Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/06/2008 - Presented to President.

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An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 5/12/2008--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.)National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement.(Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

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Recognizing the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and calling on the President to engage in nonproliferation strategies designed to eliminate these weapons of mass destruction from United States and worldwide arsenals. 1/16/2007--Introduced. Requests the President to inform Congress and the Secretary General of the United Nations regarding U.S. efforts and measures taken with respect to implementation and observance of Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and certain U.N. resolutions calling for U.S. and world nuclear disarmament. Calls on the President to implement and observe all NPT obligations and commitments and to revise national policies on nuclear weapons accordingly. Urges the President, in the interests of protecting and advancing human, national, and global security, to: (1) declare that the United States will not use nuclear weapons first, and that pending their elimination, such weapons serve only to deter a [...]

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Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1381-1382)

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Providing for Operation Iraqi Freedom cost accountability. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Requires: (1) the Department of Defense Inspector General and the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to report quarterly to Congress respecting the expenditures of military and reconstruction funds in Iraq, including efforts to obtain assistance from other countries and an assessment of future funding needs; (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an audit if either Inspector General fails to submit such report; and (3) the imposition of sanctions against contractors who have engaged in profiteering or fraud. States that: (1) Congress should create a Truman Committee to conduct an ongoing study and investigation of Operation Iraqi Freedom contracts; (2) funding requests for Operation Iraqi Freedom beginning with FY2008 must come through the regular appropriations process and not through emergency supplementals; and (3) the Administration should condition [...]

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Latest Action: 03/15/2007 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S3162-3287)

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A joint resolution to revise United States policy on Iraq. 3/8/2007--Introduced. United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 - Directs the President to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq within 120 days of enactment of this joint resolution with the goal of redeploying by March 31, 2008, all U.S. combat forces from Iraq, except for a limited number essential for protecting U.S. and coalition personnel and infrastructure, training and equipping Iraqi forces, and conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations. Requires the President to transition the U.S. forces' mission in Iraq promptly to such purposes. States that such redeployment shall be implemented as part of a diplomatic, political, and economic strategy that includes sustained engagement with Iraq's neighbors and the international community in order to bring stability to Iraq. Directs the President, not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act and every 90 days [...]

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Latest Action: 12/26/2007 - Signed by President.

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A joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding.

12/26/2007--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Grants the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding entered into between the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut and the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.

Latest Action: 01/17/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S707-708 text as passed Senate: CR S707-708 text of measure as introduced: CR S703)

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A resolution expressing support for democratic forces in Serbia and encouraging the people of Serbia to remain committed to a democratic path. 1/17/2007--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 that: (1) the United States should be committed to a strong relationship with a democratic Serbia as Serbia moves toward its goals of membership in the European Union (EU) and cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO); (2) the inclusion of Serbia in the NATO Partnership for Peace Program was a critical step in bringing Serbia closer to the Euro-Atlantic Alliance; (3) Serbia will now have the opportunity to enact defense reforms and apply for a Membership Action Plan for NATO; (4) Serbia should continue its reform progress; (5) Serbia should move quickly to fulfill its [...]

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Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S779-780)

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A resolution calling for the strengthening of the efforts of the United States to defeat the Taliban and terrorist networks in Afghanistan. 1/18/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States must strengthen its commitment to establishing long-term stability and peace in Afghanistan; (2) the President should not reduce U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan in order to increase U.S. troop levels in Iraq; (3) the United States, in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force and the government of Afghanistan, should increase efforts to eradicate the Taliban, terrorist organizations, and criminal networks currently operating in Afghanistan; (4) the United States should increase economic assistance to Afghanistan for reconstruction, social and economic development, counternarcotics efforts, and democracy promotion; and (5) the United States should encourage members of the international community to deliver on their financial pledges [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1579-1580)

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A resolution expressing support for the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic.

2/5/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) supporting the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Somali Republic; (2) recognizing Ethiopia, particularly Prime Minister Meles, and Kenya for their efforts toward pursuing peace in Somalia and support for the United States in the War on Terror; (3) that the United States should support multi-party talks to establish a national unity government in Somalia; (4) that U.S. assistance will better equip the TFG to face the challenges of restoring peace; (5) that the United States should promote foreign investment in Somalia; and (6) that the United States should aid the TFG to locate and free Somali-owned financial assets throughout the world, solicit support from other friendly countries, and encourage nongovernmental organizations to commit more resources to Somalia.

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: 02/12/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1868)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing support for the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic.

2/12/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) supporting the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Somali Republic; (2) recognizing Ethiopia, particularly Prime Minister Meles, and Kenya for their efforts toward pursuing peace in Somalia and support for the United States in the War on Terror; (3) that the United States should support multi-party talks to establish a national unity government in Somalia; (4) that U.S. assistance will better equip the TFG to face the challenges of restoring peace; (5) that the United States should promote foreign investment in Somalia; and (6) that the United States should aid the TFG to locate and free Somali-owned financial assets throughout the world, solicit support from other friendly countries, and encourage nongovernmental organizations to commit more resources to Somalia.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7789-7790)

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A resolution calling on the Governments of the People's Republic of China and the international community to use the upcoming Olympic Games as an opportunity to push for the parties to the conflicts in Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic to cease hostilities and revive efforts toward a peaceful resolution of their national and regional conflicts. 7/30/2008--Introduced. Expresses continued support and sympathy for the hundreds of thousands of civilians of Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic who have been affected by the ongoing violence and regional instability. Urges: (1) the United Nations, the African Union, and other international leaders to use the unique opportunity presented by the Olympics to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation in areas of conflict; (2) the government of China to press the Sudanese government to commit to a cessation of hostilities, allow the full deployment of UNAMID peacekeeping forces, and engage in good faith in [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1485)

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To address the impending humanitarian crisis and potential security breakdown as a result of the mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring countries, and the growing internally displaced population in Iraq, by increasing directed accountable assistance to these populations and their host countries, facilitating the resettlement of Iraqis at risk, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--Introduced. Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq (including internally displaced persons) and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified humanitarian assistance. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to ensure that [...]

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Latest Action: 07/14/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6670-6671; text as passed Senate: CR S6670-6671; text of measure as introduced: CR S6653-6654)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that President George W. Bush, President Dmitry Medvedev of the Russian Federation, and other participants in the 2008 Group of Eight (G8) Summit in Toyako, Hokkaido, Japan should work together to foster a more constructive relationship, and that the Government of the Russian Federation should eschew behaviors that are inconsistent with the Group's objectives of protecting global security, economic stability, and democracy.
Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6021-6022)

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A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to provide oil and gas price relief by requiring the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to take action to end excessive speculation, and for other purposes. 6/24/2008--Introduced. End Oil Speculation Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to direct the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to eliminate manipulation and excessive speculation on petroleum futures markets by investigation, regulation, and rulemaking, while distinguishing between: (1) transactions by commercial producers and purchasers (as well as counterparties) involving actual physical petroleum products for future delivery ("legitimate hedge trading"); and (2) all other trading. Instructs the CFTC to review and: (1) revoke or modify prior action regarding certain transactions, participants, or petroleum futures market activity that is not a legitimate hedge trade; and (2) consider revoking results of prior actions that have the effect [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

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Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--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.) Reiterates condemnation of the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, honors the victims of the attack, and expresses sympathy to the victims' relatives. Applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the pace of the AMIA bombing investigation. Commends the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for upholding and issuing the Red Notices. Expresses concern regarding the government of Saudi Arabia's failure to detain certain Iranian officials in connection with the AMIA case. Urges: (1) all nations [...]

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Latest Action: 09/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8454-8455)

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A joint resolution relating to the approval of the proposed agreement for nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation.

6/24/2008--Introduced.

States that Congress does favor the proposed agreement for cooperation (concerning civilian nuclear cooperation with the Russian Federation) transmitted to Congress by the President on May 13, 2008.

Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Providing for the disapproval of the Congress of the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

6/24/2008--Introduced.

Expresses congressional disfavor of the proposed agreement for cooperation (concerning civilian nuclear cooperation with the Russian Federation) transmitted to the Congress by the President on May 13, 2008.

Latest Action: 05/20/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

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A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the exposure of children, workers, and consumers to toxic chemical substances. 5/20/2008--Introduced. Kid-Safe Chemicals Act of 2008 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require each manufacturer of a chemical substance distributed in commerce to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (1) a statement certifying that the substance meets required safety standards or that there is insufficient data to make such determination; and (2) all reasonably available information concerning the substance not previously submitted. Requires manufacturers to update such information at least every three years or at any time new information becomes available on a substance's toxicity. Requires manufacturers to provide chemical safety information upon the Administrator's request.Prohibits the manufacture, importation, or distribution in commerce of a chemical substance if the Administrator [...]

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Latest Action: 05/21/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.

Bill Text
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the exposure of children, workers, and consumers to toxic chemical substances. 5/20/2008--Introduced. Kid-Safe Chemicals Act of 2008 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require each manufacturer of a chemical substance distributed in commerce to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (1) a statement certifying that the substance meets required safety standards or that there is insufficient data to make such determination; and (2) all reasonably available information concerning the substance not previously submitted. Requires manufacturers to update such information at least every three years or at any time new information becomes available on a substance's toxicity. Requires manufacturers to provide chemical safety information upon the Administrator's request.Prohibits the manufacture, importation, or distribution in commerce of a chemical substance if the Administrator [...]

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Latest Action: 07/28/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To hold the surviving Nazi war criminals accountable for the war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity they committed during World War II, by encouraging foreign governments to more efficiently prosecute and extradite wanted criminals. 5/20/2008--Introduced. World War II War Crimes Accountability Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should encourage extradition and prosecution of the remaining Nazi war criminals; (2) the Simon Wiesenthal Center should be commended for its historic work in bringing to light the atrocities of the Holocaust and in advancing justice for Nazi war criminals through Operation: Last Chance; and (3) the Office of Special Investigation of the Department of Justice is advancing U.S. foreign policy by bringing wanted World War II criminals to justice and should be commended for its actions. Directs the Attorney General, in evaluating the effect on U.S. law enforcement and security interests for purposes [...]

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