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Latest Action: 10/02/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

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A bill to prevent and reduce trafficking in persons.

7/28/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Trafficking in Persons Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to grant U.S. courts additional extraterritorial jurisdiction over criminal offenses involving peonage, slavery, sales of persons into involuntary servitude, forced labor, trafficking in persons, and sex trafficking of children if: (1) the alleged offender or victim of any such offense is a national or permanent resident of the United States; or (2) the alleged offender is present in the United States, irrespective of the nationality of such offender.

Prohibits U.S. prosecution of an alleged trafficking offender who is prosecuted by a foreign government whose jurisdiction is recognized by the United States, except upon the approval of the Attorney General or the Deputy Attorney General.

Latest Action: 10/02/2008 - Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.

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A resolution reducing maternal mortality both at home and abroad.
Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Signed by President.

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A bill to prohibit the recruitment or use of child soldiers, to designate persons who recruit or use child soldiers as inadmissible aliens, to allow the deportation of persons who recruit or use child soldiers, and for other purposes. 9/8/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 3 other summaries) Child Soldiers Accountability Act of 2008- Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or 20-year prison term for knowingly recruiting, enlisting, or conscripting a person under 15 years of age into an armed force or group (other than a group assembled solely for nonviolent political association) or using such person to participate actively in combat hostilities, or attempting or conspiring to do so, knowing such person is under 15 years of age. Imposes a life sentence if the death of any person results from a violation of this Act. Provides for: (1) expanded jurisdiction for prosecuting U.S. nationals and resident aliens who violate this Act; and [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Europe.

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Expressing the sense of Congress that the people of the United States should grieve for the loss of life that defined the Third Reich and celebrate the continued education efforts for tolerance and justice, reaffirming the commitment of the United States to the fight against intolerance and prejudice in any form, and honoring the legacy of transparent procedure, government accountability, the rule of law, the pursuit of justice, and the struggle for universal freedom and human rights. 1/5/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of Congress that the people of the United States should grieve for the loss of life that defined the Third Reich and celebrate the continued education efforts for tolerance and justice. States that: (1) the United States reaffirms its commitment to the fight against intolerance and prejudice; (2) Congress urges all members of the international community to honor those individuals of all races, creeds, and colors who were killed by the Nazis; and [...]

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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)

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Calling 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 03/15/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E561-563)

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Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should grant a pardon to Marcus Mosiah Garvey to clear his name and affirm his innocence of crimes for which he was unjustly prosecuted and convicted.

1/10/2007--Introduced.

Declares that Marcus Mosiah Garvey (founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association): (1) was innocent of the charges brought against him by the U.S. government; and (2) should be recognized internationally as a leader and thinker in the struggle for human rights and dignity.

Calls upon the President to endeavor to restore Garvey's honor and good name by granting him a full posthumous pardon that proclaims his conviction to have been unjust and affirms his innocence.

Latest Action: 04/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

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Calling 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 04/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia .

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Recognizing that the plight of Kashmiri Pandits has been an ongoing concern since 1989 and that their physical, political, and economic security should be safeguarded by the Government of India and the state government of Jammu and Kashmir.

2/5/2007--Introduced.

Condemns the human rights violations committed against Kashmiri Pandits.

Urges the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism by dismantling the terrorist infrastructure on territory under its control, so that all Kashmiris can live, work, and worship in peace.

Encourages the government of the Republic of India and the state government of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits are treated with respect and are able to safely return to Kashmir.

Latest Action: 02/16/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should resume normal diplomatic relations with Taiwan (the Republic of China), and for other purposes.

2/16/2007--Introduced.

Commends the people of Taiwan for establishing a multi-party democracy that respects human rights.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should abandon the "One China Policy" in favor of a "One China, One Taiwan Policy" that recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign government; (2) the President should begin the process of resuming normal diplomatic relations with Taiwan; and (3) the President and other U.S. officials should support Taiwan's full participation in international organizations for which statehood is a membership requirement.

Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Expressing the sense of Congress that the global use of child soldiers is unacceptable and that the international community should find remedies end this practice.

2/27/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the global use of child soldiers is unacceptable and that the international community should find remedies to end this practice.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/17/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8960-8961)

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A resolution calling for greater dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Government of China regarding rights for the people of Tibet, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7790-7791)

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A 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7789-7790)

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A resolution calling on the Governments of the People's Republic of China and the international community to use the upcoming Olympic Games as an opportunity to push for the parties to the conflicts in Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic to cease hostilities and revive efforts toward a peaceful resolution of their national and regional conflicts. 7/30/2008--Introduced. Expresses continued support and sympathy for the hundreds of thousands of civilians of Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic who have been affected by the ongoing violence and regional instability. Urges: (1) the United Nations, the African Union, and other international leaders to use the unique opportunity presented by the Olympics to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation in areas of conflict; (2) the government of China to press the Sudanese government to commit to a cessation of hostilities, allow the full deployment of UNAMID peacekeeping forces, and engage in good faith in [...]

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Latest Action: 07/29/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7638)

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A resolution honoring the life of, and expressing the condolences of the Senate on the passing of, Bronislaw Geremek.
Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

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A concurrent resolution commemorating Irena Sendler, a woman whose bravery saved the lives of thousands during the Holocaust and remembering her legacy of courage, selflessness, and hope.
Latest Action: 07/22/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7077)

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A resolution expressing support for a constructive dialogue on human rights issues between the United States and Bahrain.
Latest Action: 10/02/2008 - Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.

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A resolution reducing maternal mortality both at home and abroad.
Latest Action: 07/18/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Leahy under authority of the order of the Senate of 01/04/2007. With written report No. 110-425.

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An original bill making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 7/18/2008--Introduced. Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the civilian stabilization initiative; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (9) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (10) the repatriation loans program account; (11) the American Institute in Taiwan; (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) international organizations, peacekeeping, and [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2008 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6944-6945)

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A resolution urging the Government of Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Orthodox Christian Church.
Latest Action: 07/14/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6670-6671; text as passed Senate: CR S6670-6671; text of measure as introduced: CR S6653-6654)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that President George W. Bush, President Dmitry Medvedev of the Russian Federation, and other participants in the 2008 Group of Eight (G8) Summit in Toyako, Hokkaido, Japan should work together to foster a more constructive relationship, and that the Government of the Russian Federation should eschew behaviors that are inconsistent with the Group's objectives of protecting global security, economic stability, and democracy.