Top Legislation - View All

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

Bill Text
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 [...]

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

Bill Text
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: 04/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding modern-day slavery.

1/11/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the abolition of modern-day slavery should be a high priority of U.S. foreign and domestic policy and the United States should assume a leadership role in a global campaign to eliminate all forms of modern-day slavery by 2017; (2) U.S. trade, aid, and investment policies of should reflect and advance the U.S. commitment to freedom for all people; (3) the United States should expand protection and legal options for victims of modern-day slavery; (4) the United States should bring together governments, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals to form a comprehensive coalition and forge a sustained global action plan to fight modern-day slavery; and (5) the abolition of modern-day slavery should be prioritized at the 2007 Group of 8 (G-8) Summit in Germany.

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. 6/3/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) 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 implemented, the United [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 02/16/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2180-2181)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the creation of refugee populations in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region as a result of human rights violations. 2/16/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States deplores the past and continuing violation of the human rights and religious freedoms of minority populations in Arab and Muslim countries throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf; and (2) with respect to Jews, Christians, and other displaced populations from countries in the region any comprehensive Middle East peace agreement must resolve all outstanding issues, including the legitimate rights of all refugees from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf. Urges the President to instruct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations and all U.S. representatives in bilateral and multilateral fora that they should ensure that: (1) relevant text refers to multiple [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 01/26/2007 - Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit Federal funding for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Exit the OECD Act of 2007 - Prohibits the expenditure of federal funds for activities or projects undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Latest Action: 06/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that the International Olympic Committee should allow Taiwan (Republic of China) to participate in the 2008 Summer Olympics under the national name, flag, and anthem of its own choosing.

6/15/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) discriminatory treatment of Taiwan (Republic of China) by the International Olympic Committee contradicts the spirit of both the Olympic Charter and the Olympic Movement; and (2) the International Olympic Committee should allow Taiwan to compete under the national name, flag, and anthem of its own choosing.

Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes. 7/30/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) States that Congress: (1) reiterates its strongest condemnation of the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and honors the victims of the attack; (2) expresses its sympathy to the victims' relatives; (3) applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the investigation's pace and for its recently passed anti-terrorism legislation; (4) urges the government of Argentina to continue to provide the judiciary and intelligence resources necessary to fully investigate the AMIA case and bring those responsible to justice; (5) calls upon the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to issue and implement specified capture notices (red notices); and (6) calls upon responsible nations to cooperate fully [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with an amendment and with an amended preamble. Without written report.

Bill Text
Calling on the League of Arab States and each Member State individually to acknowledge the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan and to step up their efforts to stop the genocide in Darfur.

6/28/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries)

Urges the League of Arab States and each member State to: (1) declare the systematic torture, rape, and displacement of Darfurians a genocide; and (2) pass a resolution to support and accept a United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force, as agreed to by all parties to the Abuja Communique on November 30, 2006, enforce the ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure access to humanitarian assistance in Darfur.

Urges the League of Arab States work with the United Nations, the African Union, and the United States Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan, Andrew Natsios, to bring about peace and stability to Darfur, the refugee camps, and along the Chadian border.

Latest Action: 02/28/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.

Bill Text
To provide for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. 8/3/2007--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 - Provides for implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission).Title I: Homeland Security Grants - (Sec. 101) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to establish Homeland Security Grant Programs (consisting of an Urban Area Security Initiative and a State Homeland Security Grant Program). Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to award Program grants through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Provides that none of the provisions regarding grants to states and high-risk urban areas shall be construed to affect programs authorized under the Federal Fire Prevention [...]

show full description

Latest Legislation - View All

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.

Bill Text
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 [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Bill Text
A 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.

Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--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.) Reiterates condemnation of the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, honors the victims of the attack, and expresses sympathy to the victims' relatives. Applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the pace of the AMIA bombing investigation. Commends the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for upholding and issuing the Red Notices. Expresses concern regarding the government of Saudi Arabia's failure to detain certain Iranian officials in connection with the AMIA case. Urges: (1) all nations [...]

show full description
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 [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

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 [...]

show full description
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 [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/08/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with amendments. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, to enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of State to establish within the Department of State an Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. (Current law authorizes such Office's establishment.)Directs the President to implement an anti-trafficking program monitoring system.Authorizes the President to establish the Paul D. Wellstone Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons.Sets forth protections for aliens who: (1) may be trafficking victims or who may testify against traffickers (including parole entry for certain family members); (2) are work-based nonimmigrants; (3) are domestic [...]

show full description
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.

6/3/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States, through the International Whaling Commission, should: (1) use all appropriate measures to end commercial whaling in any form; (2) oppose any initiative that would result in any new, Commission-sanctioned coastal or community-based whaling, even if it is portrayed as noncommercial, including commercial whaling by coastal communities that does not qualify as aboriginal subsistence whaling; and (3) seek to strengthen conservation and management measures.

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 [...]

show full description