Top Legislation - View All

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: 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: 03/29/2007 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with an amendment and with a preamble. Without written report.

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A resolution condemning the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist and human rights advocate Hrant Dink and urging the people of Turkey to honor his legacy of tolerance. 3/29/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the murder of Hrant Dink. Supports the government of Turkey's pledge to conduct an exhaustive investigation into Mr. Dink's assassination and acknowledges the prompt arrest of individuals allegedly responsible for the killing. Urges the government of Turkey to repeal Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code and work to foster a more open intellectual environment. Recognizes the government of Turkey's decision to invite senior Armenian religious and political figures to participate in memorial services for Mr. Dink. Calls on the governments of Turkey and Armenia to reestablish full diplomatic, political, and economic relations. Supports Mr. Dink's wish that Turkey pursue further [...]

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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: 07/24/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

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Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States should address the ongoing problem of untouchability in India. 7/23/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Expresses the sense of Congress that, as the leaders of the United States and the Republic of India have expressed commitment to the values of human freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, it is in U.S. interests to address the treatment of the Dalits and Tribals in India by: (1) raising the issue of caste discrimination and untouchability; (2) encouraging the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to ensure that the needs of Dalit organizations are incorporated in project development; (3) ensuring that projects that positively impact Dalit and Tribal communities, especially Dalit women, are developed; (4) ensuring that cooperative research programs targeting rural health care, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and rural technology contain proper focus on the [...]

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Latest Action: 05/01/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5435)

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A resolution urging all member countries of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service who have yet to ratify the May 2006 amendments to the 1955 Bonn Accords to expedite the ratification process to allow for open access to the Holocaust archives located at Bad Arolsen, Germany. 5/1/2007--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.) Commends the countries that have: (1) ratified the amendments to the Agreement Constituting an International Commission for the International Tracing Service ("Bonn Accords'') to allow for open access to the Holocaust archives of the International Tracing Service (ITS) located at Bad Arolsen, Germany; and (2) committed to expedite the archives' release. Urges: (1) countries that have not ratified the amendments to abide by the May 2006 treaty obligations [...]

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Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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

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Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that an increase in number of members of the United States Forces deployed in Iraq is the wrong course of action and that a drastic shift in the political and diplomatic strategy of the United States is needed to help secure and stabilize Iraq.

1/9/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) after more than 3,000 American casualties, over $300 billion in expenditures, and almost four years of fighting, an increase in the number of members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed in Iraq is the wrong course of action and should not be done without an express authorization for the increase in an Act of Congress; and (2) a drastic shift in U.S. political and diplomatic strategy, as well as the mission of the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq, is needed to secure and stabilize Iraq so that a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops can begin as soon as possible.

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: 02/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia .

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Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should implement Recommendation 9 of the Iraq Study Group Report.

1/23/2007--Introduced.

Resolves that the President should implement Recommendation 9 of the Iraq Study Group Report. (The report's Recommendation 9 urges the United States to engage directly with Iran and Syria and to consider incentives, as well as disincentives, in seeking constructive results.)

Latest Action: 01/24/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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

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Expressing the sense of Congress on the new strategy in Iraq. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of Congress that the House of Representatives supports the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group that: (1) the repositioning of U.S. troops to reflect strategic and tactical needs as determined by U.S. commanders in Iraq meet the objectives of training and equipping the Iraqi military, containing terrorism through special operations and rapid reaction forces, and ensuring the transfer of responsibility from United States to Iraqi control; (2) the United States establish an explicit framework for cooperation and coordination with Iraqi leaders that includes the achievement of specific milestones and objectives within a reasonable time frame; (3) the U.S. government launch a new diplomatic initiative to unite the region and build international consensus for stability and reconstruction in Iraq; and (4) any policies enacted by the Administration with regard to Iraq are implemented [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/24/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-496.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations under the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for security assistance for fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/17/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8960-8961)

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A resolution calling for greater dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Government of China regarding rights for the people of Tibet, and for other purposes. 9/17/2008--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.) Urges the Dalai Lama or his representatives and the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to begin negotiations for a solution that addresses the legitimate grievances of, and provides genuine autonomy for, the Tibetan people. Affirms that the human rights of Tibetans and their right to practice religion free of government regulation is not an internal matter of any one country. Calls on the U.S. government to press the PRC to: (1) respect freedom of speech and freedom of association and to release those who have committed no crime other than peaceful protest; and (2) allow Tibetans [...]

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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: 07/14/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6669-6670; text as passed Senate: CR S6669-6670; text of measure as introduced: CR S6652-6653)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the crisis in Zimbabwe, and for other purposes. 7/14/2008--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 to: (1) condemn the Mugabe regime for its manipulation of the country's electoral process and reject the June 27, 2008, presidential runoff election as illegitimate; (2) encourage the President's efforts to expand sanctions on those individuals responsible for violations of human and political rights in Zimbabwe; (3) applaud the governments of Benin, Botswana, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia for condemning such election; (4) encourage the U.N. Security Council to authorize a United Nations Special Representative for Zimbabwe; (5) urge African leaders to engage in the political resolution effort; (6) urge [...]

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Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the need for the United States to lead renewed international efforts to assist developing nations in conserving natural resources and preventing the impending extinction of a large portion of the world's plant and animal species. 9/23/2008--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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the government should fully use federal authorities, diplomatic agreements, and other appropriate mechanisms, including working with other donor nations, to identify global conservation goals, and increase funding for, global conservation strategies in order to help ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and protect biological diversity in terrestrial and marine environments of developing countries;[...]

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

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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.

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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: 05/22/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the threat posed to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and the vital national security interests of the United States by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and regional hegemony, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Declares that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability through economic, political, and diplomatic means is vital to U.S. national security. 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 proscribed 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 initiate an international effort to increase economic, political, and diplomatic [...]

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Latest Action: 05/20/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4489-4490)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission to assess needs and provide recommendations to improve foreign intelligence and information collection, analysis, and reporting and for other purposes.

5/20/2008--Introduced.

Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission Act - Establishes in the legislative branch a Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission to undertake certain evaluations, and provide recommendations, relating to the collection, coordination, and reporting of foreign intelligence and information.