Top Legislation - View All

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,[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4655-4656)

Bill Text
Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

5/14/2008--Introduced.

Reaffirms support for the legitimate, democratically-elected government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Expresses sympathy to the people of Lebanon who have again been thrust against their will into a Hizballah-initiated conflict.

Condemns: (1) Hizballah's illegitimate assault on Lebanon's sovereign government; and (2) Syria and Iran for providing military support to Hizballah in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions.

Urges: (1) the U.S. government and the international community to support Lebanon's government; (2) the Security Council to condemn Syria and Iran; and (3) the European Union (EU) to designate Hizballah as a terrorist group.

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)

Bill Text
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 [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/26/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3779; text as passed Senate: CR S3779; text of measure as introduced: CR S3759)

Bill Text
A resolution congratulating the European Union on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome creating the European Economic Community among 6 European countries and laying the foundations for peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe.

3/26/2007--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.)

Congratulates the European Union (EU) and its member countries on the 50th anniversary of the historic signing of the Treaty of Rome.

Commends the EU for the critical role it and its predecessor organizations have played in spreading peace and prosperity throughout Europe.

Affirms the desire of the United States to strengthen the transatlantic partnership with the EU and its member countries.

Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4215-4216)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should support independence for Kosovo.

3/29/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States should support the independence of Kosovo in accordance with its currently constituted borders; (2) the government of Kosovo should develop a cooperative relationship with the government of Serbia in recognition of its legitimate interests in the safety of the Serb population in Kosovo and in the protection and preservation of the patrimonial sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo; and (3) the government of Serbia should seize the opportunity presented by Kosovo's independence to focus its energies toward achieving a peaceful future through regional cooperation and integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions and toward the establishment of constructive relations with the government of Kosovo.

Latest Action: 03/06/2007 - Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Honoring the life and achievements of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior and reaffirming the continued commitment of the House of Representatives to a just and lasting peace in the Republic of the Sudan. 3/6/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Honors the life and achievements of Dr. John Garang de Mabior. Reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to a lasting peace in the Republic of the Sudan, and calls for full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Urges: (1) the people of Southern Sudan and its leaders to continue to support Dr. Garang's vision for a new Sudan; and (2) the full commitment of the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, and the League of Arab States to support Dr. Garang's vision for a new Sudan by endorsing democratic elections throughout Sudan in 2009. Supports the creation of a Dr. John Garang de Mabior Institute for Agriculture, [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S91-92)

Bill Text
A bill to provide increased rail transportation security. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Rail Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation, and develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Directs the Assistant Secretary to conduct a study on requiring security screening for passengers, baggage, and cargo on passenger trains. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to Amtrak for fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Directs Amtrak to submit to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) a plan to address the needs of families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to award grants to Amtrak for certain system-wide Amtrak, freight,[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/13/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 230.

Bill Text
Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome signed on March 25, 1957, which was a key step in creating the European Union, and reaffirming the close and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Europe. 3/13/2007--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 historic significance of the Treaty of Rome on its 50th anniversary. Commends the European Union (EU) and its member nations for the role which the institution has played in contemporary Europe's growth. Recognizes the EU's important role in fostering the independence, democracy, and economic development of the former Central European communist states. Acknowledges the EU's role in the development of the close and mutually beneficial relationship that exists between the United States and Europe.[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the importation of prescription drugs, and for other purposes. 1/10/2007--Introduced. Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to revise provisions governing the importation of prescription drugs. Waives the limitation on importation of prescription drugs that have been exported from the United States. Prohibits the importation of a qualifying drug unless such drug is imported by: (1) a registered importer; or (2) an individual for personal use. Establishes registration conditions for importers and exporters. Requires the Secretary to inspect places of business, verify chains of custody, inspect facilities, and determine compliance with registration conditions. Sets forth provisions governing the importation of qualifying drugs that are different from U.S. label drugs, including standards for judging such differences.[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 04/17/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should support independence for Kosovo. 4/17/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) support Kosovo's independence in accordance with its currently constituted borders; (2) in the absence of timely action by the U.N. Security Council, be prepared to act in conjunction with like-minded democracies to confer diplomatic recognition on Kosovo's independence; and (3) support Kosovo's integration into international and Euro-Atlantic institutions, including admission to the Partnership for Peace program of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), with the ultimate goal of full NATO membership. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the government of Kosovo should ensure the full political and economic rights of Serb and other minority communities in Kosovo; and (2) develop a cooperative relationship with the [...]

show full description

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4655-4656)

Bill Text
Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

5/14/2008--Introduced.

Reaffirms support for the legitimate, democratically-elected government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Expresses sympathy to the people of Lebanon who have again been thrust against their will into a Hizballah-initiated conflict.

Condemns: (1) Hizballah's illegitimate assault on Lebanon's sovereign government; and (2) Syria and Iran for providing military support to Hizballah in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions.

Urges: (1) the U.S. government and the international community to support Lebanon's government; (2) the Security Council to condemn Syria and Iran; and (3) the European Union (EU) to designate Hizballah as a terrorist group.

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,[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 12/31/2007 - Became Public Law No: 110-174.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize State and local governments to divest assets in companies that conduct business operations in Sudan, to prohibit United States Government contracts with such companies, and for other purposes. 12/31/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 12, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Defines specified terms. (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should support a state or local government decision to divest from or prohibit the investment of state or local assets in a person determined to pose a financial or reputational risk. Authorizes a state or local government to divest state or local assets or prohibit investment of state or local assets in persons that are conducting or have direct investments in business [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 10/29/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 726.

Bill Text
Calling on the President of the United States and the international community to take immediate steps to respond to and prevent acts of rape and sexual violence against women and girls in Darfur, Sudan, eastern Chad and the Central African Republic. 10/29/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Calls upon the President to develop within the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) a Women and Girls of Darfur Initiative to improve assistance to victims and potential victims of rape and sexual violence in Darfur, Sudan, eastern Chad, and the Central African Republic. Calls upon the Secretary General of the United Nations, the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the Arab League, and other nations to take steps to ensure that a fully funded and fully equipped U.N.-AU peacekeeping force (UNAMID) is deployed to Darfur, including [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To address the impending humanitarian crisis and 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, increasing border security, and facilitating the resettlement of Iraqis at risk. 9/26/2007--Introduced. Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to each country containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees or internally displaced persons including Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, to provide bilateral assistance or funding to international aid organizations and nongovernmental organizations for humanitarian assistance, including adequate food, shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation, health care, education, and security. Directs the Secretary [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1931)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain payments made to the European Union in lieu of income taxes to a member of the European Union as income taxes paid to a foreign country for purposes of the foreign tax credit.

9/19/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers a foreign tax credit for employment taxes paid to the European Union.

Latest Action: 10/03/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the severely deteriorating human rights situation in Burma. 10/2/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the Burmese junta's crackdown on peaceful protesters in the strongest possible terms, and demands that the junta end its violent crackdown on dissent. Demands that the People's Republic of China (PRC) and other countries that provide political and economic support to Burma's military junta end such support until the Burmese regime's violent campaign against peaceful protest has ceased and the Burmese government has met the opposition's political demands. Insists that Burma's military regime begin a tripartite political dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and ethnic nationalities toward national reconciliation and the full restoration of democracy.[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/31/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A resolution calling for the urgent deployment of a robust and effective multinational peacekeeping mission with sufficient size, resources, leadership, and mandate to protect civilians in Darfur, Sudan, and for efforts to strengthen the renewal of a just and inclusive peace process. 7/31/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Urges the President of the United States to: (1) work with members of the U.N. Security Council and the African Union (AU) to ensure deployment of the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force to protect civilians in Darfur, Sudan; (2) work bilaterally and with member states of the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO), the United Nations, the European Union (EU), the AU, and other partners to assist such force; and (3) work with Congress to ensure funding for such force. Urges: (1) the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Chairperson of the AU to expedite such force's deployment; and [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/27/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Financial 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 commit

Bill Text
To address the exchange-rate misalignment of the Japanese yen with respect to the United States dollar, and for other purposes. 6/27/2007--Introduced. Japan Currency Manipulation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to Congress on: (1) currency intervention by Japan with respect to the rate of exchange of the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar and other currencies since 2000; and (2) any effort by Japan to create an exchange-rate misalignment of the Japanese yen with respect to the U.S. dollar and other currencies since March 2004. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal for a comprehensive joint U.S.-European Union plan to address the exchange-rate misalignment of the Japanese yen with respect to the U.S. dollar and other currencies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) initiate consultations with Japan to decrease Japan's foreign currency reserve holdings to permit effective balance of payments adjustments and to eliminate its unfair [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To permit an individual to be treated by a health care practitioner with any method of medical treatment such individual requests, and for other purposes. 6/14/2007--Introduced. Access to Medical Treatment Act - Gives an individual the right to be treated by a health care practitioner with any medical treatment that the individual desires, including a treatment that is not approved, certified, or licensed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if: (1) the practitioner has personally examined the individual and agrees to treat the individual; and (2) the administration of such treatment does not violate licensing laws.Authorizes health care practitioners to provide any method of treatment to such an individual if certain requirements are met, including that: (1) there is no reason to conclude that such treatment will cause danger to the individual; and (2) the patient is informed in writing that such treatment has not been approved, certified, or licensed by [...]

show full description