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Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12442-12443)

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A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding high level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of Taiwan.

10/2/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) restrictions on U.S. visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the President of Taiwan, should be lifted; (2) the United States should allow direct Cabinet level exchanges in order to strengthen a policy dialogue with Taiwan; and (3) it is in the U.S. national interest to strengthen links with the democratically-elected government of Taiwan and demonstrate stronger support for democracy in the Asia-Pacific region.

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

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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 [...]

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

Bill Text
To provide that no funds made available to the Department of the Treasury may be used to implement, administer, or enforce regulations to require specific licenses for travel-related transactions directly related to educational activities in Cuba.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Pursuit of International Education (PIE) Act of 2007 - Prohibits the use of funds made available to the Department of the Treasury to implement, administer, or enforce regulations to require specific licenses for travel-related transactions directly related to educational activities in Cuba.

Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress regarding high level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of Taiwan.

7/30/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) restrictions on U.S. visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the President of Taiwan, should be lifted; (2) the United States should allow direct Cabinet level exchanges in order to strengthen a policy dialogue with Taiwan; and (3) it is in the U.S. national interest to strengthen links with the democratically-elected government of Taiwan and demonstrate stronger support for democracy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Latest Action: 02/13/2007 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1489-1490)

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Recognizing the significance of the 65th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and supporting the goals of the Japanese American, German American, and Italian American communities in recognizing a National Day of Remembrance to increase public awareness of the events surrounding the restriction, exclusion, and internment of individuals and families during World War II. 2/13/2007--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.) Recognizes the historical significance of February 19, 1942, the date Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Roosevelt, restricting the freedom of Japanese Americans, German Americans, and Italian Americans, and legal resident aliens through required identification cards, travel restrictions, seizure of personal property, and internment. Supports [...]

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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: 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: 01/10/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S361-363)

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A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. 1/10/2007--Introduced. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2007 or the AgJOBS Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed agricultural employment in the United States for at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2006; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor, an element of which involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily injury, or harm to property in excess of $500. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and minor children) to permanent [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States, and for other purposes. 1/10/2007--Introduced. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2007 or the AgJOBS Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed agricultural employment in the United States for at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2006; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor, an element of which involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily injury, or harm to property in excess of $500. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and minor children) to permanent resident [...]

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Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S766-767)

Bill Text
A bill to improve agricultural job opportunities, benefits, and security for aliens in the United States and for other purposes. 1/18/2007--Introduced. Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits, and Security Act of 2007 or the AgJOBS Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed agricultural employment in the United States for at least 863 hours or 150 work days during the 24-month period ending on December 31, 2006; (2) applied for such status during the 18-month application period beginning on the first day of the seventh month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act; (3) is otherwise admissible to the United States; and (4) has not been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor, an element of which involves bodily injury, threat of serious bodily injury, or harm to property in excess of $500. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and minor children) to permanent [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

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Condemning the Burmese regime's undemocratic draft constitution and scheduled referendum. 5/6/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Denounces the undemocratic and illegitimate actions of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in Burma that seek to legitimize military rule through a flawed referendum process and an undemocratic constitution. Demands the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, detained Buddhist monks, and all other political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. Denounces the SPDC for its failure to comply with U.N. recommendations and engage in tri-partite dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1990 election winning parties, and representatives of ethnic nationalities. Urges the President to: (1) call for U.N. Security Council condemnation of the undemocratic referendum process and the SPDC's flawed constitution; (2) call for a Security Council resolution instructing the regime to comply with [...]

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Latest Action: 01/29/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S456-457)

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A resolution calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya. 1/29/2008--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.) Commends the Kenyan people for their commitment to democracy, as evidenced by the high voter turnout and peaceful voting on election day. Condemns: (1) the violence in Kenya; and (2) threats to civil leaders and human rights activists. Urges politicians and political parties to desist from the deactivation and use of ethnic militias. Calls on the two leading presidential candidates to engage in an internationally brokered dialogue and respect the will of the Kenyan people. Calls for: (1) those who are found guilty of human rights violations to be held accountable for their actions; and (2) an end to restrictions on the media [...]

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Latest Action: 02/08/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya. 2/7/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Commends the Kenyan people for their commitment to democracy and respect for the democratic process as evidenced by the high voter turnout and peaceful voting on election day. Condemns the ongoing violence in Kenya and urges all parties concerned to immediately end use of violence as a means to achieve their political objectives. Calls on the two leading presidential candidates to accept offers of external and internal assistance to help find a solution to the current crisis which has the support of the people of Kenya. Calls on Kenyan security forces to refrain from using excessive force and to respect the human rights of Kenyan citizens. Calls for an immediate end to the restrictions on the media, and on the rights of peaceful assembly and association. Condemns threats to civil society [...]

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Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - 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 establish the Congressional-Executive Commission on the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Establishes a Congressional-Executive Commission on the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which shall: (1) monitor the Socialist Republic of Vietnam's human rights compliance, with particular emphasis on the Montagnard peoples and the Central and Northwest Highlands; (2) maintain lists of persons believed to be imprisoned, detained, tortured, or otherwise persecuted by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam due to their pursuit of the rights described in this Act; (3) monitor the development of the rule of law in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with particular emphasis on the Montagnard peoples and the Central and Northwest Highlands; and (4) monitor and encourage the development of programs and activities of the U.S. government and private organizations with a view toward increasing the U.S.-Vietnam interchange.

Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, to enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons, and for other purposes. 12/4/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Title I: Combatting International Trafficking in Persons - (Sec. 101) Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) to include the Secretary of Education on the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of State to establish within the Department of State an Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. (Current law authorizes such Office's establishment.) Revises responsibilities of the Director of the Office. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should locate the Office at the Department of State (Department) headquarters [...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To impose travel and other related restrictions on heads of state of countries that are state sponsors of terrorism who are attending events at the United Nations in New York City.

10/18/2007--Introduced.

Directs the President to impose specified travel and other related restrictions on heads of state of countries that are state sponsors of terrorism who are attending U.N. events in New York City.

Authorizes the President to waive such restrictions if in the national interest.

Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12442-12443)

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding high level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of Taiwan.

10/2/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) restrictions on U.S. visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the President of Taiwan, should be lifted; (2) the United States should allow direct Cabinet level exchanges in order to strengthen a policy dialogue with Taiwan; and (3) it is in the U.S. national interest to strengthen links with the democratically-elected government of Taiwan and demonstrate stronger support for democracy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Latest Action: 02/04/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
To express United States foreign policy with respect to, and to strengthen United States advocacy on behalf of, individuals persecuted and denied their rights in foreign countries on account of gender, and for other purposes. 10/2/2007--Introduced. International Women's Freedom Act of 2007 - Establishes within the Department of State an Office of International Women's Rights to be headed by an Ambassador at Large for International Women's Rights. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) establish a women's rights Internet site; and (2) maintain prisoner lists and issue briefs on women's rights concerns. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to include instruction on the internationally recognized rights of women and the various aspects and manifestations of violations of women's rights in Foreign Service officer training. Establishes the United States Commission on International Women's Rights. (Terminates the Commission 12 years after the date of the initial [...]

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Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.

Bill Text
To improve energy security of the United States through a reduction in the oil intensity of the economy of the United States and expansion of secure oil supplies, to be achieved by increasing the availability of alternative fuel sources, fostering responsible oil exploration and production, and improving international arrangements to secure the global oil supply, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Security and Fuel Efficiency Energy Act of 2007, or the SAFE Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) revise renewable fuel standards for calendar years 2006-2020; (2) instruct the Secretary of Energy to assess the progress made toward creation of adequate infrastructure for the production and distribution of ethanol-blend fuel; and (3) require the Secretary to establish an incentives program for production of cellulosic ethanol and other emerging biofuels derived from renewable sources (including municipal solid waste). Directs the Administrator of [...]

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Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To establish a non-profit corporation to communicate United States entry policies and otherwise promote tourist, business, and scholarly travel to the United States. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Travel Promotion Act of 2007 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, identify and address perceptions in other countries regarding U.S. entry policies, and promote U.S. travel. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Requires the transfer of Treasury funds to the Corporation, requiring nonfederal matching funds. Authorizes the U.S. government, if a fully automated electronic system is implemented to determine, in advance of [...]

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