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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: 05/19/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
To 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.

4/17/2008--Introduced.

North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008 - 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 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 extent to which the Board has achieved the goal of 12-hour-per-day broadcasting to North Korea.

States that the Special Envoy on human rights in North Korea shall have the rank of ambassador.

Sets forth specified reporting provisions.

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: 05/22/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4655-4656)

Bill Text
Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

5/14/2008--Introduced.

Reaffirms support for the legitimate, democratically-elected government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Expresses sympathy to the people of Lebanon who have again been thrust against their will into a Hizballah-initiated conflict.

Condemns: (1) Hizballah's illegitimate assault on Lebanon's sovereign government; and (2) Syria and Iran for providing military support to Hizballah in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions.

Urges: (1) the U.S. government and the international community to support Lebanon's government; (2) the Security Council to condemn Syria and Iran; and (3) the European Union (EU) to designate Hizballah as a terrorist group.

Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

4/24/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes: (1) on its 60th anniversary year the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a singular achievement of the community of nations; and (2) the contribution in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution to the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Urges all U.N. member states to uphold the principles of human dignity enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially on behalf of the world's most vulnerable persons.

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. 6/12/2008--Introduced. 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 to work with African governments and multilateral institutions to compel Robert Mugabe's regime to respect the will of its citizens and find a peaceful solution to the current political standoff.[...]

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Latest Action: 06/21/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Calling 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. [...]

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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: 09/25/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerne

Bill Text
To amend the War Powers Resolution to ensure the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the initiation of hostilities by the Armed Forces, the continued use of the Armed Forces in hostilities, and the participation of the Armed Forces in military operations of the United Nations.

9/25/2007--Introduced.

Constitutional War Powers Amendments of 2007 - Rewrites the War Powers Resolution. Includes consultation procedures concerning participation in military operations of the United Nations.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Disavowing the doctrine of preemption.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States has the inherent right to defend itself against imminent or actual attack, as codified in the Charter of the United Nations and embodied in the traditions of international law, but that right does not extend to undertaking military action in the absence of such an imminent or actual attack.

Disavows the doctrine of preemption because it poses a threat to international law and to U.S. national security interests.

Latest Legislation - View All

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. 6/12/2008--Introduced. 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 to work with African governments and multilateral institutions to compel Robert Mugabe's regime to respect the will of its citizens and find a peaceful solution to the current political standoff.[...]

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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: 05/22/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4655-4656)

Bill Text
Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

5/14/2008--Introduced.

Reaffirms support for the legitimate, democratically-elected government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Expresses sympathy to the people of Lebanon who have again been thrust against their will into a Hizballah-initiated conflict.

Condemns: (1) Hizballah's illegitimate assault on Lebanon's sovereign government; and (2) Syria and Iran for providing military support to Hizballah in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions.

Urges: (1) the U.S. government and the international community to support Lebanon's government; (2) the Security Council to condemn Syria and Iran; and (3) the European Union (EU) to designate Hizballah as a terrorist group.

Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Rockefeller. With written report No. 110-333. Additional and Minority views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3117-3118)

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding provocative and dangerous statements and actions taken by the Government of the Russian Federation that undermine the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia. 5/7/2008--Passed House 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.) Condemns recent decisions by the government of the Russian Federation to establish official ties with the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a process that impedes reconciliation between those regions and the government of the Republic of Georgia and that violates Georgia's sovereignty and Russia's commitments to international peacekeeping. Calls upon the government of the Russian Federation to revoke its decision to establish official ties with the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Encourages [...]

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Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to strengthen sanctions against the Government of Syria, to enhance multilateral commitment to address the Government of Syria's threatening policies, to establish a program to support a transition to a democratically-elected government in Syria, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/29/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the political situation in Zimbabwe. 4/29/2008--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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) supporting the people of Zimbabwe; (2) that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission should immediately release the legitimate results of the presidential election and ratify the previously announced results of the parliamentary elections; (3) that President Robert Mugabe should accept the will of the people of Zimbabwe in order to effect a timely and peaceful transition to democratic rule; (4) that the U.S. government and the international community should impose targeted sanctions against individuals in the government of Zimbabwe and state security services and militias who are responsible for human rights abuses [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

4/24/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes: (1) on its 60th anniversary year the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a singular achievement of the community of nations; and (2) the contribution in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution to the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Urges all U.N. member states to uphold the principles of human dignity enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially on behalf of the world's most vulnerable persons.

Latest Action: 05/19/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
To 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.

4/17/2008--Introduced.

North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008 - 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 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 extent to which the Board has achieved the goal of 12-hour-per-day broadcasting to North Korea.

States that the Special Envoy on human rights in North Korea shall have the rank of ambassador.

Sets forth specified reporting provisions.

Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee

Bill Text
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Iraq, and the international community.

4/2/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Expresses gratitude to the coalition forces and other international supporters for their contribution and sacrifice in the efforts to bring peace to Iraq.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.