Top Legislation - View All

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: 05/01/2007 - Mr. Sires moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

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Expressing the sympathy of the House of Representatives to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and encouraging the Government of Guatemala to bring an end to these crimes. 5/1/2007--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.) Expresses condolences to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and recognizes the families' courage in seeking justice. Condemns the ongoing abductions and murders of women and girls in Guatemala. Urges the government of Guatemala to recognize domestic violence and sexual harassment as criminal acts and encourages the government of Guatemala to investigate the killings of women, prosecute those responsible, and eliminate the tolerance of violence against women. Supports efforts to identify perpetrators and unknown victims through forensic [...]

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Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with an amendment and with a preamble. Without written report.

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A resolution condemning the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist and human rights advocate Hrant Dink and urging the people of Turkey to honor his legacy of tolerance. 3/29/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the murder of Hrant Dink. Supports the government of Turkey's pledge to conduct an exhaustive investigation into Mr. Dink's assassination and acknowledges the prompt arrest of individuals allegedly responsible for the killing. Urges the government of Turkey to repeal Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code and work to foster a more open intellectual environment. Recognizes the government of Turkey's decision to invite senior Armenian religious and political figures to participate in memorial services for Mr. Dink. Calls on the governments of Turkey and Armenia to reestablish full diplomatic, political, and economic relations. Supports Mr. Dink's wish that Turkey pursue further [...]

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

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Noting the disturbing pattern of killings of numerous independent journalists in Russia since 2000, and urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to authorize cooperation with outside investigators in solving those murders. 6/18/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Recalls the essential role that transparency and the free flow of information play in creating democratic institutions and civil society. Recognizes the vital contribution made by independent journalists in Russia in bringing transparency and a free flow of information to readers after decades of Communist censorship and repression. Notes the disturbing trend of murders of independent journalists in Russia over the last decade. Encourages the President of the United States to offer Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials of the Russian government law enforcement investigative assistance to help identify and bring to justice those responsible [...]

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Latest Action: 01/29/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Condemning the assassination of human rights advocate and outspoken defender of freedom of the press, Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink on January 19, 2007.

1/29/2007--Introduced.

Condemns the assassination of Hrant Dink.

Urges the government of Turkey to: (1) continue its investigation and prosecution of those individuals responsible for Hrant Dink's murder; and (2) protect freedom of speech in Turkey by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code and by opposing intolerance, intimidation, and violence against individuals who are exercising their right of freedom of speech.

Latest Action: 04/16/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4550 text as passed Senate: CR S4550 text of measure as introduced: CR S4507)

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A resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate on the tragic events at Virginia Tech University.

4/16/2007--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.)

Expresses the heartfelt condolences of the Senate to the victims and their families, and to students, faculty, administration and staff and their families who have been deeply affected by the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Expresses its hope that the tragedy will lead to a shared national commitment to take steps that will help our communities prevent such tragedies in the future.

Recognizes that Virginia Tech has served as an exemplary institution of teaching, learning, and research for well over a century and will continue these proud and historic traditions.

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: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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A bill to establish within the United States Marshals Service a short term State witness protection program to provide assistance to State and local district attorneys to protect their witnesses in homicide and major violent crime cases and to provide Federal grants for such protection.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Witness Security and Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish in the U.S. Marshals Service a Short Term State Witness Protection Program to provide protection for witnesses in state and local trials involving homicide or other major violent crimes pursuant to cooperative agreements with state and local criminal prosecutor's offices and the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.

Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible prosecutor's offices for the purpose of providing short term protection to witnesses in trials involving homicide or serious violent felony.

Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Received in the House.

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A concurrent resolution condemning the kidnapping and hostage-taking of 3 United States citizens for over 4 years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and demanding their immediate and unconditional release. 12/19/2007--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.) Condemns: (1) the kidnappings of Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and calls for their immediate release; (2) FARC for the murder of Tom Janis and for its use of kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and drug trafficking, and for supporting and spreading terror within Colombia. Expresses sympathy to the hostages' relatives. Reconfirms that the U.S. government does not make concessions to terrorists. Reiterates that the U.S. government [...]

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Latest Action: 02/12/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Condemning the assassination of human rights advocate and outspoken defender of freedom of the press, Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink on January 19, 2007.

2/12/2007--Introduced.

Condemns the assassination of Hrant Dink.

Urges the government of Turkey to: (1) continue its investigation and prosecution of those individuals responsible for Hrant Dink's murder; and (2) protect freedom of speech in Turkey by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code and by opposing intolerance, intimidation, and violence against individuals who are exercising their right of freedom of speech.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7197; text as passed Senate: CR S7197; text of measure as introduced: CR S7179)

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A resolution honoring and commemorating the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police on July 24, 1998, and expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the Senate for the professionalism and dedication of the United States Capitol Police. 7/23/2008--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.) Honors and commemorates the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut and Detective John Michael Gibson of the U.S. Capitol Police on July 24, 1998. Expresses: (1) the condolences of the Senate to the wives, children, and other family members of Private First Class Chestnut and Detective Gibson on the 10-year anniversary of their passing; (2) gratitude and appreciation [...]

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Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Mr. Brady (PA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

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Honoring and commemorating the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police on July 24, 1998.

7/23/2008--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.)

Honors and commemorates the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut and Detective John Michael Gibson of the U.S. Capitol Police on July 24, 1998.

Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives to the wives, children, and other family members of Private First Class Chestnut and Detective Gibson on the 10 year anniversary of their passing.

Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6095-6096; text as passed Senate: CR S6095-6096; text of measure as introduced: CR S6025-6026)

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A resolution commemorating the 44th anniversary of the deaths of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi, while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which has become known as "Freedom Summer".
Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

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Commemorating the 44th anniversary of the deaths of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi, while working in the name of American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, which has became known as "Freedom Summer".

6/20/2008--Introduced.

Encourages all Americans to: (1) pause and remember Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner and the 44th anniversary of their deaths; (2) commemorate their lives and work, and those of all other brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of civil rights and voting rights for all Americans; and (3) commemorate and acknowledge the legacy of the brave Americans who participated in the civil rights movement and the role that they played in changing the hearts and minds of Americans, and creating the political climate necessary to pass legislation to expand such rights.

Latest Action: 07/28/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

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To amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen penalties for child pornography offenses, child sex trafficking offenses, and other sexual offenses committed against children. 6/3/2008--Introduced. Prevention and Deterrence of Crimes Against Children Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to increase criminal penalties for offenses relating to the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, transportation of minors for illicit sexual purposes, child sex trafficking and prostitution, and sex crimes against children resulting in death. Directs the Attorney General to notify the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security of individuals, including aliens, who are convicted of sex offenses against children. Requires the Secretary of State to deny passports for such individuals and authorizes the Secretary to revoke, restrict, or limit a passport issued to a convicted sex offender if the passport was used to transport a minor for illicit sexual purposes.[...]

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Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4111-4112)

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A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen penalties for child pornography offenses, child sex trafficking offenses, and other sexual offenses committed against children. 5/13/2008--Introduced. Prevention and Deterrence of Crimes Against Children Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to increase criminal penalties for offenses relating to the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, transportation of minors for illicit sexual purposes, child sex trafficking and prostitution, and sex crimes against children resulting in death. Directs the Attorney General to notify the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security of individuals, including aliens, who are convicted of sex offenses against children. Requires the Secretary of State to deny passports for such individuals and authorizes the Secretary to revoke, restrict, or limit a passport issued to a convicted sex offender if the passport was used in furtherance of sex crimes involving [...]

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Latest Action: 03/05/2008 - Mr. Davis (IL) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

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Expressing the condolences of the House to those affected by the devastating shooting incident of February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. 3/5/2008--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.) Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed in the tragic shooting on February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. Extends support and prayers to those who were wounded and wishes them a speedy recovery. Commends the emergency responders, law enforcement officers, health care providers, and counselors who performed their duties with professionalism and dedication in response to the tragedy. Reaffirms the House of Representative's commitment to helping ensure that our schools are safe and secure [...]

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Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1100-1101; text as passed Senate: CR S1100-1101; text of measure as introduced: CR S1142-1143)

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A resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate to those affected by the devastating shooting incident of February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. 2/25/2008--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.) Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed in the tragic shooting on February 14, 2008, at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. Extends support and prayers to those who were wounded and wishes them a speedy recovery. Commends the emergency responders, law enforcement officers, health care providers, and counselors who performed their duties with professionalism and dedication in response to the tragedy. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to helping ensure that our schools are safe and secure environments for learning.[...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

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To reauthorize the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, and for other purposes. 7/14/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to: (1) require state and local governments to implement a process for the collection of DNA samples from all felons in their prisons for inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (2) allow use of grant funds for DNA analyses of samples from missing or unidentified persons; and (3) increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for such Act for FY2010-FY2014. (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress that as a result of the DNA analysis backlog violent crimes remain unsolved and wrongfully convicted individuals have not been determined to be innocent. Requires the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Attorney General [...]

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Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Signed by President.

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To provide for the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, as previously enrolled, with certain modifications to address the foreign sovereign immunities provisions of title 28, United States Code, with respect to the attachment of property in certain judgements against Iraq, the lapse of statutory authorities for the payment of bonuses, special pays, and similar benefits for members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. 1/28/2008--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on January 16, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for [...]

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