communications, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Democracy, Diplomacy, Diplomats, East Asia, Foreign policy, Freedom of information, Human rights, Immigration, International affairs, International broadcasting, North Korea, Politics and government, Radio broadcasting, Refugees, Repatriation, Right of asylum, South Korea, Telecommunication, United Nations
Latest Action: 10/07/2008 - Signed by President. Bill TextTo amend the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to promote respect for the fundamental human rights of the people of North Korea, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on May 13, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the resettlement of North Korean refugees. Amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) activities to support human rights and democracy and freedom of information (by increasing the availability of non-government controlled sources) in North Korea; and (2) assistance to North Koreans who are outside North Korea. Directs the Broadcasting Board of Governors to report respecting U.S. broadcasting to North Korea and the [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Affordable housing, Alien labor, Authorization, Block grants, Budgets, Building construction, Competitive bidding, Congress, Congressional investigations, Congressional reporting requirements, Construction costs, Criminal justice, Criminal justice information, Employee selection, Federal aid to housing, Federal aid to Indians, Federal-Indian relations, Federally-guaranteed loans, Fees, Finance, Government information, Government paperwork, Government procurement, Government publicity, Hawaii, Hawaiians, Housing, Housing finance, Housing subsidies, Identification of criminals, Illegal aliens, Immigration, Income tax, Indian housing, Indian law enforcement, Indians, Labor, Law enforcement officers, Low-income housing, Minorities, Oklahoma, Police, Public contracts, Real estate development, Residential rehabilitation, Tax credits, Taxation, Welfare
Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Presented to President. Bill TextTo reauthorize the programs for housing assistance for Native Americans. 9/6/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - (Sec.2) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for making of block grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) on behalf of Indian tribes for carrying out affordable housing activities. Considers, for purposes of the procurement and supply of personal property and nonpersonal services for executive agencies, a tribe or tribally designated housing entity to be an executive agency when carrying out housing programs, services, functions, and activities under such tribe or entity and its employees to be eligible to have access to such supply sources as executive agency employees. Requires, with respect to any grant made under NAHASDA that is intended to benefit one [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Armed forces, Civil liberties, Commemorations, Congress, Congressional committees (House), Congressional hearings, Congressional tributes, Congressional witnesses, Conspiracy, Criminal investigation, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Europe, Families, Foreign policy, Governmental investigations, Human rights, International affairs, Ireland, Law, Lawyers, Legislation, Murder, Northern Ireland, Paramilitary forces, Political violence, Politics and government, United Kingdom
Latest Action: 03/19/2007 - Notwithstanding the Senate's previous adoption of H.Con.Res. 20, the adoption of the amendment to the preamble was vitiated by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3283) Bill TextCalling on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full, independent, and public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Patrick Finucane, as recommended by Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park Agreement, in order to move forward on the Northern Ireland peace process. 3/15/2007--Passed Senate without amendment. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on January 30, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses deepest condolences to the family of Patrick Finucane on his death, commends their steadfast pursuit of justice in his brutal murder, and thanks his wife Geraldine and son Michael for their willingness to testify on this matter before committees of the House of Representatives. Supports Administration efforts in seeking full implementation of the Weston Park Agreement and establishment of [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Arab-Israeli conflict, Armed forces, Collective security, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Democracy, Foreign leaders, Foreign policy, Genocide, International affairs, Iran, Israel, Middle East and North Africa, Nuclear nonproliferation, Nuclear weapons, Politics and government, Sovereignty, United Nations, Weapons systems
Latest Action: 06/21/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill TextCalling on the United Nations Security Council to charge Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and United Nations Charter because of his calls for the destruction of the State of Israel. 6/20/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Condemns Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's statements and policies aimed at Israel's destruction. Calls on the U.N. Security Council to charge President Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and Article 2, Section 4, of the U.N. Charter. Calls on the Security Council and all U.N. member states to consider stronger measures to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, which would be a dangerous violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a potential means of carrying out President Ahmadinejad's threats against Israel. [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Civil liberties, Civil-military relations, Communications, Criminal justice, Democracy, Dissenters, Foreign policy, Freedom of speech, Freedom of the press, Human rights, International affairs, International agencies, International law, Latin America, Law, Murder, Opposition (Political science), Organization of American States (OAS), Police brutality, Political parties, Political persecution, Politics and government, Rule of law, Torture, Venezuela
Latest Action: 04/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. Bill TextCalling on the Government of Venezuela to uphold the human rights and civil liberties of the people of Venezuela. 1/31/2007--Introduced. Expresses support for the people of Venezuela in their daily struggle for freedom, democratic self-governance, and the establishment of the rule of law. Calls on the government of Venezuela to: (1) abide by its obligations under international human rights treaties and international humanitarian law to ensure the rights of all individuals, irrespective of their political views; and (2) end killings, torture, and ill treatment by the police and military. Encourages: (1) the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) to monitor the human rights situation in Venezuela; and (2) the President and the Secretary of State to assist democracy and human rights activists and the nonviolent democratic opposition in Venezuela. Expresses support for the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) for his [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Business, Constitution, Constitutional amendments, Estate tax, Executive departments, Foreign policy, Gift tax, Government and business, Government corporations, Government property, Income tax, International affairs, Privatization, State and local government, State constitutions, State laws, Taxation
Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. Bill TextProposing an amendment the Constitution of the United States relative to abolishing personal income, estate, and gift taxes and prohibiting the United States Government from engaging in business in competition with its citizens. 2/7/2007--Introduced. Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the U.S. government from engaging in any business, professional, commercial, financial, or industrial enterprise except as specified in the Constitution. Prohibits the constitution or laws of any state, or the laws of the United States, from being subject to the terms of any foreign or domestic agreement which would abrogate this amendment.Requires any activities of the U.S. government which violate the intent and purposes of this amendment to be liquidated and the properties and facilities affected to be sold within three years from the date of ratification of this amendment. Repeals the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution three years after ratification of this amendment and thereafter [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Canada, Connecticut, Disaster relief, Emergency management, Foreign policy, International affairs, International cooperation, Interstate compacts, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, State and local government, Vermont
Latest Action: 12/26/2007 - Signed by President. Bill TextA joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding. 12/26/2007--Public Law. (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Grants the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding entered into between the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut and the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.
Also tagged in: Advice and consent of the Senate, Air pollution, Armed forces, Climate change, Conferences, Congress, Congressional delegations, Defense policy, Economic growth, Economic policy, Environmental protection, Environmental technology, Foreign policy, Greenhouse gases, International affairs, International environmental cooperation, National security, Negotiations, Senate, Technology, Treaty-making power
Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden without amendment and with a preamble. Without written report. Bill TextA resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the need for the United States to address global climate change through the negotiation of fair and effective international commitments. 3/29/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should act to reduce risks posed by global climate change and to foster economic growth by: (1) participating in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and leading efforts in other international fora with the objective of securing U.S. participation in binding agreements that advance and protect U.S. interests, that establish mitigation commitments by all countries that are major emitters of greenhouse gases, that establish flexible international mechanisms to minimize the [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Abandonment of family, Actions and defenses, Administrative fees, Administrative procedure, Administrative remedies, Admission of nonimmigrants, Adoption, Advice and consent of the Senate, Aliens, Armed forces, Census, Child welfare, Children, Citizenship, Communications, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional reporting requirements, Counseling, Criminal justice, Custody of children, Data banks, Defense policy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, Diplomats, Electronic data interchange, Electronic government information, Emigration, Employee training, Executive departments, Executive reorganization, Families, Family services, Federal employees, Fees, Fines (Penalties), Fingerprints, Foreign policy, Foster home care, Fraud, Government employees, Government information, Immigration, International affairs, International cooperation, International employees, Job training, Judicial review, Law, Medical care, Medical records, Medicine, Military personnel, Orphans, Parent and child, Parental consent, Passports, Physical examinations, Presidential appointments, Presidents, Residence requirements, Social services, Support of dependents, Technology, Telecommunication, Translating and interpreting, Treaty-making power, Vaccines, Visas, Welfare
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. Bill TextTo reform Federal procedures relating to intercountry adoption. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Intercountry Adoption Reform Act of 2007 or the ICARE Act - Establishes an Office of Intercountry Adoptions within the Department of State to be headed by the Ambassador at Large for Intercountry Adoptions. Transfers to the Office all functions with respect to intercountry adoptions currently performed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise: (1) conditions for automatic citizenship for children born outside the United States, including for adopted children; and (2) requirements concerning the history of parents' physical presence in the United States or its possessions. Defines the term "full and final adoption." Prescribes procedural requirements for the adoption of foreign-born children by U.S. citizens.Establishes a nonimmigrant W-visa for an adoptable child coming into the United States for adoption by [...] show full description
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Latest Legislation - View All
Also tagged in: Business, China, Civil liberties, Communications, Computer software, Computers, Dissenters, East Asia, Electronic surveillance, Foreign policy, Hotels, motels, etc., Human rights, Intelligence activities, International affairs, Internet, Olympic games, Political persecution, Politics and government, Reporters and reporting, Right of privacy, Sports, Technology, Telecommunication, Tourism, Web sites
Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7790-7791) Bill TextA resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the deterioration of respect for privacy and human rights in the People's Republic of China before the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. 7/30/2008--Introduced. Calls upon the government of the People's Republic of China to: (1) rescind the order requiring hotels to allow the Public Security Bureau to install hardware and software on the hotel networks; and (2) refrain from targeting individuals who visit websites related to politics or human rights or who express opinions related to politics or human rights in electronic communication.Expresses concern over the deterioration of respect for human rights in China leading up to the Beijing Olympics and for the safety and privacy of international visitors and journalists traveling to China for the Olympics.Notes that the behavior of the Chinese government violates several international conventions to which China is a signatory, violates its commitments to the International [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Compensation (Law), Criminal justice, Finance, Foreign policy, Government liability (International law), International affairs, International claims, Law, Libya, Liens, Middle East and North Africa, Terrorism
Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House. Bill TextA bill to resolve pending claims against Libya by United States nationals, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Libyan Claims Resolution Act - States that Congress supports the President's efforts to provide fair compensation to all U.S. nationals who have terrorism-related claims against Libya as part of the process of restoring normal U.S.-Libya relations. Defines "claims agreement" as a binding international agreement between the United States and Libya that provides for the settlement of terrorism-related claims of U.S. nationals against Libya through fair compensation Authorizes the Secretary of State, after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees, to designate one or more entities to assist in providing compensation to U.S. nationals pursuant [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Affiliated corporations, Alien property, American investments, Armed forces, Arms sales, Ballistic missiles, Business, Civil service retirement, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional oversight, Congressional reporting requirements, Conventional weapons, Corporate accountability, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Depreciation and amortization, Development credit institutions, Diplomats, Education, Educational exchanges, Energy, Energy research, Energy supplies, Exchange of persons programs, Export controls, Export finance, Federal employees, Finance, Foreign aid, Foreign banks and banking, Foreign investments, Foreign loans, Foreign policy, Free trade, Geology, Geophysical prediction, Government employees, Government ownership, Government procurement, Governmental investigations, Guided missiles, Higher education, Import restrictions, Income tax, International affairs, International broadcasting, International control of nuclear power, International finance, Investments, Iran, Law, Licenses, Middle East and North Africa, Natural resources, Nuclear exports, Nuclear fuels, Nuclear nonproliferation, Pension funds, Pensions, Petroleum industry, Politics and government, President and foreign policy, Presidents, Public contracts, Radio broadcasting, Reactor fuel reprocessing, Research and development, Russia, Sanctions (International law), Science policy, Subsidiary corporations, Tax deductions, Tax-deferred compensation plans, Taxation, Telecommunication, Terrorism, Trade, Trade agreements, United Nations, Uranium enrichment, War and emergency powers, Weapons of mass destruction, Weapons systems
Latest Action: 07/07/2008 - Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Baucus. With written report No. 110-408. Additional views filed. Bill TextAn original bill to impose sanctions on Iran and for other purposes. 7/7/2008--Reported to Senate without amendment. (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Iran Sanctions Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning a variety of existing and proposed sanctions against Iran. (Sec. 4) States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the President to use military force against Iran. (Sec. 5) Defines specified terms. (Sec. 6) Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand the definition of "person" to include: (1) a financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, or any other business organization, including any foreign subsidiary, parent, or affiliate of one of the foregoing; and (2) an export credit agency that is a governmental entity operating [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Armed forces, Defense policy, Energy, Export controls, Foreign policy, International affairs, International cooperation, Iran, Law, Licenses, Middle East and North Africa, Nuclear energy, Nuclear exports, Nuclear nonproliferation, Saudi Arabia, Technology, Technology transfer, Trade
Latest Action: 06/25/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill TextA bill to restrict nuclear cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 6/25/2008--Introduced. Affirms the strong and historic ties between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Disapproves of the May 2008 Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the United States of America and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Concerning Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Other Energy Fields. Reiterates that the United States is committed to nuclear weapons nonproliferation and to preventing the Islamic Republic of Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons. States that: (1) no agreement for nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may enter into force on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) no nuclear materials and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology shall be exported or reexported, or transferred or retransferred, and no federal agency shall issue any license or authorization [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Animals, Biological diversity, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional reporting requirements, Conservation of natural resources, Developing countries, Diplomacy, Economic policy, Endangered species, Environmental protection, Foreign aid, Foreign policy, International affairs, International agencies, International environmental cooperation, Natural resources, Nature conservation, Sustainable development
Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. Bill TextA resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the need for the United States to lead renewed international efforts to assist developing nations in conserving natural resources and preventing the impending extinction of a large portion of the world's plant and animal species. 6/24/2008--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should: (1) identify global conservation goals that help ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and protect biological diversity in terrestrial and marine environments of developing countries; and (2) work with donor nations and international organizations in support of such goals.
Also tagged in: Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional oversight, Energy, Foreign policy, International affairs, International cooperation, Nuclear energy, President and foreign policy, Presidents, Russia
Latest Action: 09/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8454-8455) Bill TextA joint resolution relating to the approval of the proposed agreement for nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation. 6/24/2008--Introduced. States that Congress does favor the proposed agreement for cooperation (concerning civilian nuclear cooperation with the Russian Federation) transmitted to Congress by the President on May 13, 2008.
Also tagged in: Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional oversight, Congressional veto, Energy, Foreign policy, International affairs, International cooperation, Nuclear energy, President and foreign policy, Presidents, Russia
Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Bill TextProviding for the disapproval of the Congress of the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. 6/24/2008--Introduced. Expresses congressional disfavor of the proposed agreement for cooperation (concerning civilian nuclear cooperation with the Russian Federation) transmitted to the Congress by the President on May 13, 2008.
Also tagged in: Armed forces, Defense policy, Energy, Export controls, Foreign policy, International affairs, International cooperation, Iran, Law, Licenses, Middle East and North Africa, Nuclear energy, Nuclear exports, Nuclear nonproliferation, Saudi Arabia, Technology, Technology transfer, Trade
Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1261-1262) Bill TextTo restrict nuclear cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 6/18/2008--Introduced. Affirms the strong and historic ties between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Disapproves of the May 2008 Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the United States of America and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Concerning Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Other Energy Fields. Reiterates that the United States is committed to nuclear weapons nonproliferation and to preventing the Islamic Republic of Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons. States that: (1) no agreement for nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may enter into force on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) no nuclear materials and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology shall be exported or reexported, or transferred or retransferred, and no federal agency shall issue any license or authorization for [...] show full description
Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. Bill TextA bill to amend the Iran, North Korea, and Syria nonproliferation Act to allow certain extraordinary payments in connection with the International Space Station. 6/9/2008--Introduced. International Space Station Payments Act of 2008 - Amends the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act to exempt from the prohibition on "extraordinary payments'' U.S. government payments made between January 1, 2012, and reentry into Earth's atmosphere of the International Space Station (ISS) at its end of life for work or services necessary to meet U.S. obligations under the Agreement Concerning Cooperation on the Civil International Space Station. (Extraordinary payments are those made for work on the ISS which the Russian government pledged to provide at its expense and those for work on the ISS, or for the purchase of goods or services relating to human space flight, that are not required to be made under the terms of a contract or other agreement that was in effect on January [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Air pollution, Air pollution control, Animals, China, Climate change, East Asia, Endangered species, Environmental protection, Foreign policy, Greenhouse gases, India, International affairs, International environmental cooperation, Natural resources, South Asia
Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4804-4805) Bill TextA bill to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to temporarily prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from considering global climate change as a natural or manmade factor in determining whether a species is a threatened or endangered species, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from considering global climate change as a natural or manmade factor in the determination as to whether a species is threatened or endangered until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notifies the Secretary that: (1) each major emitter of greenhouse gas (GHG) (specifically including China, India, and the United States) has ratified an international agreement to reduce the quantity of GHGs emitted; and (2) any such emitter found to not to be in compliance with such agreement, in any year, becomes compliant. Makes this Act effective as of January 1, 2006.
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