Top Legislation - View All
Also tagged in: Arrest, Canada, Children, China, Civil liberties, Communications, Detention of persons, Dissenters, East Asia, Ethnic relations, Families, Foreign policy, Freedom of speech, Human rights, International affairs, Language and languages, Minorities, Political persecution, Political violence, Public demonstrations, Religion, Religious liberty
Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4805-4806) Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Government of the People's Republic of China should immediately release from custody the children of Rebiya Kadeer and Canadian citizen Huseyin Celil and should refrain from further engaging in acts of cultural, linguistic, and religious suppression directed against the Uyghur people.
Also tagged in: Bangladesh, Civil liberties, Communications, Criminal justice, Foreign policy, Freedom of the press, Human rights, International affairs, Islamic fundamentalism, Political persecution, Political violence, Prosecution, Religious liberty, Reporters and reporting, Searches and seizures, South Asia, Victims of crimes
Latest Action: 03/13/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 64. Bill TextExpressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Bangladesh should immediately drop all pending charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury. 3/13/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the government of Bangladesh should: (1) drop all pending charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury; (2) return all of Mr. Choudhury's confiscated possessions; and (3) cease harassment of Mr. Choudhury and take steps to protect Mr. Choudhury.
Also tagged in: Burma, Civil liberties, Communications, Democracy, East Asia, Foreign policy, Freedom of association, Freedom of speech, Freedom of the press, Human rights, Import restrictions, International affairs, Politics and government, Religion, Religious liberty, Sanctions (International law), Trade
Latest Action: 08/29/2007 - By Senator Baucus from Committee on Finance filed written report under authority of the order of the Senate of 08/03/2007. Report No. 110-146. Bill TextA joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. 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 of that version is repeated here.) Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.
Also tagged in: Administrative fees, Budgets, Burma, Business, Civil liberties, Communications, Corporation taxes, Customs administration, Democracy, East Asia, Foreign policy, Freedom of association, Freedom of speech, Freedom of the press, Human rights, Import restrictions, Income tax, International affairs, Law, Politics and government, Religion, Religious liberty, Sanctions (International law), Tax administration, Taxation, Trade
Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Signed by President. Bill TextJoint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 23, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through October 21, 2014. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the amount of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion for the third quarter of 2012 to 114.75% of such amount. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Arrest, Burma, China, Civil liberties, Criminal justice, Democracy, Dissenters, East Asia, Ethnic groups, Foreign aid, Foreign leaders, Foreign policy, Human rights, India, International affairs, International relief, Military assistance, Military regimes, Minorities, Negotiations, Nongovernmental organizations, Opposition (Political science), Political persecution, Political violence, Politics and government, Public demonstrations, Regionalism, Russia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, United Nations
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 TextA 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Administration of justice, Armed forces, Arms sales, Assassination, Bombings, Civil liberties, Communications, Constitutions, Counterterrorism, Criminal investigation, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Democracy, Detention of persons, Election administration, Elections, Foreign aid, Foreign leaders, Foreign policy, Freedom of the press, Human rights, International affairs, Law, Loyalty oaths, Military assistance, Military regimes, Officer personnel, Opposition (Political science), Pakistan, Parliamentary government, Politics and government, Rule of law, South Asia, Supreme Court justices, Terrorism, Trade, Weapons systems
Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S14201-14202) Bill TextA 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 [...] show full description
Latest Action: 05/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1166) Bill TextCondemning the recent convictions and sentencing of Vietnamese pro-democracy activists, expressing concern over the future of the United States-Vietnam relationship, and for other purposes. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Condemns the convictions and sentencing of Tran Quoc Hien, Huynh Nguyen Dao, Nguyen Bac Truyen, Le Nguyen Sang, Nguyen Van Dai, and Le Thi Cong Nhan and the continued detention of Le Quoc Quan, Tran Thuy Trang, and Truong Quoc Huy by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Calls for their release and the dropping of all criminal charges, and for the release of all other political and religious prisoners in Vietnam. Expresses concern over the future of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship unless Vietnam demonstrates progress towards democracy and respect for human rights and religious freedom. Urges the President to use the upcoming visit of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the United States as an opportunity to publicly [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Arrest, Canada, Children, China, Civil liberties, Civil rights, Communications, Detention of persons, Dissenters, East Asia, Ethnic relations, Families, Foreign policy, Human rights, International affairs, Language and languages, Minorities, Political violence, Religion, Religious liberty
Latest Action: 09/17/2007 - Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. Bill TextExpressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of the People's Republic of China should immediately release from custody the children of Rebiya Kadeer and Canadian citizen Huseyin Celil and should refrain from further engaging in acts of cultural, linguistic, and religious suppression directed against the Uyghur people, and for other purposes. 9/17/2007--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 the sense of the House of Representatives that the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) should: (1) seek to ensure the linguistic, cultural, and religious rights of the Uyghur people of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; (2) release the children of Rebiya Kadeer from incarceration and house arrest and cease intimidation of the Kadeer family members; and (3) release Canadian [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Civil liberties, Dissenters, East Asia, Foreign policy, Human rights, International affairs, Normal trade relations, Religion, Religious liberty, Sanctions (International law), Trade, Vietnam
Latest Action: 06/20/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 TextCondemning ongoing human rights abuses in Vietnam, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should remove permanent normal trade relations status with Vietnam unless all political and religious prisoners are released and significant and immediate human rights reforms are made by the Government of Vietnam. 6/20/2007--Introduced. Condemns the ongoing human rights abuses in Vietnam and calls for the release of all political and religious prisoners there. Urges the United States to: (1) re-designate Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern; (2) demand that the government of Vietnam comply with internationally recognized standards for basic freedoms and human rights; and (3) remove permanent normal trade relations status with Vietnam unless all political and religious prisoners are released and significant and immediate human rights reforms are made by the government of Vietnam.
Also tagged in: Admission of nonimmigrants, Africa (Sub-Saharan), Agriculture, Armed forces, Assassination, Civil liberties, Clinics, Communications, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional oversight, Congressional reporting requirements, Counterterrorism, Criminal justice, Defense policy, Democracy, Economic assistance, Economic development, Economic policy, Energy, Ethiopia, Famines, Food, Foreign aid, Foreign leaders, Foreign policy, Freedom of the press, Health policy, Hospitals, Human rights, Hydroelectric plants, Hydroelectric power, Immigration, Infrastructure, International affairs, International relief, Irrigation, Job training, Law, Medical care, Medicine, Military assistance, Military education, Military training, Murder, Nongovernmental organizations, Peacekeeping forces, Political participation, Political violence, Politics and government, President and foreign policy, Presidents, Public demonstrations, Rule of law, Rural affairs, Rural health, Sanctions (International law), Terrorism, Torture, Victims of crimes, Visas, Water resources, Water resources development
Latest Action: 10/03/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill TextTo encourage and facilitate the consolidation of peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia. 10/2/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) 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; (5) support humanitarian assistance efforts, especially in the Ogaden region; and (6) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia. [...] show full description
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Latest Legislation - View All
Also tagged in: Arrest, Canada, Children, China, Civil liberties, Communications, Detention of persons, Dissenters, East Asia, Ethnic relations, Families, Foreign policy, Freedom of speech, Human rights, International affairs, Language and languages, Minorities, Political persecution, Political violence, Public demonstrations, Religion, Religious liberty
Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4805-4806) Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Government of the People's Republic of China should immediately release from custody the children of Rebiya Kadeer and Canadian citizen Huseyin Celil and should refrain from further engaging in acts of cultural, linguistic, and religious suppression directed against the Uyghur people.
Also tagged in: Advanced weapons, Affiliated corporations, Agriculture, Agriculture in foreign trade, American investments, Armed forces, Arms control, Arms control verification, Arms sales, Ballistic missiles, Bank loans, Biological warfare, Boundaries, Business, Chemical warfare, Civil liberties, Conferences, Congress, Congress and foreign policy, Congressional oversight, Congressional reporting requirements, Conventional weapons, Criminal justice, Debt agreements, Debt relief, Defense economics, Defense policy, Democracy, Development credit institutions, Diplomacy, Diplomats, Dissenters, Economic assistance, Elections, Embargo, Emergency management, Energy, Export controls, Export finance, Exports, Foreign aid, Foreign investments, Foreign loans, Foreign policy, Foreign service, Government contractors, Government procurement, Government property, Governmental investigations, Human rights, Import restrictions, Imports, International affairs, International agencies, International broadcasting, International control of nuclear power, International cooperation, International finance, International relief, Iran, Iraq, Iraq compilation, Joint ventures, Law, Lebanon, Licenses, Middle East and North Africa, Military agreements, Military and naval supplies, Military assistance, Military technology, Natural resources, Nongovernmental organizations, Nuclear facilities, Nuclear nonproliferation, Nuclear weapons, Ordnance, Petroleum, Petroleum industry, Politics and government, President and foreign policy, Presidents, Public contracts, Radio broadcasting, Raw materials, Rockets (Ordnance), Sanctions (International law), Sovereignty, State-sponsored terrorism, Subsidiary corporations, Syria, Technical assistance, Technology, Technology transfer, Telecommunication, Television broadcasting, Terrorism, Trade, Trade agreements, Treaties, United Nations, Weapons of mass destruction, Weapons systems
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.
Also tagged in: Buddhism, China, Civil liberties, Clergy, Communications, Constitutions, Detention of persons, Diplomacy, Dissenters, East Asia, Embassies, Foreign policy, Freedom of the press, Human rights, International affairs, Nonviolence, Photography, Political violence, Public demonstrations, Religion, Religious liberty, Reporters and reporting, Tibet
Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent Vote. Bill TextA resolution condemning the violence in Tibet and calling for restraint by the Government of the People's Republic of China and the people of Tibet. 4/9/2008--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.) Condemns the violence in Tibet and calls for restraint by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the people of Tibet. Calls for: (1) a dialogue between the government of China and His Holiness the Dalai Lama on religious and cultural autonomy for Tibet within China; and (2) release of peaceful protesters. Calls on the PRC to: (1) respect the right of the people of Tibet to speak of the Dalai Lama and possess his photograph; (2) respect basic human rights; (3) allow international journalists free access to China; and (4) provide a full accounting of the March [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Buddhism, China, Civil liberties, Dissenters, East Asia, Embassies, Foreign policy, Human rights, International affairs, Nonviolence, Political persecution, Political violence, Public demonstrations, Religion, Tibet
Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. Bill TextCalling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to end its crackdown in Tibet and enter into a substantive dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find a negotiated solution that respects the distinctive language, culture, religious identity, and fundamental freedoms of all Tibetans, and for other purposes. 4/9/2008--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.) Calls on the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to: (1) end its crackdown on nonviolent Tibetan protesters and its continuing cultural, religious, economic, and linguistic repression inside Tibet; (2) begin a dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people and provide for a long-term solution in Tibet; and (3) release all Tibetans who are imprisoned for nonviolently opposing [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Caribbean area, Civil liberties, Commemorations, Congress, Congressional gold medals, Cuba, Democracy, Dissenters, Foreign policy, Human rights, International affairs, Latin America, Politics and government
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR 3/14/2008 S2156) Bill TextA bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, in recognition of his courageous and unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and peaceful change in Cuba. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation on behalf of the Congress of a gold medal to Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet in recognition of his courageous and unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights in Cuba.
Also tagged in: Caribbean area, Civil liberties, Commemorations, Congress, Congressional gold medals, Cuba, Democracy, Dissenters, Foreign policy, Human rights, International affairs, Latin America, Politics and government
Latest Action: 05/09/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology. Bill TextTo award the congressional gold medal to Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, in recognition of his courageous and unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights in Cuba. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the presentation on behalf of the Congress of a gold medal to Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet in recognition of his courageous and unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights in Cuba.
Also tagged in: Armed forces, Arms sales, Buddhism, Burma, China, Civil liberties, Civil-military relations, Clergy, Communications, Constitution, Defense policy, Democracy, Dissenters, East Asia, Elections, Embargo, Ethnic relations, Foreign policy, Freedom of speech, Freedom of the press, Human rights, International affairs, Military regimes, Minorities, Political parties, Politics and government, Referendum, Religion, Religious liberty, Right of assembly, Right to travel, Russia, Sanctions (International law), Trade, Ukraine, United Nations, Weapons systems
Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill TextCondemning 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Administration of justice, Assassination, Bombings, Civil liberties, Commemorations, Communications, Congressional tributes, Criminal investigation, Criminal justice, Democracy, Election administration, Elections, Foreign aid, Foreign leaders, Foreign policy, Freedom of speech, Freedom of the press, Human rights, International affairs, Law, Military assistance, Opposition (Political science), Pakistan, Political violence, Politics and government, President and foreign policy, Presidents, Sanctions (International law), Security measures, South Asia
Latest Action: 02/07/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S795-796) Bill TextA 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Civil liberties, Communications, Constitution, Dissenters, Foreign policy, Freedom of speech, Freedom of the press, Human rights, International affairs, Judges, Law, Pakistan, Rule of law, South Asia
Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Bill TextCalling for the protection of human rights and restoration of rule of law in Pakistan. 12/4/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the government of Pakistan should: (1) restore the rule of law by reinstating the constitution and members of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; (2) end the charges against human rights defenders and release those in detention or under house arrest, in particular Ms. Asma Jahangir; (3) restore media independence and ensure freedom of speech; and (4) ensure respect for human rights.
Also tagged in: Appellate procedure, Arrest, Birth control, Civil liberties, Civil rights, Communications, Congress, Congressional hearings, Congressional reporting requirements, Congressional-executive relations, Criminal justice, Democracy, Deportation, Directories, East Asia, Employee rights, Equality before the law, Ethnic relations, Exchange of persons programs, Executive departments, Federal advisory bodies, Foreign policy, Freedom of speech, Government information, Government paperwork, House rules and procedure, Human rights, Immigration, International affairs, Labor, Law, Legal aid, Medical care, Medicine, Minorities, Nongovernmental organizations, Politics and government, Prisoners' rights, Punishment, Religion, Religious liberty, Right of assembly, Right to counsel, Right to travel, Rule of law, Speedy trial, Torture, Treaties, Vietnam
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 TextTo 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.
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