Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the United States House of Representatives that the United States should adhere to moral and ethical principles of economic justice and fairness in developing and advancing United States international trade treaties, agreements, and investment policies.

4/24/2007--Introduced.

Declares that the House of Representatives will adhere to specified international trade and investment principles in evaluating, approving, and advancing all U.S. trade and investment treaties, agreements, and policies.

Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2674, E587-588)

Bill Text
To establish a commission to develop legislation designed to reform tax policy and entitlement benefit programs and ensure a sound fiscal future for the United States, and for other purposes. 1/16/2007--Introduced. Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act, or SAFE Commission Act - Establishes the Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission to develop legislation designed to address: (1) the unsustainable imbalance between long-term federal spending commitments and projected revenues; (2) increases in net national savings to provide for domestic investment and economic growth; (3) the implications of foreign ownership of federally issued debt instruments; and (4) revision of the budget process to place greater emphasis on long-term fiscal issues. Requires the Commission to: (1) develop one or two methods for estimating the cost of legislation as an alternative to the current Congressional Budget Office (CBO) method; and (2) hold at least one town-hall [...]

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Latest Action: 01/16/2007 - Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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 concerned.

Bill Text
To establish a commission to develop legislation designed to reform entitlement benefit programs and ensure a sound fiscal future for the United States, and for other purposes.

1/16/2007--Introduced.

Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending Act, or CORE Spending Act - Establishes the Commission On Reforming Entitlement Spending to examine the long-term fiscal challenges facing the United States and develop legislation designed to address them.

Authorizes the President and the House or Senate Budget Committee to submit alternatives to the legislative proposal submitted by the Commission.

Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare a long-term cost estimate of legislation proposed under this Act or a related amendment, and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible.

Latest Action: 06/05/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 422.

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Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan. 6/5/2007--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.) Calls upon the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to condemn the atrocities taking place in Darfur, Sudan, and end military and economic assistance to the government of Sudan until Sudan stops civilian attacks and engages in peace negotiations. Recognizes the close relationship between the PRC and Sudan and urges the PRC to use its political, international, and economic influence to stop the violence in Darfur, Sudan. Recognizes that the spirit of the Olympics, which is to bring together nations and people from all over the world in peace, is incompatible with actions supporting [...]

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Latest Action: 07/26/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To ensure national security while promoting foreign investment and the creation and maintenance of jobs, to reform the process by which such investments are examined for any effect they may have on national security, to establish the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and for other purposes. 7/26/2007--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on June 29, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to revise provisions concerning presidential authority to review certain mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers to direct the President, acting through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and upon receiving written notification from any parties to a possible merger, acquisition or takeover proposed or pending after [...]

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

Bill Text
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 Action: 07/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7710)

Bill Text
To enhance congressional oversight of Operation Iraqi Freedom by requiring the President to transmit periodically to Congress a consolidated, comprehensive report to detail the terms of completion for Operation Iraqi Freedom and by requiring the President to seek to enter into a multilateral agreement to help provide for the completion of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1/31/2007--Introduced.

Iraq Policy Revitalization and Congressional Oversight Enhancement Act - Directs the President to: (1) transmit periodically to Congress a consolidated, comprehensive report respecting the National Strategy for Victory in Iraq and the New Way Forward in Iraq plan; and (2) seek to enter into a multilateral agreement with Coalition countries, the Republic of Iraq, appropriate states in the Middle East region, and appropriate multilateral organizations to help provide for the completion of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2510)

Bill Text
A bill to establish in the Department of Commerce an Under Secretary for United States Direct Investment, and for other purposes.

3/1/2007--Introduced.

Invest USA Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Department of Commerce a United States Direct Investment Administration, headed by an Under Secretary of Commerce for United States Direct Investment.

Requires the Under Secretary to collect, analyze, and report annually to the President and the appropriate congressional committees: (1) on specified data about direct investment in each state and region; and (2) an agenda based on such data and analysis.

Requires the President to establish, and the Under Secretary to assume lead responsibility for, an Interagency United States Direct Investment Promotion Committee.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code (relating to designation of renewal communities) to authorize the Under Secretary to designate an additional 10 nominated areas as renewal communities.

Latest Action: 03/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to exclude from admission to the United States aliens who have made investments contributing to the enhancement of the ability of Cuba to develop its petroleum resources, and for other purposes. 3/14/2007--Introduced. States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) undertake measures to deny the Cuban regime the financial resources to engage in activities that threaten U.S. national security and other interests, threaten the environment and natural resources of northern Cuba and Florida, and prolong the dictatorship that oppresses the Cuban people; and (2) deter foreign investments that would enhance the Cuban regime's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to exclude from U.S. entry an alien who: (1) is an officer or principal of an entity, or a shareholder who owns a controlling interest in an entity that makes an investment (as defined by this Act) of $1 million or more (or any combination [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-443.

Bill Text
An original bill to impose sanctions with respect to Iran, to provide for the divestment of assets in Iran by State and local governments and other entities, to identify locations of concern with respect to transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain sensitive items to Iran, and for other purposes.
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.

Bill Text
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: 06/04/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5043-5044)

Bill Text
A bill to require a review of existing trade agreements and renegotiation of existing trade agreements based on the review, to set terms for future trade agreements, to express the sense of the Senate that the role of Congress in trade policymaking should be strengthened, and for other purposes. 6/4/2008--Introduced. Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2008, or the TRADE Act of 2008 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to: (1) review certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee regarding such agreements, including analyses of specified subjects and of each agreement, as well as whether the country has a democratic form of government that respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws.Declares that [...]

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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: 04/01/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To impose limitations on investment and certain operations by foreign entities in the United States.

3/31/2008--Introduced.

Reciprocity and Fairness in Foreign Investment Act - Permits a foreign person owned, in whole or in part, or controlled by a foreign government to acquire ownership in either a business, or in real property in the United States, but only to the same extent as that foreign government allows U.S. persons to acquire ownership in comparable enterprises organized under the laws of that foreign country.

Subjects investment and operation of critical infrastructure in the United States by such a foreign person to the same reciprocity requirements.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue implementing regulations.

Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2006-2007)

Bill Text
A bill to facilitate foreign investment by permanently reauthorizing the EB-5 regional center program, and for other purposes.

3/12/2008--Introduced.

State Foreign Investment Improvement Act - Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 to: (1) make the alien investor (EB-5) regional center program permanent; and (2) establish a $2,500 regional center designation fee.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) establish a $2,000 EB-5 premium processing fee; (2) permit concurrent filing for EB-5 petitions and status adjustment applications; and (3) establish in the Treasury the Immigrant Entrepreneur Regional Account Center.

Latest Action: 01/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To modify the EB-5 regional center program.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Invest in USA Act of 2007 - Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 to: (1) make the alien investor (EB-5) regional center program permanent; and (2) establish a $2,500 regional center designation fee.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) establish a $2,000 EB-5 premium processing fee; (2) permit concurrent filing for EB-5 petitions and status adjustment applications; and (3) establish in the Treasury the Immigrant Entrepreneur Regional Account Center.

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

Bill Text
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: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the planned acquisition of a minority interest in 3Com by affiliates of Huawei.

10/10/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the planned acquisition of a minority interest in 3Com by affiliates of Huawei Technologies in China triggers a number of statutory national security factors to be considered by the President and members of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to block a foreign acquisition; and (2) the preponderance of publicly available evidence suggests that such proposed acquisition threatens U.S. national security and should not be approved by CFIUS.

Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Committee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To establish a commission to develop legislation designed to reform tax policy and entitlement benefit programs and ensure a sound fiscal future for the United States, and for other purposes. 9/25/2007--Introduced. Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act, or SAFE Commission Act - Establishes the Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission to develop legislation designed to address: (1) the unsustainable imbalance between long-term federal spending commitments and projected revenues; (2) increases in net national savings to provide for domestic investment and economic growth; (3) the implications of foreign ownership of federally issued debt instruments; and (4) revision of the budget process to place greater emphasis on long-term fiscal issues. Requires the Commission to: (1) develop one or two methods for estimating the cost of legislation as an alternative to the current Congressional Budget Office (CBO) method; and (2) hold at least one town-hall [...]

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