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Latest Action: 05/01/2007 - Mr. Sires moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Expressing the sympathy of the House of Representatives to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and encouraging the Government of Guatemala to bring an end to these crimes. 5/1/2007--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 condolences to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and recognizes the families' courage in seeking justice. Condemns the ongoing abductions and murders of women and girls in Guatemala. Urges the government of Guatemala to recognize domestic violence and sexual harassment as criminal acts and encourages the government of Guatemala to investigate the killings of women, prosecute those responsible, and eliminate the tolerance of violence against women. Supports efforts to identify perpetrators and unknown victims through forensic [...]

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Latest Action: 05/01/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5432)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on efforts to control violence and strengthen the rule of law in Guatemala. 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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala is an innovative mechanism to support local efforts to confront the problem posed by illegal armed groups and clandestine security organizations in Guatemala and their infiltration into state institutions. Encourages the Guatemalan Congress to enact legislation to implement the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala and other pending legislation needed to fulfill the 1996 peace agreement. Calls on the government of Guatemala and all sectors of society in Guatemala to support the investigation and prosecution of illegal [...]

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Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for voluntary contributions on a grant basis to the Organization of American States (OAS) to establish a Center for Caribbean Basin Trade and to establish a skills-based training program for Caribbean Basin countries. 1/31/2007--Introduced. Caribbean Basin Trade Enhancement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to make a voluntary contribution (on a grant basis) to the Organization of American States to establish a: (1) Center for Caribbean Basin Trade; and (2) a skills-based training program for Caribbean Basin countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a thorough study and analysis should be undertaken to determine a permanent location of the Center; and (2) the skills-based program should focus on mid-level technical education and training for the workforce in Caribbean Basin countries, utilizing existing educational facilities, cooperative private sector and government entities, and Internet-based [...]

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Latest Action: 06/07/2007 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S7271-7291, S7294-7296, S7298-7304, S7305-7308, S7309-7313, S7313-7322)

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A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes. 5/9/2007--Introduced. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) border security initiatives, including biometric data enhancements and a biometric entry-exit system, document integrity, and mandatory detention of aliens apprehended at or between ports of entry; (4) Central American gangs; (5) cooperation with Mexico; (6) National Guard support on the southern border; and (7) extension of the Western Hemisphere travel initiative. Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2007 - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county: (1) no more than 100 miles from a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico; or (2) more than 100 miles from any such border but which [...]

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Latest Action: 03/10/2008 - Resolution agreed to in Senate with amendments and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR 3/11/2008 S1890-1891)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sympathy of the Senate to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala, and encouraging the United States to work with Guatemala to bring an end to these crimes. 3/10/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Expresses condolences to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and recognizes the families' courage in seeking justice. Expresses the solidarity of the people of the United States with the people of Guatemala in the face of these tragic acts. Condemns the ongoing abductions and murders of women and girls in Guatemala. Urges the government of Guatemala to: (1) strengthen laws with respect to domestic violence and sexual harassment, improve the integrity of the prosecutorial and judicial systems, and provide the resources to enforce justice for crimes against women; and (2) hold accountable law enforcement and judicial officials who have failed to investigate [...]

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Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Mr. Ackerman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for the assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control of Lebanon. 9/25/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns: (1) the attempts by Hezbollah and other pro-Syrian groups to undermine the democratically-elected and legitimate government of Lebanon by extra-legal means; and (2) the campaign of assassinations targeting members of parliament and public figures opposed to Syrian interference in Lebanon, and bombings in civilian areas intended to intimidate the Lebanese people. Calls on the Lebanese parliament to elect a new President in accordance with Lebanon's constitution. Declares that the association of political parties with terrorist organizations, militias, and other armed elements outside of the official military [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
To authorize law enforcement and security assistance, and assistance to enhance the rule of law and strengthen civilian institutions, for Mexico and the countries of Central America, and for other purposes. 6/10/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Assistance for Mexico - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Security Assistance - (Sec. 112) Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Mexico for: (1) counternarcotics and countertrafficking; (2) port, airport, and related security to assist in controlling the Mexico-U.S. and Mexico-Central America borders; (3) intelligence gathering operational technology; and (4) public security and law enforcement, including assistance to the National Council Against Addiction (CONADIC). (Sec. 114) Prohibits assistance to any armed forces of Mexico or law enforcement unit [...]

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Latest Action: 07/18/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Leahy under authority of the order of the Senate of 01/04/2007. With written report No. 110-425.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 7/18/2008--Introduced. Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the civilian stabilization initiative; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (9) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (10) the repatriation loans program account; (11) the American Institute in Taiwan; (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) international organizations, peacekeeping, and [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/18/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Leahy under authority of the order of the Senate of 01/04/2007. With written report No. 110-425.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 7/18/2008--Introduced. Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the civilian stabilization initiative; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (9) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (10) the repatriation loans program account; (11) the American Institute in Taiwan; (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) international organizations, peacekeeping, and [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
To authorize law enforcement and security assistance, and assistance to enhance the rule of law and strengthen civilian institutions, for Mexico and the countries of Central America, and for other purposes. 6/10/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Assistance for Mexico - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Security Assistance - (Sec. 112) Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Mexico for: (1) counternarcotics and countertrafficking; (2) port, airport, and related security to assist in controlling the Mexico-U.S. and Mexico-Central America borders; (3) intelligence gathering operational technology; and (4) public security and law enforcement, including assistance to the National Council Against Addiction (CONADIC). (Sec. 114) Prohibits assistance to any armed forces of Mexico or law enforcement unit [...]

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Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Mr. Ackerman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for the assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control of Lebanon. 9/25/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Condemns: (1) the attempts by Hezbollah and other pro-Syrian groups to undermine the democratically-elected and legitimate government of Lebanon by extra-legal means; and (2) the campaign of assassinations targeting members of parliament and public figures opposed to Syrian interference in Lebanon, and bombings in civilian areas intended to intimidate the Lebanese people. Calls on the Lebanese parliament to elect a new President in accordance with Lebanon's constitution. Declares that the association of political parties with terrorist organizations, militias, and other armed elements outside of the official military [...]

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