Top Legislation - View All

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: 05/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6608-6609)

Bill Text
A bill to establish commissions to review the facts and circumstances surrounding injustices suffered by European Americans, European Latin Americans, and Jewish refugees during World War II. 5/4/2007--Reported to 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.)Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (from September 1, 1939, through December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans.Requires the Commission to review: (1) government actions with respect to European Americans and European Latin Americans pursuant to the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, 2662, 2685, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and related directives pertaining to the registration, arrest, exclusion, internment,[...]

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Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2279)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to allow for certain claims of nationals of the United States against Turkey, and for other purposes. 2/27/2007--Introduced. American-Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act - Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to urge the President to authorize the Secretary of State to begin negotiations with Turkey to allow for certain claims by U.S. nationals respecting real property in the Turkish-held portions of Cyprus. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury a Claims Fund for the payment of unsatisfied claims of U.S. nationals against Turkey. Sets forth payment procedures. Grants U.S. district court jurisdiction for civil actions against any private person (any natural person or legal entity other than Turkey) by a U.S. national who owns property in the Turkish-held portion of Cyprus. Sets forth the conditions under which an action may be brought [...]

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Latest Action: 03/02/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to modify the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, or commercial names.

3/2/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to prohibit U.S. courts from recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by an individual (currently, by a designated Cuban national) of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government unless the original owner of such mark or name, or such owner's bona fide successor, has expressly consented. Applies such prohibition only if the individual asserting the rights knew or had reason to know at the time of acquiring the rights asserted that the mark or name was the same or substantially similar to the mark or name used in connection with the business or assets that were confiscated.

Latest Action: 02/16/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To establish commissions to review the facts and circumstances surrounding injustices suffered by European Americans, European Latin Americans, and Jewish refugees during World War II. 2/16/2007--Introduced. Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (from September 1, 1939, through December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans.Requires the Commission to review: (1) government actions with respect to European Americans and European Latin Americans pursuant to the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, 2662, 2685, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and related directives pertaining to the registration, arrest, exclusion, internment, exchange, or deportation of such people; (2) registration requirements, travel and property restrictions, internment, and forced abandonment of property; (3) participation by European Americans [...]

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Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To modify the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, or commercial names.

3/1/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to prohibit U.S. courts from recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by an individual (currently, by a designated Cuban national) of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government unless the original owner of such mark or name, or such owner's bona fide successor, has expressly consented. Applies such prohibition only if the individual asserting the rights knew or had reason to know at the time of acquiring the rights asserted that the mark or name was the same or substantially similar to the mark or name used in connection with the business or assets that were confiscated.

Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7961)

Bill Text
To amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to allow for certain claims of nationals of the United States against Turkey, and for other purposes. 3/9/2007--Introduced. American-Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act - Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to urge the President to authorize the Secretary of State to begin negotiations with Turkey to allow for certain claims by U.S. nationals respecting real property in the Turkish-held portions of Cyprus. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury a Claims Fund for the payment of unsatisfied claims of U.S. nationals against Turkey. Sets forth payment procedures. Grants U.S. district court jurisdiction for civil actions against any private person (any natural person or legal entity other than Turkey) by a U.S. national who owns property in the Turkish-held portion of Cyprus. Sets forth the conditions under which an action may be brought against [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 7/18/2007 S9477)

Bill Text
A bill to restore to the judiciary the power to decide all trademark and trade name cases arising under the laws and treaties of the United States by repealing the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, and commercial names and impediments to registration of such marks, and for other purposes.

7/17/2007--Introduced.

Judicial Powers Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition against U.S. courts recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by a designated Cuban national of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations as necessary to repeal such provisions, including removing or revoking any applicable prohibition on transactions or payments.

Latest Action: 05/09/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To encourage and facilitate the consolidation of security, human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia. 5/9/2007--Introduced. Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2007 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, peacekeeping capacity building, and economic development in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (2) collaborate with Ethiopia in the Global War on Terror; (3) seek the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia; (4) foster stability, democracy, and economic development in the region; and (5) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations. Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia. Prohibits until the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism [...]

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Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.

Bill Text
To lift the trade embargo on Cuba, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Cuba Reconciliation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (including other specified laws) to repeal the embargo placed upon all trade with Cuba.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare the denial of foreign tax credit inapplicable to Cuba.

Permits: (1) installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, including telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba; and (2) travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents.

Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
To promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam. 9/18/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2007 - Title I: Prohibition on Nonhumanitarian Assistance to the Government of Vietnam - (Sec. 101) Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam for FY2008 in excess of FY2007 levels unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting: (1) the release of political and religious prisoners; (2) the right of religious freedom, including the return of church properties; (3) the rights of ethnic minorities; and (4) access to U.S. refugee programs by Vietnamese nationals. Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam for subsequent fiscal years in excess of FY2007 levels unless the President certifies to Congress that in addition to such requirements: (1) no government of Vietnam official, agency, or [...]

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Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Regarding the recent actions of Hugo Chavez and the Government of Venezuela.

7/19/2007--Introduced.

Expresses outrage over Hugo Chavez's recent actions respecting control of energy companies operating in Venezuela.

Encourages the protection of investment and respect for the sanctity of property rights.

Recognizes the hard work and contributions of American workers, engineers, and scientists abroad, without whom, projects in Venezuela would not exist.

Urges: (1) American companies to stand up for their shareholders' property rights; and (2) the U.S. government to continue providing a model of public-private cooperation to the world in delivering on the energy needs of its citizens.

Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 7/18/2007 S9477)

Bill Text
A bill to restore to the judiciary the power to decide all trademark and trade name cases arising under the laws and treaties of the United States by repealing the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, and commercial names and impediments to registration of such marks, and for other purposes.

7/17/2007--Introduced.

Judicial Powers Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition against U.S. courts recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by a designated Cuban national of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations as necessary to repeal such provisions, including removing or revoking any applicable prohibition on transactions or payments.

Latest Action: 07/10/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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 commi

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain actions with regard to the Arab Bank, and for other purposes.

7/10/2007--Introduced.

Arab Bank Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to release certain documents and information relating to the Arab Bank (other than those which would impede any federal criminal or civil investigation of the Bank).

Directs the President to block certain Bank assets within the United States which shall be made available for payment of any terrorism-related judgment against the Bank. States that after any such judgment becomes final the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve System and the Comptroller of the Currency shall act to terminate any Bank branch or agency in the United States and to prohibit the Bank from maintaining any interest in any commercial lending company within the United States.

Latest Action: 05/09/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To encourage and facilitate the consolidation of security, human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia. 5/9/2007--Introduced. Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2007 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, peacekeeping capacity building, and economic development in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (2) collaborate with Ethiopia in the Global War on Terror; (3) seek the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia; (4) foster stability, democracy, and economic development in the region; and (5) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations. Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia. Prohibits until the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7961)

Bill Text
To amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to allow for certain claims of nationals of the United States against Turkey, and for other purposes. 3/9/2007--Introduced. American-Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act - Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to urge the President to authorize the Secretary of State to begin negotiations with Turkey to allow for certain claims by U.S. nationals respecting real property in the Turkish-held portions of Cyprus. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury a Claims Fund for the payment of unsatisfied claims of U.S. nationals against Turkey. Sets forth payment procedures. Grants U.S. district court jurisdiction for civil actions against any private person (any natural person or legal entity other than Turkey) by a U.S. national who owns property in the Turkish-held portion of Cyprus. Sets forth the conditions under which an action may be brought against [...]

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Latest Action: 03/02/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to modify the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, or commercial names.

3/2/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to prohibit U.S. courts from recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by an individual (currently, by a designated Cuban national) of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government unless the original owner of such mark or name, or such owner's bona fide successor, has expressly consented. Applies such prohibition only if the individual asserting the rights knew or had reason to know at the time of acquiring the rights asserted that the mark or name was the same or substantially similar to the mark or name used in connection with the business or assets that were confiscated.

Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To modify the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, or commercial names.

3/1/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to prohibit U.S. courts from recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by an individual (currently, by a designated Cuban national) of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated by the Cuban government unless the original owner of such mark or name, or such owner's bona fide successor, has expressly consented. Applies such prohibition only if the individual asserting the rights knew or had reason to know at the time of acquiring the rights asserted that the mark or name was the same or substantially similar to the mark or name used in connection with the business or assets that were confiscated.

Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2279)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to allow for certain claims of nationals of the United States against Turkey, and for other purposes. 2/27/2007--Introduced. American-Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act - Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to urge the President to authorize the Secretary of State to begin negotiations with Turkey to allow for certain claims by U.S. nationals respecting real property in the Turkish-held portions of Cyprus. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury a Claims Fund for the payment of unsatisfied claims of U.S. nationals against Turkey. Sets forth payment procedures. Grants U.S. district court jurisdiction for civil actions against any private person (any natural person or legal entity other than Turkey) by a U.S. national who owns property in the Turkish-held portion of Cyprus. Sets forth the conditions under which an action may be brought [...]

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Latest Action: 02/16/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To establish commissions to review the facts and circumstances surrounding injustices suffered by European Americans, European Latin Americans, and Jewish refugees during World War II. 2/16/2007--Introduced. Wartime Treatment Study Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (from September 1, 1939, through December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans.Requires the Commission to review: (1) government actions with respect to European Americans and European Latin Americans pursuant to the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526, 2527, 2655, 2662, 2685, Executive Orders 9066 and 9095, and related directives pertaining to the registration, arrest, exclusion, internment, exchange, or deportation of such people; (2) registration requirements, travel and property restrictions, internment, and forced abandonment of property; (3) participation by European Americans [...]

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