Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/11/2007 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7494; text as passed Senate: CR S7494)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-United States dialogue and relationship. 6/11/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (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 United States: (1) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries should continue implementing the ASEAN-United States Enhanced Partnership; (2) should proceed with appointing a United States Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs; (3) should work with the ASEAN countries in developing a regional energy strategy; (4) should provide greater support toward encouraging students from ASEAN countries to study in the United States and American students to study in ASEAN countries; and (5) should continue to support the work of multilateral financial institutions assisting the ASEAN countries.[...]

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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: 03/13/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

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Urging multilateral financial institutions to cancel completely and immediately Haiti's debts to such institutions, and for other purposes.

3/13/2007--Introduced.

Urges: (1) the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the Inter-American Development Bank, and other multilateral financial institutions to cancel Haiti's debts to such institutions; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. Executive Directors at such institutions to use U.S. influence to accomplish this goal.

Latest Action: 02/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

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To establish the Independent Commission on the 2004 Coup d'Etat in the Republic of Haiti.

1/9/2007--Introduced.

Establishes in the legislative branch the Independent Commission on the 2004 Coup d'Etat in the Republic of Haiti.

Directs the Commission to examine the U.S. government's role in the February 2004 coup d'etat in the Republic of Haiti.

Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of its final report to Congress and the President.

Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13100)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 20th anniversary of United States-Mongolia relations.

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.)

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the partnership between the United States and Mongolia should be acknowledged and celebrated; (2) the United States should encourage economic cooperation with Mongolia; (3) the United States should work with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank to improve Mongolia's economic system; (4) the United States should provide Mongolia assistance under the Millennium Challenge Compact and work to finalize the Compact in a timely fashion; and (5) the United States should encourage academic and cultural exchanges with Mongolia.

Latest Action: 01/30/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1322, S1343-1344)

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A bill to state United States policy for Iraq, and for other purposes. 1/30/2007--Introduced. Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 - States that: (1) U.S. Armed Forces levels in Iraq after the date of enactment of this Act shall not exceed January 10, 2007, levels without specific statutory authority enacted by Congress after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) except as otherwise provided, the phased redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq shall begin by May 1, 2007. Authorizes the President to temporarily suspend such redeployment upon certification to Congress that: (1) such action is in the U.S. national interest; and (2) the government of Iraq is taking specified actions. Resumes redeployment if Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving such suspension or suspension renewal. Authorizes, upon certification by the President to Congress, post-deployment retention of certain forces in Iraq to: (1) protect U.S. personnel and facilities; (2) [...]

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Latest Action: 02/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1912)

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A bill to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines for diseases primarily affecting developing countries and for other purposes. 2/13/2007--Introduced. Vaccines for the Future Act of 2007 - Directs the President to establish a comprehensive strategy to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines and microbicides for neglected diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. States that such strategy shall: (1) expand public-private partnerships and seek to leverage foreign country and private sector resources; (2) include the negotiation of advance market commitments and other economic incentives for the research, development, and manufacturing of vaccines and microbicides for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other neglected diseases; (3) address related intellectual property and regulatory issues; (4) maximize U.S. capabilities to support clinical trials of vaccines and microbicides in developing countries; and (5) expand the purchase and delivery of existing vaccines.[...]

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Latest Action: 06/20/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Commending the Middle East Investment Initiative.

6/20/2007--Introduced.

Commends the Middle East Investment Initiative (MEII) and its contributors for their vision and initiative.

Expresses the House of Representatives' belief that improved economic activity can help bring about regional stability and peace.

Encourages the participation and contributions of individuals, institutions, and foreign governments in supporting the MEII.

Pledges support for the MEII and other efforts to stimulate the economy of the Palestinian people.

Latest Action: 01/22/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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To prohibit the application of certain restrictive eligibility requirements to foreign nongovernmental organizations with respect to the provision of assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

1/22/2007--Introduced.

Global Democracy Promotion Act - Declares that foreign nongovernmental organizations: (1) shall not be ineligible for assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 solely on the basis of health or medical services (including counseling and referral services) provided by them with non-U.S. government funds if such services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided, and would not violate U.S. federal law if provided in the United States; and (2) shall not be subject to requirements relating to the use of non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying activities other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations receiving such assistance.

Latest Action: 04/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.

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To lift the trade embargo on Cuba, and for other purposes. 1/22/2007--Introduced. Free Trade With Cuba Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Declares that any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979 shall cease to be effective. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; (3) the prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985 [...]

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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.

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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: 07/07/2008 - Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Baucus. With written report No. 110-408. Additional views filed.

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An original bill to impose sanctions on Iran and for other purposes. 7/7/2008--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.) Iran Sanctions Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning a variety of existing and proposed sanctions against Iran. (Sec. 4) States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the President to use military force against Iran. (Sec. 5) Defines specified terms. (Sec. 6) Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand the definition of "person" to include: (1) a financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, or any other business organization, including any foreign subsidiary, parent, or affiliate of one of the foregoing; and (2) an export credit agency that is a governmental entity operating [...]

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Latest Action: 09/16/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 110-464.

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A bill to authorize United States participation in the replenishment of resources of the International Development Association, and for other purposes. 6/19/2008--Introduced. International Development Association Replenishment Act of 2008 - Amends the International Development Association Act to authorize U.S. participation in, and authorize appropriations for, contributions to the 15th replenishment of the resources of the International Development Association (IDA).Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to negotiate the creation of a pilot program that establishes an anticorruption trust at the World Bank.Requires greenhouse gas emissions impact assessments of a multilateral development bank borrower's proposal before the U.S. Executive Director of the bank may vote in favor of the proposal.Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on greenhouse gas emissions associated with multilateral development bank actions.[...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 110-441.

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A bill to authorize United States participation in, and appropriations for the United States contribution to, the eleventh replenishment of the resources of the African Development Fund.

6/19/2008--Introduced.

Amends the African Development Fund Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the African Development Fund to contribute to the 11th replenishment of the resources of the Fund.

Authorizes appropriations.

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

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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: 12/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Urging the United States Government to initiate a diplomatic surge to foster security and stability in the Middle East by engaging international stakeholders and governments throughout the region to curtail destabilizing influences, help prevent the spread of violence, address humanitarian concerns, and enhance prospects for security, political, and economic progress in Iraq.

12/18/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes the effort of local community leaders in Iraq to promote reconciliation.

Commends the United Nations for re-engaging in Iraq.

Urges: (1) diplomatic efforts to engage Iraq's neighbors to assist in securing Iraq's borders and to prevent terrorist organizations from destabilizing the region; (2) the nations and international bodies that have pledged donations to Iraq to fulfill those pledges; and (3) actions to address the needs of Iraqi displaced persons.

Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with amendments and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 110-331.

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A bill to require the President to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the United States foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people worldwide, between 1990 and 2015, who live on less than $1 per day. 4/24/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Global Poverty Act of 2007 - Directs the President, through the Secretary of State, to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the U.S. foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people, between 1990 and 2015, who live on less than $1 per day. Requires the strategy to contain specific and measurable [...]

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Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.

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Expressing the sense of the Congress with regard to the world's freshwater resources. 12/6/2007--Introduced. Asserts that: (1) water management priorities should reflect the goals of safeguarding and sustaining water resources; (2) U.S. executive directors of international financial institutions should not approve loans that require increased cost recovery or water privatization or public-private partnerships that would result in significant increases in consumer water fees or in other ways restrict affordable access to water; and (3) federal policies should ensure that sources of water pollution are adequately regulated and those responsible held accountable for the pollution they cause.Affirms: (1) that water should not be treated as a private commodity where this would limit or deny public access to freshwater resources; (2) that Congress firmly commits itself to meet the Millennium Development Goals; and (3) that access to international loans and debt reduction [...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13100)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 20th anniversary of United States-Mongolia relations.

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.)

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the partnership between the United States and Mongolia should be acknowledged and celebrated; (2) the United States should encourage economic cooperation with Mongolia; (3) the United States should work with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank to improve Mongolia's economic system; (4) the United States should provide Mongolia assistance under the Millennium Challenge Compact and work to finalize the Compact in a timely fashion; and (5) the United States should encourage academic and cultural exchanges with Mongolia.

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with amendments. With written report No. 110-438.

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A bill to provide for greater responsibility in lending and expanded cancellation of debts owed to the United States and the international financial institutions by low-income countries, and for other purposes. 8/1/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. debt cancellation or international debt relief to eligible low-income countries should not be followed by a reduction in other development assistance to such countries. (Sec. 4) Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and other international financial institutions to: (1) provide for debt cancellation of eligible low-income countries to such [...]

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