Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Vetoed by President. (text of veto message: CR H5535)

Bill Text
To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Provides for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY2012.Revises agricultural and related programs, including provisions respecting: (1) commodity programs; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) horticulture and organic agriculture; (11) livestock; (12) crop insurance and disaster assistance; (13) socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers; and (14) miscellaneous programs.Directs the President to establish and maintain an importer declaration program with respect to the importation of softwood lumber and softwood lumber products.Establishes the Bill Emerson National Hunger [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To amend the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to implement MARPOL Annex VI. 6/26/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 3 other summaries) Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (Act) to provide for the adoption of Annex VI (Prevention of Air Pollution From Ships Enforcement) of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL Convention, which includes any Protocols or Annexes entered into force for the United States). Makes the Act, with respect to Annex VI, applicable to: (1) ships in a port, shipyard, offshore terminal, or U.S. internal waters; (2) a ship that is bound for, or departing from, a port, shipyard, offshore terminal, or the internal waters of the United States and is in navigable U.S. waters or the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an emission control, or other specified area; (3) a ship that is entitled to fly the flag of, or operating [...]

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Latest Action: 06/20/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in all of its forms, including scientific and other special permit whaling, coastal whaling, and community-based whaling, and seek to strengthen the conservation and management measures to facilitate the conservation of whale species, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--Passed House 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.) Declares that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should: (1) use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling, including scientific, special permit, coastal, and community-based whaling; (2) oppose any initiative that would result in any new, Commission-sanctioned coastal or community-based whaling, even if [...]

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Latest Action: 06/19/2008 - Considered as unfinished business.

Bill Text
Condemning postelection violence in Zimbabwe and calling for a peaceful resolution to the current political crisis. 6/19/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the campaign of violence and harassment in Zimbabwe conducted by the ruling party and its supporters in the police and military against members of the opposition and other civilians. Calls on the government of Zimbabwe to create an environment conducive to a peaceful transition of power. Encourages the political parties to commit to forming a government that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people and promotes national unity. Urges the international community, under the leadership of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to deploy monitors to ensure that the presidential runoff election reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people. Commends: (1) the people of Zimbabwe for their [...]

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Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To amend the International Center Act to authorize the lease or sublease of certain property described in such Act to an entity other than a foreign government or international organization if certain conditions are met.

6/26/2008--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.)

Amends the International Center Act to authorize the lease or sublease of property identified by the District of Columbia as tax lots 803, 804, 805, and 806 to an entity other than a foreign government or international organization, so long as the Secretary of State maintains the right to approve the occupant and the intended use of the property.

Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Commending the efforts of those who sought to block an international arms transfer destined for Zimbabwe, where the government has unleashed a campaign of violence and intimidation against members of the political opposition, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--Passed House 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.) Recognizes the efforts of: (1) southern African trade unions, religious leaders, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about a possible weapons transfer to Zimbabwe as part of a campaign to address Zimbabwe's worsening political, economic, and humanitarian crisis; and (2) southern African governments which denied access through their territories for a weapons shipment destined for a regime that continues to perpetuate gross human rights violations against its own citizens. Urges the United States to continue [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Veto message received in Senate. Ordered held at the desk.

Bill Text
To provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

5/22/2007--Introduced.

Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - Extends and revises agricultural and related programs respecting: (1) commodities; (2) sugar; (3) dairy; (4) conservation; (5) exports and trade assistance; (6) food stamps and nutrition; (7) agricultural credit; (8) rural development; (9) rural electrification; (10) agricultural research; (11) forestry; (12) energy; (13) specialty crops; and (14) livestock.

Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A joint resolution directing the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean. 10/4/2007--Passed 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.) Declares that: (1) the United States should initiate discussions to negotiate international agreements for managing migratory, transboundary, and straddling fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean and establishing new international fisheries management organizations for the region; (2) such agreements should conform with the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and contain mechanisms for establishing elements necessary for sustaining future Arctic fish stocks; (3) as international fisheries agreements are negotiated and [...]

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Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4973-4974)

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in all of its forms and seek to strengthen measures to conserve whale species.
Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to develop a policy to address the critical needs of Iraqi refugees. 6/23/2008--Introduced. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the position of White House Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons who shall: (1) develop and implement U.S. policies, and coordinate federal functions, to address the protection, resettlement, and assistance needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons; (2) monitor the development and implementation of assistance strategies to countries in the Middle East hosting Iraqi refugees; (3) ensure that the President's budget requests to Congress are sufficient to meet the needs of such persons, including providing assistance for international efforts on behalf of such persons; (4) serve as principal liaison with the government of Iraq and the international community and organizations that are assisting such persons; and (5) ensure that the U.S. government will encourage refugee returns only when conditions [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to develop a policy to address the critical needs of Iraqi refugees. 6/23/2008--Introduced. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the position of White House Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons who shall: (1) develop and implement U.S. policies, and coordinate federal functions, to address the protection, resettlement, and assistance needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons; (2) monitor the development and implementation of assistance strategies to countries in the Middle East hosting Iraqi refugees; (3) ensure that the President's budget requests to Congress are sufficient to meet the needs of such persons, including providing assistance for international efforts on behalf of such persons; (4) serve as principal liaison with the government of Iraq and the international community and organizations that are assisting such persons; and (5) ensure that the U.S. government will encourage refugee returns only when conditions [...]

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Latest Action: 06/20/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To develop a policy to address the critical needs of Iraqi refugees. 6/20/2008--Introduced. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the position of White House Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons who shall: (1) develop and implement U.S. policies, and coordinate federal functions, to address the protection, resettlement, and assistance needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons; (2) monitor the development and implementation of assistance strategies to countries in the Middle East hosting Iraqi refugees; (3) ensure that the President's budget requests to Congress are sufficient to meet the needs of such persons, including providing assistance for international efforts on behalf of such persons; (4) serve as principal liaison with the government of Iraq and the international community and organizations that are assisting such persons; and (5) ensure that the U.S. government will encourage refugee returns only when conditions permit [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Commending the efforts of those who sought to block an international arms transfer destined for Zimbabwe, where the government has unleashed a campaign of violence and intimidation against members of the political opposition, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--Passed House 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.) Recognizes the efforts of: (1) southern African trade unions, religious leaders, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about a possible weapons transfer to Zimbabwe as part of a campaign to address Zimbabwe's worsening political, economic, and humanitarian crisis; and (2) southern African governments which denied access through their territories for a weapons shipment destined for a regime that continues to perpetuate gross human rights violations against its own citizens. Urges the United States to continue [...]

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Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4973-4974)

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in all of its forms and seek to strengthen measures to conserve whale species.
Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Vetoed by President. (text of veto message: CR H5535)

Bill Text
To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Provides for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY2012.Revises agricultural and related programs, including provisions respecting: (1) commodity programs; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) horticulture and organic agriculture; (11) livestock; (12) crop insurance and disaster assistance; (13) socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers; and (14) miscellaneous programs.Directs the President to establish and maintain an importer declaration program with respect to the importation of softwood lumber and softwood lumber products.Establishes the Bill Emerson National Hunger [...]

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Latest Action: 06/19/2008 - Considered as unfinished business.

Bill Text
Condemning postelection violence in Zimbabwe and calling for a peaceful resolution to the current political crisis. 6/19/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the campaign of violence and harassment in Zimbabwe conducted by the ruling party and its supporters in the police and military against members of the opposition and other civilians. Calls on the government of Zimbabwe to create an environment conducive to a peaceful transition of power. Encourages the political parties to commit to forming a government that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people and promotes national unity. Urges the international community, under the leadership of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to deploy monitors to ensure that the presidential runoff election reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people. Commends: (1) the people of Zimbabwe for their [...]

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Latest Action: 06/20/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in all of its forms, including scientific and other special permit whaling, coastal whaling, and community-based whaling, and seek to strengthen the conservation and management measures to facilitate the conservation of whale species, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--Passed House 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.) Declares that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should: (1) use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling, including scientific, special permit, coastal, and community-based whaling; (2) oppose any initiative that would result in any new, Commission-sanctioned coastal or community-based whaling, even if [...]

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