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Latest Action: 04/18/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

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Condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society. 4/17/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the state-sponsored violence taking place in Zimbabwe represents a serious violation of fundamental human rights and the rule of law and should be condemned by all responsible governments, civic organizations, religious leaders, and international bodies; and (2) the government of Zimbabwe has not lived up to its commitments as a signatory to the Constitutive Act of the African Union and African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights. Condemns: (1) the government of Zimbabwe's violent suppression of political and human rights; (2) government harassment and intimidation of lawyers attempting to carry out their professional obligations to their clients and repeated failure by police to comply with court decisions;[...]

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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: 06/26/2007 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8519-8520; text as passed Senate: CR S8519-8520)

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A concurrent resolution condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society. 6/26/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the state-sponsored violence taking place in Zimbabwe represents a serious violation of fundamental human rights and the rule of law and should be condemned by all responsible governments, civic organizations, religious leaders, and international bodies; and (2) the government of Zimbabwe has not lived up to its commitments as a signatory to the Constitutive Act of the African Union and African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights. Condemns: (1) the government of Zimbabwe's violent suppression of political and human rights; (2) the harassment and [...]

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Latest Action: 10/01/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12386-12388; text as passed Senate: CR S12387-12388; text of measure as introduced: CR S12383)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the situation in Burma. 10/1/2007--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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Burma; (2) calling on the government of Burma to refrain from further violence, release arrested demonstrators, cease attacks against ethnic minorities, release Aung Sang Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and begin tripartite political dialogue with Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and the ethnic minorities; (3) calling on the People's Republic of China (PRC) to remove objections to U.N. Security Council efforts to condemn actions taken by the government of Burma against the protesters; (4) calling on the PRC and other nations to suspend military assistance to Burma until [...]

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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S14201-14202)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the decision by President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to declare a state of emergency in Pakistan and calling on President Musharraf to revoke the state of emergency; (2) calling upon President Musharraf to honor his commitment to relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan and allow free parliamentary elections in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan; (3) that the U.S. government should provide assistance to facilitate such elections; (4) calling upon the government of Pakistan to conduct a full investigation into the attempted assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto; and (5) that U.S. military assistance to Pakistan should be subjected to careful review, and that assistance for certain weapons systems not directly related to the fight against Al Qaeda [...]

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Latest Action: 07/24/2007 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 110-136.

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A bill to support democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe, and for other purposes. 7/24/2007--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.)Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe Act of 2007 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support the people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to promote democracy and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe; and (2) call on President Mugabe to restore democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States welcomes the Southern African Development Community's announcement that the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, will lead negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties in Zimbabwe; (2) preparations should be made to hold free elections in accordance with international standards; (3) cooperation [...]

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Latest Action: 05/09/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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To encourage and facilitate the consolidation of security, human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia. 5/9/2007--Introduced. Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2007 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, peacekeeping capacity building, and economic development in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (2) collaborate with Ethiopia in the Global War on Terror; (3) seek the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia; (4) foster stability, democracy, and economic development in the region; and (5) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations. Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia. Prohibits until the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism [...]

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Latest Action: 02/22/2008 - Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.

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To promote freedom of expression on the Internet, to protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments, and for other purposes. 12/10/2007--Reported to House amended, Part I.    (There is 1 other summary) Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Defines, for this Act, "United States business" to mean: (1) a company with its principal place of business in the United States or that is organized under the U.S. or state laws; (2) any issuer of a security registered under specified provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (3) any foreign subsidiary of such entities to the extent such entity controls the voting shares or other equities of the foreign subsidiary or authorizes, directs, controls, or participates in acts carried out by the foreign subsidiary that are prohibited by this Act. Title I: Promotion of Global Internet Freedom - (Sec. 101) Declares [...]

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Latest Action: 02/07/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S795-796)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, and the political crisis in Pakistan. 2/7/2008--Introduced. Conveys the condolences of the people of the United States to the people of Pakistan on the tragic loss of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Condemns the December 2007 murder of Benazir Bhutto and the slaughter of at least 165 other Pakistani citizens in this attack and the prior attempt on Benazir Bhutto's life. Calls upon the government of Pakistan to: (1) bring the perpetrators to justice and to support an independent inquiry into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto; (2) ensure that free elections are held on February 18, 2008, as scheduled; (3) end the harassment of judges, opposition party activists, and lawyers; and (4) end restrictions on the media and freedom of speech. Calls upon the President to: (1) review U.S. aid to Pakistan to ensure that all assistance [...]

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Latest Action: 10/03/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

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A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the severely deteriorating human rights situation in Burma. 10/2/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the Burmese junta's crackdown on peaceful protesters in the strongest possible terms, and demands that the junta end its violent crackdown on dissent. Demands that the People's Republic of China (PRC) and other countries that provide political and economic support to Burma's military junta end such support until the Burmese regime's violent campaign against peaceful protest has ceased and the Burmese government has met the opposition's political demands. Insists that Burma's military regime begin a tripartite political dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and ethnic nationalities toward national reconciliation and the full restoration of democracy.[...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/19/2008 - Considered as unfinished business.

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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: 03/12/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Condemning the dismissal of the Supreme Court in Pakistan and calling for their reinstatement by the Government of Pakistan.

3/12/2008--Introduced.

Commends members of the legal profession in Pakistan as well as opposition politicians, human rights activists, and independent journalists for their opposition to Chief Justice Chaudhry's removal, their leadership in defending the Constitution of Pakistan, and promoting the rule of law.

Calls on the government of Pakistan to restore to their offices Chief Justice Chaudhry and all Supreme Court and high court justices and other members of the legal profession.

Latest Action: 02/07/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S795-796)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, and the political crisis in Pakistan. 2/7/2008--Introduced. Conveys the condolences of the people of the United States to the people of Pakistan on the tragic loss of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Condemns the December 2007 murder of Benazir Bhutto and the slaughter of at least 165 other Pakistani citizens in this attack and the prior attempt on Benazir Bhutto's life. Calls upon the government of Pakistan to: (1) bring the perpetrators to justice and to support an independent inquiry into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto; (2) ensure that free elections are held on February 18, 2008, as scheduled; (3) end the harassment of judges, opposition party activists, and lawyers; and (4) end restrictions on the media and freedom of speech. Calls upon the President to: (1) review U.S. aid to Pakistan to ensure that all assistance [...]

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Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Condemning the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan.

11/14/2007--Introduced.

Condemns the imposition of a state of emergency in Pakistan by General Pervez Musharraf.

Calls on General Musharraf to restore the Constitution, restore the removed judges to their positions, and release arrested opposition members.

Commends members of the legal profession in Pakistan, opposition politicians, human rights activists, and independent journalists for their opposition to the state of emergency.

Expects General Musharraf to step down as Chief of Army Staff.

Urges that free elections be held before January 15, 2008, as previously scheduled.

Urges President George W. Bush to suspend all military assistance to Pakistan until such conditions have been met.

Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S14201-14202)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the decision by President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to declare a state of emergency in Pakistan and calling on President Musharraf to revoke the state of emergency; (2) calling upon President Musharraf to honor his commitment to relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan and allow free parliamentary elections in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan; (3) that the U.S. government should provide assistance to facilitate such elections; (4) calling upon the government of Pakistan to conduct a full investigation into the attempted assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto; and (5) that U.S. military assistance to Pakistan should be subjected to careful review, and that assistance for certain weapons systems not directly related to the fight against Al Qaeda [...]

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Latest Action: 11/09/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H13513)

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Calling for an end to the state of emergency in Pakistan.

11/8/2007--Introduced.

Expresses opposition to the declaration of a state of emergency by President Pervez Musharraf, calls for a return to constitutional order, and urges the government of Pakistan to ensure that free elections are held in January 2008, as scheduled.

Calls for security for Pakistan's opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and the release of individuals detained without charges.

Calls on the government of Pakistan to end media restrictions.

Calls for a review of U.S. aid to Pakistan in the aftermath of President Musharraf's proclamation.

Supports the protection of human rights in Pakistan.

Latest Action: 10/01/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12386-12388; text as passed Senate: CR S12387-12388; text of measure as introduced: CR S12383)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the situation in Burma. 10/1/2007--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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Burma; (2) calling on the government of Burma to refrain from further violence, release arrested demonstrators, cease attacks against ethnic minorities, release Aung Sang Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and begin tripartite political dialogue with Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and the ethnic minorities; (3) calling on the People's Republic of China (PRC) to remove objections to U.N. Security Council efforts to condemn actions taken by the government of Burma against the protesters; (4) calling on the PRC and other nations to suspend military assistance to Burma until [...]

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Latest Action: 10/03/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the severely deteriorating human rights situation in Burma. 10/2/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the Burmese junta's crackdown on peaceful protesters in the strongest possible terms, and demands that the junta end its violent crackdown on dissent. Demands that the People's Republic of China (PRC) and other countries that provide political and economic support to Burma's military junta end such support until the Burmese regime's violent campaign against peaceful protest has ceased and the Burmese government has met the opposition's political demands. Insists that Burma's military regime begin a tripartite political dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and ethnic nationalities toward national reconciliation and the full restoration of democracy.[...]

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Latest Action: 07/24/2007 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 110-136.

Bill Text
A bill to support democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe, and for other purposes. 7/24/2007--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.)Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe Act of 2007 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support the people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to promote democracy and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe; and (2) call on President Mugabe to restore democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States welcomes the Southern African Development Community's announcement that the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, will lead negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties in Zimbabwe; (2) preparations should be made to hold free elections in accordance with international standards; (3) cooperation [...]

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