Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Received in the House.

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A concurrent resolution encouraging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to take action to ensure a peaceful transition to democracy in Burma. 11/16/2007--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.) Joins the foreign ministers of member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that have expressed concern over the human rights situation in Burma. Encourages ASEAN to take more substantial steps to ensure Burma's peaceful transition to democracy. Urges ASEAN to ensure that all member nations live up to their membership obligations and adhere to ASEAN's core principles. States that Congress would welcome a decision by ASEAN to review Burma's ASEAN membership and to consider appropriate disciplinary measures until the government of Burma has demonstrated a commitment to [...]

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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.

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A 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.

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

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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 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

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To require the identification of companies that conduct business operations in Sudan, to prohibit United States Government contracts with such companies, and for other purposes. 7/31/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure the publication every six months in the Federal Register of a list of all persons (as defined by this Act) who have a direct investment in or are conducting business operations in Sudan's power production, mineral extraction, oil-related, or military equipment industries. Sets forth excluded business operations, including operations with: (1) the regional government of southern Sudan; (2) maginalized populations of Sudan; and (3) peacekeeping or humanitarian organizations. (Sec. 4) States that it is U.S. policy to support state and local efforts to divest funds from, or restrict investments in, companies [...]

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Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent.

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A bill to improve authorities to address urgent nonproliferation crises and United States nonproliferation operations.

1/8/2007--Introduced.

Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991, the Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 1993, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to repeal specified restrictions on the use of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program funds and activities.

Amends the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992 to make specified funding requirements respecting independent countries of the former Soviet Union inapplicable to CTR programs.

Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

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Regarding the endorsement of U.S. citizens' claims for payment by Chinese Government of defaulted Chinese bonds.

5/24/2007--Introduced.

Recommends that the People's Republic of China (PRC) be denied access to all U.S. capital markets until the PRC complies with the terms and conditions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement and fully honors repayment of its outstanding defaulted public debts owed to U.S. citizens consistent with the efforts of the American Bondholders Foundation.

Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
Joint 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 02/28/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.

Bill Text
To provide for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. 8/3/2007--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 - Provides for implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission).Title I: Homeland Security Grants - (Sec. 101) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to establish Homeland Security Grant Programs (consisting of an Urban Area Security Initiative and a State Homeland Security Grant Program). Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to award Program grants through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Provides that none of the provisions regarding grants to states and high-risk urban areas shall be construed to affect programs authorized under the Federal Fire Prevention [...]

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Latest Action: 03/14/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3145-3146)

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A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress on the nuclear program of Iran.

3/14/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of Iran's nuclear program continues should be considered a serious threat to the United States and its military forces and personnel in the Middle East, and to U.S. allies and interests in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; (2) as a result of Iran's noncompliance with U.N. Security Resolution 1737 (2006) the Security Council should implement additional sanctions to persuade Iran to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) requirements; (3) full international economic sanctions offer the best opportunity to prevent the development of a nuclear weapon in Iran; and (4) the elimination of the threat of a nuclear Iran is in the long term interest of the people of Iran, the region, and the world.

Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13712)

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution encouraging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to take action to ensure a peaceful transition to democracy in Burma.

11/1/2007--Introduced.

Joins the foreign ministers of member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that have expressed concern over the human rights situation in Burma.

Encourages ASEAN to take more substantial steps to ensure Burma's peaceful transition to democracy.

Urges ASEAN to ensure that all member nations live up to their membership obligations and adhere to ASEAN's core principles.

States that Congress would welcome a decision by ASEAN to review Burma's ASEAN membership and to consider appropriate disciplinary measures until the government of Burma has demonstrated a commitment to human rights.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-443.

Bill Text
An original bill to impose sanctions with respect to Iran, to provide for the divestment of assets in Iran by State and local governments and other entities, to identify locations of concern with respect to transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain sensitive items to Iran, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 07/07/2008 - Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Baucus. With written report No. 110-408. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to impose sanctions on Iran and for other purposes. 7/7/2008--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.) Iran Sanctions Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning a variety of existing and proposed sanctions against Iran. (Sec. 4) States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the President to use military force against Iran. (Sec. 5) Defines specified terms. (Sec. 6) Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand the definition of "person" to include: (1) a financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, or any other business organization, including any foreign subsidiary, parent, or affiliate of one of the foregoing; and (2) an export credit agency that is a governmental entity operating [...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - By Senator Baucus from Committee on Finance filed written report. Report No. 110-444.

Bill Text
A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.

7/23/2008--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.

Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Commending the efforts of those who sought to block an international arms transfer destined for Zimbabwe, where the government has unleashed a campaign of violence and intimidation against members of the political opposition, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--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.) Recognizes the efforts of: (1) southern African trade unions, religious leaders, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about a possible weapons transfer to Zimbabwe as part of a campaign to address Zimbabwe's worsening political, economic, and humanitarian crisis; and (2) southern African governments which denied access through their territories for a weapons shipment destined for a regime that continues to perpetuate gross human rights violations against its own citizens. Urges the United States to continue [...]

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Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-287.

Bill Text
Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. 7/24/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 23, 2008. 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 7, 2017. 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 2013 by 0.25% of such amount. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution which shall take effect upon its enactment [...]

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Latest Action: 06/02/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4894)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. 6/2/2008--Introduced. Declares that: (1) preventing the government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability through economic, political, and diplomatic means is vital to U.S. national security; and (2) nothing in this resolution authorizes the use of force against Iran. Urges the President to use his authority to impose sanctions on: (1) Iranian banks engaged in proliferation activities or the support of terrorist groups; (2) international banks which conduct financial transactions with sanctioned Iranian banks; (3) energy companies with large investments in the Iranian petroleum or natural gas sector; and (4) all companies which do business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Demands that the President lead an international effort to increase pressure on Iran to suspend its nuclear enrichment activities, including by banning the [...]

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

Bill Text
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: 05/01/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3701-3704)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the development and inventory of certain outer Continental Shelf resources, to suspend petroleum acquisition for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and for other purposes. 5/1/2008--Introduced. Domestic Offshore Energy Security Act of 2008, or the DOES Act - Permits United States persons to: (1) engage in exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of any foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous to the exclusive economic zone of the United States; and (2) export without license authority all pertinent equipment for such activity. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize travel-related transactions for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources in any part of a foreign maritime Exclusive Economic Zone contiguous to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Identifies as persons authorized [...]

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

Bill Text
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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