Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/06/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 5/12/2008--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.)National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement.(Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in honor of George Thomas "Mickey" Leland.

1/5/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in honor of George Thomas "Mickey" Leland; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.

Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1381-1382)

Bill Text
Providing for Operation Iraqi Freedom cost accountability. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Requires: (1) the Department of Defense Inspector General and the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to report quarterly to Congress respecting the expenditures of military and reconstruction funds in Iraq, including efforts to obtain assistance from other countries and an assessment of future funding needs; (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an audit if either Inspector General fails to submit such report; and (3) the imposition of sanctions against contractors who have engaged in profiteering or fraud. States that: (1) Congress should create a Truman Committee to conduct an ongoing study and investigation of Operation Iraqi Freedom contracts; (2) funding requests for Operation Iraqi Freedom beginning with FY2008 must come through the regular appropriations process and not through emergency supplementals; and (3) the Administration should condition [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 04/11/2007 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4385-4386)

Bill Text
A resolution calling on the United States Government and the international community to promptly develop, fund, and implement a comprehensive regional strategy in Africa to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian operations, contain and reduce violence, and contribute to conditions for sustainable peace in eastern Chad, northern Central African Republic, and Darfur, Sudan. 4/11/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Expresses concern for the more than one million citizens of Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic who have been affected by violence and instability. Calls upon the governments of Chad and Sudan to: (1) reaffirm their commitment to the Tripoli Declaration of February 8, 2006, and the N'Djamena Agreement of July 26, 2006; (2) refrain from any actions that violate these agreements; and (3) cease all support to each others' insurgent groups. Urges the government of Chad to: (1) improve accountability [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 04/12/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4456-4457)

Bill Text
A resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of soldiers of Israel held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. 4/12/2007--Passed 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.) Demands that: (1) Hamas release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; (2) Hezbollah accept the mandate of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 by releasing Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev; and (3) Hezbollah and Hamas accede to basic standards of humanitarian conduct and allow access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Expresses: (1) commitment to Israel's survival as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders; (2) support and interest in achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a viable and [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
Calling upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide, and for other purposes.

1/30/2007--Introduced.

Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution - Calls upon the President: (1) to ensure that U.S. foreign policy reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the U.S. record relating to the Armenian Genocide and the consequences of the failure to realize a just resolution; and (2) in the President's annual message commemorating the Armenian Genocide to characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide, and to recall the proud history of U.S. intervention in opposition to the Armenian Genocide.

Latest Action: 03/13/2007 - Mr. Ackerman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah, and for other purposes. 3/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Demands that: (1) Hamas release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; (2) Hezbollah accept the mandate of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 by releasing Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev; and (3) Hezbollah and Hamas accede to basic standards of humanitarian conduct and allow access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Expresses: (1) commitment to Israel's survival as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders; (2) support and interest in achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel; (3) concern for the families of Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser,[...]

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: 06/19/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Calling on the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to a political solution to the conflict in northern Uganda by engaging in good-faith negotiations, and urging immediate and substantial support for the ongoing peace process from the United States and the international community. 6/18/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Disapproves of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) leadership's inconsistent commitment to peacefully resolving the conflict in Uganda. Urges the LRA and the government of Uganda to engage in good-faith negotiations to pursue a political solution to the conflict. Encourages all regional parties to cease human rights violations and address, within the context of a broader national reconciliation process in Uganda, issues of accountability and impunity for those crimes against humanity already committed. Urges leaders on both sides of the conflict in Uganda to renounce [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/06/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution calling on the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to a political solution to the conflict in northern Uganda and to recommence vital peace talks, and urging immediate and substantial support for the ongoing peace process from the United States and the international community. 3/1/2007--Passed 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.) Disapproves of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) leadership's inconsistent commitment to peacefully resolving the conflict in Uganda. Urges the LRA and the government of Uganda to recommit to a political solution to the conflict. Entreats all regional parties to cease human rights violations and address, within the context of a broader national reconciliation process in Uganda, issues of accountability and impunity for [...]

show full description

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to address the impending humanitarian crisis and potential security breakdown as a result of the mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring countries, and the growing internally displaced population in Iraq, by increasing directed accountable assistance to these populations and their host countries, facilitating the resettlement of Iraqis at risk, and for other purposes. 9/23/2008--Introduced. Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified humanitarian assistance.Directs [...]

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

Bill Text
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 [...]

show full description
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: 07/16/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1485)

Bill Text
To address the impending humanitarian crisis and potential security breakdown as a result of the mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring countries, and the growing internally displaced population in Iraq, by increasing directed accountable assistance to these populations and their host countries, facilitating the resettlement of Iraqis at risk, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--Introduced. Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq (including internally displaced persons) and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6305; text as passed Senate: CR S6305; text of measure as introduced: CR S6297-6298)

Bill Text
A resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and honoring the veterans of Operation Vittles.

6/26/2008--Passed 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.)

Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift as the largest and longest running humanitarian airlift operation in history.

Honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women who participated in and supported the Airlift.

Commends the close friendship forged between the American, British, and German people through the Airlift.

Applauds the men and women of the U.S. Air Force's Air Mobility Command who still work diligently to provide hope, save lives, and deliver freedom around the world in support of U.S. foreign policy objectives.

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 [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 05/19/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4423-4424; text as passed Senate: CR S4423-4424; text of measure as introduced: CR S4377-4378)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the earthquake that struck Sichuan Province of the People's Republic of China on May 12, 2008.

5/19/2008--Passed 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.)

Mourns the loss of life and human suffering caused by the May 2008 earthquake in the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Expresses deep condolences to the people of the PRC and to all those affected by this enormous tragedy.

Calls on the President to respond to any requests for humanitarian assistance made by the government of the PRC, and stands ready to support the provision of additional resources to assist those impacted by the earthquake.