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Latest Action: 03/13/2007 - Mr. Ackerman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah, and for other purposes. 3/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Demands that: (1) Hamas release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; (2) Hezbollah accept the mandate of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 by releasing Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev; and (3) Hezbollah and Hamas accede to basic standards of humanitarian conduct and allow access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Expresses: (1) commitment to Israel's survival as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders; (2) support and interest in achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel; (3) concern for the families of Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser,[...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 125.

Bill Text
Expressing deep concern over the use of civilians as "human shields" in violation of international humanitarian law, including Hezbollah's tactic of embedding its forces among civilians to use them as human shields during the summer of 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and the State of Israel.

4/25/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Condemns the use of innocent civilians as human shields, including Hezbollah's recent use of this brutal and illegal tactic during the 2006 summer conflict with Israel.

Calls on: (1) responsible nations to condemn the use of civilians as human shields as a violation of international humanitarian law; and (2) responsible nations and experts in the area of international humanitarian law to focus particular attention on the use of human shields in violation of international humanitarian law and make recommendations for its prevention.

Latest Action: 04/12/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4456-4457)

Bill Text
A resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of soldiers of Israel held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. 4/12/2007--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.) Demands that: (1) Hamas release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; (2) Hezbollah accept the mandate of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 by releasing Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev; and (3) Hezbollah and Hamas accede to basic standards of humanitarian conduct and allow access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Expresses: (1) commitment to Israel's survival as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders; (2) support and interest in achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a viable and [...]

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Latest Action: 09/24/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12010-12011 text as passed Senate: CR S12011 text of measure as introduced: CR S12005)

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A resolution condemning the assassination on September 19, 2007, of Antoine Ghanem, a member of the Parliament of Lebanon who opposed Syrian interference in Lebanon. 9/24/2007--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 condolences to the families of Antoine Ghanem and other victims of the September 19, 2007, attack, as well as to all the people of Lebanon. Condemns such attack and urges that its perpetrators, including any state sponsor or official, be held accountable for their crimes. Underscores Senate support for the special international tribunal and urges the U.N. Security Council to extend its jurisdiction to include the Ghanem assassination. Urges the President to increase coordination with key partners in Europe and the Middle East to support Lebanon's sovereignty and strengthen [...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S13132 text as passed Senate: CR S13132 text of measure as introduced: CR S13100)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the importance of a sovereign, democratic, and prosperous Lebanon and the need for free and fair presidential elections in Lebanon without intimidation or foreign interference. 10/18/2007--Passed 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.) Calls for free presidential elections in Lebanon conducted according to Lebanon's constitution and free from foreign interference or the use of intimidation tactics. Supports ongoing efforts in Lebanon to reach agreement on a presidential candidate committed to upholding Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. Condemns the governments of Syria and Iran for their interference in Lebanon's internal political affairs and for their repeated violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. [...]

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Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H11074)

Bill Text
To redeploy United States Armed Forces from Iraq and to establish a new direction for United States policy toward Iraq. 1/24/2007--Introduced. New Direction for Iraq Act of 2007 - Prohibits Department of Defense (DOD) funds from being obligated or expended to increase the number of U.S. Armed Forces serving in Iraq so that the total number serving in Iraq at any time exceeds the number serving in Iraq as of the date of the enactment of this Act unless the increase is specifically authorized by Congress. Directs the Secretary of Defense to begin the redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq within 30 days of enactment of this Act, which shall be completed in the shortest appropriate time frame. (Expresses the sense of Congress that the shortest appropriate time frame should be no longer than one year.) Prohibits: (1) permanent or long-term U.S. military installations in Iraq; and (2) U.S. actions to control Iraqi oil reserves. Provides for assistance [...]

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Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Condemning Syria for its destablizing actions in the Middle East region and calling on Iraq not to reopen its oil pipeline to Syria.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Condemns the assassinations of Antoine Ghanem, Rafiq Hariri, and other anti-Syrian Lebanese leaders.

Calls on Iraq not to reopen the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline until Syria makes significant progress respecting disarmament, border control, support for insurgents, and non-proliferation.

Latest Action: 05/02/2007 - On passage, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 222 - 203, 1 Present (Roll no. 276). (consideration: CR H4315-4326; text of Veto message: CR H4315)

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Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes. 4/24/2007--Conference report filed in House.    (There are 3 other summaries) U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 - Title I: Global War on Terror Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1 - Makes FY2007 emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, for commodities supplied in connection with dispositions abroad under Public Law 480 Title II Grants. (Sec. 1101) Makes specified appropriations to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for the release of eligible commodities for emergency humanitarian food needs in developing countries under the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act, in order to replenish the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. Chapter 2 - Makes FY2007 emergency supplemental appropriations [...]

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Latest Action: 07/23/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9768-9771)

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A bill to assist certain Iraqis who have worked directly with, or are threatened by their association with, the United States, and for other purposes. 6/19/2007--Introduced. Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act - Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish processing facilities in Iraq and in countries in the region for eligible Iraqis to apply and interview for U.S. admission as refugees or as special immigrants. Includes among refugees of special humanitarian concern: (1) Iraqis who were employed by, or worked for or directly with the U.S. government in Iraq; (2) Iraqis who were employed in Iraq by a U.S.-based media or nongovernmental organization or an organization that has received a grant from, or entered into a cooperative agreement or contract with the U.S. government; (3) spouses, children, sons, daughters, siblings, and parents of Iraqis who worked for the U.S. government or who are special immigrants; and (4) Iraqis who are members of a religious or minority [...]

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Latest Action: 04/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who served during certain periods of time in specified locations.

4/17/2007--Introduced.

Amends the definition of "period of war" to extend eligibility for veterans' pension benefits to those veterans who served during specified time periods in the Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Granada, or Panama.

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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. 5/22/2008--Passed House 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.) 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to strengthen sanctions against the Government of Syria, to enhance multilateral commitment to address the Government of Syria's threatening policies, to establish a program to support a transition to a democratically-elected government in Syria, and for other purposes. 4/24/2008--Introduced. Syria Accountability and Liberation Act - States that U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to Syria shall remain in effect until the President certifies that Syria has ceased support for terrorism, has dismantled biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons programs and has committed to combat their proliferation, respects the boundaries and sovereignty of all neighboring countries, and upholds human rights and civil liberties. Imposes specified trade, assistance, and military sanctions, as appropriate, on persons or countries that transfer goods or technology so as to contribute to Syria's biological, chemical, nuclear, or advanced conventional weapons programs.[...]

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Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3034; text as passed Senate: CR S3034; text of measure as introduced: CR S3033)

Bill Text
A resolution solemnly commemorating the 25th anniversary of the tragic April 1983 bombing of the United States Embassy in Beirut and remembering those who lost their lives and those who where injured.

4/15/2008--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.)

States that the Senate, on the 25th anniversary of the April 18, 1983, bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon: (1) remembers the victims of the bombing and joins family and friends in mourning the American and Lebanese victims; (2) condemns all terrorist acts that deliberately target the innocent; and (3) reiterates its support for the people of Lebanon and their government as they seek to build a future free from the threat of terrorist violence.

Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - 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

Bill Text
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Iraq, and the international community.

4/2/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Expresses gratitude to the coalition forces and other international supporters for their contribution and sacrifice in the efforts to bring peace to Iraq.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - 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

Bill Text
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Republic of Iraq, and international community.

2/6/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - 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

Bill Text
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Republic of Iraq, and international community.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 12/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in remembrance of the victims and in honor of the veterans of the peacekeeping mission in Beirut, Lebanon, from 1982 to 1984.

12/18/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a commemorative postage stamp in remembrance of the victims, and in honor of the veterans, of the Beirut peacekeeping mission; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.

Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Condemning Syria for its destablizing actions in the Middle East region and calling on Iraq not to reopen its oil pipeline to Syria.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Condemns the assassinations of Antoine Ghanem, Rafiq Hariri, and other anti-Syrian Lebanese leaders.

Calls on Iraq not to reopen the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline until Syria makes significant progress respecting disarmament, border control, support for insurgents, and non-proliferation.

Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S13132 text as passed Senate: CR S13132 text of measure as introduced: CR S13100)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the importance of a sovereign, democratic, and prosperous Lebanon and the need for free and fair presidential elections in Lebanon without intimidation or foreign interference. 10/18/2007--Passed 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.) Calls for free presidential elections in Lebanon conducted according to Lebanon's constitution and free from foreign interference or the use of intimidation tactics. Supports ongoing efforts in Lebanon to reach agreement on a presidential candidate committed to upholding Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. Condemns the governments of Syria and Iran for their interference in Lebanon's internal political affairs and for their repeated violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. [...]

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