Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Signed by President.

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A bill to provide needed housing reform and for other purposes. 5/8/2008--House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment.    (There are 3 other summaries) American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - Title I: FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention - FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 - Subtitle A: Homeownership Retention - (Sec. 112) Amends the National Housing Act (NHA) to create the Refinance Program Oversight Board, which shall establish and oversee a program for insuring homeownership retention mortgages. Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any homeownership retention mortgage covering a one- to four-family residence made to pay or prepay outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage on the residence. Sets forth mortgagor eligibility criteria, including mortgagor certification that: (1) the residence is the only residence [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5111-5112)

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A joint resolution providing for the recognition of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel before the United States recognizes a Palestinian state, and for other purposes.

4/25/2007--Introduced.

Jerusalem Resolution - Requires the United States, not later than 180 days before recognizing a Palestinian state, to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Prohibits U.S. recognition of a Palestinian state until the international community resolves the status of Jerusalem by recognizing the city as Israel's undivided capital.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the citizens of Israel should be allowed, as a fundamental human right recognized by the United States and U.N. General Assembly Resolution 181 of November 29, 1947, to worship freely and according to their traditions.

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

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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 [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. 4/25/2007--Introduced. Congratulates: (1) the residents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel on the 40th anniversary of the reunification of that historic city; and (2) the people of Israel on the 59th anniversary of their independence. Believes that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected as they have been by Israel during the past 40 years. Calls upon the President and Secretary of State to affirm as a matter of U.S. policy that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel. Urges: (1) the President to discontinue the waiver contained in the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and begin the process of relocating the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; and (2) U.S. officials to refrain from any actions that contradict U.S. law on this subject. Reaffirms Israel's right to take necessary steps to prevent [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Star Print ordered on the concurrent resolution.

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Relating to the 40th anniversary of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem. 6/5/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Congratulates: (1) the citizens of Israel on the 40th anniversary of the Six Day War; and (2) the residents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel on the 40th anniversary of the reunification of that historic city. Commends: (1) those former combatant states of the Six Day War, Egypt and Jordan, who in subsequent years had the wisdom and courage to embrace peace and coexistence with Israel; and (2) Israel for its administration of Jerusalem for the past 40 years, during which Israel has respected the rights of all religious groups. Reiterates the commitment to the provisions of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and calls upon the President and U.S. officials to abide by its provisions. Urges the Palestinians and Arab countries to join with Israel in peace negotiations to resolve the Arab-Israeli [...]

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Latest Action: 06/20/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to relocating the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

6/20/2007--Introduced.

States that Congress maintains its commitment to relocating the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, and urges the President, pursuant to the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, to begin such relocation.

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

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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,[...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 125.

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Expressing deep concern over the use of civilians as "human shields" in violation of international humanitarian law, including Hezbollah's tactic of embedding its forces among civilians to use them as human shields during the summer of 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and the State of Israel.

4/25/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Condemns the use of innocent civilians as human shields, including Hezbollah's recent use of this brutal and illegal tactic during the 2006 summer conflict with Israel.

Calls on: (1) responsible nations to condemn the use of civilians as human shields as a violation of international humanitarian law; and (2) responsible nations and experts in the area of international humanitarian law to focus particular attention on the use of human shields in violation of international humanitarian law and make recommendations for its prevention.

Latest Action: 04/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia .

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Urging the President to appoint a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.

2/8/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should appoint a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.

Latest Action: 04/01/2008 - Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1836-1839)

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Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the creation of refugee populations in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region as a result of human rights violations. 4/1/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) States that any comprehensive Middle East peace agreement must resolve all outstanding issues relating to the legitimate rights of all refugees in the Middle East, including Jews, Christians, and other displaced populations. States that the President should instruct the U.S. Representative to the United Nations and all U.S. representatives in bilateral and multilateral fora to: (1) use U.S. influence to ensure that Middle East refugee resolutions which include a reference to the required resolution of the Palestinian refugee issue must also include a similarly explicit reference to the resolution of the issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries; and (2) make clear that the U.S. government [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 05/14/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the commitment of Congress to continue to make it a priority to fight anti-Semitism and to promote tolerance at home and abroad.

5/14/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the commitment of Congress to make it a priority to fight anti-Semitism and to promote tolerance at home and abroad.

States that it shall be U.S. policy to consider whether a foreign government actively or passively foments anti-Semitism when evaluating bilateral relationships.

Condemns the continuing anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activities and rhetoric at the United Nations.

Calls on: (1) the President to use U.S. influence to prevent the use of the United Nations regular budget to support the planned 2009 Durban Review Conference; and (2) the Secretary General of the United Nations to officially and publicly condemn any anti-Semitic statements made at U.N. meetings.

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

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To reform the administration of the Arms Export Control Act, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Reform Act of 2008 - Title I: Reform Of Arms Export Control Procedures - Subtitle A: Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2008 - Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2008 - (Sec. 103) Directs the President, not later than March 31, 2009, to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review and assessment of the U.S. arms export controls system. Requires such review and assessment to: (1) determine the system's overall effectiveness; (2) develop processes to ensure better coordination of arms export control activities; (3) ensure control over weapons-related nuclear technology and all items on the Missile Technology Control Regime Annex; (4) determine the overall effect of arms export controls on counterterrorism, law enforcement,[...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Mr. Ackerman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Resolution condemning the endemic restrictions on freedom of the press and media and public expression in the Middle East and the concurrent and widespread presence of anti-Semitic incitement to violence and Holocaust denial in the Arab media and press. 6/18/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the restrictions on freedom of the press and expression in the Arab world and the widespread presence of anti-Semitic material, Holocaust denial, and incitement to violence in the Arab media. Deplores the practices utilized by the governments in the Middle East to exert control over the press and on public expression. Expresses concern that many of the Arab governments to which United States has turned for assistance in ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are responsible for using their government-controlled media to promulgate incendiary speech regarding Israel and the Jewish people that makes U.S. efforts to help [...]

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Latest Action: 04/22/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel.

4/22/2008--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 historic significance of the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people.

Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel.

Commends the people of Israel for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society.

Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats to its security and existence.

Extends congratulations and best wishes to Israel and the Israeli people for a peaceful and successful future.

Latest Action: 04/03/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2449)

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A resolution urging Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is also the head of the Fatah Party, to officially abrogate the 10 articles in the Fatah Constitution that call for Israel's destruction and terrorism against Israel, oppose any political solution, and label Zionism as racism.

4/3/2008--Introduced.

Urges President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (PA), who is also head of the Fatah Party, to officially abrogate the 10 articles from the Fatah Constitution that call for the destruction of Israel and terrorism against Israel, oppose any political solution, and label Zionism as racism.

Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Bill Text
Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. 4/24/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.) Recognizes the historic significance of the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms: (1) the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the United States and Israel for the past 60 years and commits to strengthening those bonds; and (2) support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats to its security and existence. Commends the people of Israel for their achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic, democratic society in the [...]

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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

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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.

Latest Action: 02/12/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S922)

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A resolution condemning in the strongest possible terms President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's statements regarding the State of Israel and the Holocaust and calling for all member States of the United Nations to do the same.

2/12/2008--Introduced.

Condemns President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's hateful and anti-Semitic statements regarding Israel and the Holocaust.

Calls on all member states of the United Nations to publicly condemn President Ahmadinejad's statements as a violation of the principles of both the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - 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, Republic of Iraq, and international community.

2/6/2008--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.

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.

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

Bill Text
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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