Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6305; text as passed Senate: CR S6305; text of measure as introduced: CR S6297-6298)

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A resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and honoring the veterans of Operation Vittles.
Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 779.

Bill Text
To reauthorize Amtrak, and for other purposes. 6/11/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states, to the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General, and for accessibility improvements and barrier removal for individuals with disabilities; (2) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; and (3) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak.(Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for costs [...]

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Latest Action: 04/29/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

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A concurrent resolution honoring the Prime Minister of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, for his service to the people of Ireland and to the world and welcoming the Prime Minister to the United States. 4/28/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Prime Minister of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, has been a strong leader for the people of Ireland and a good friend to the United States; (2) the skillful leadership of Prime Minister Ahern was indispensable in achieving a successful resolution of the conflict in Northern Ireland, and hopes his unique talents will be of service in resolving conflicts elsewhere in the years ahead; and (3) the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives look forward to paying fitting and fond tribute to Prime Minister [...]

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Latest Action: 06/10/2008 - Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5139-5141)

Bill Text
Marking the 225th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, which ended the Revolutionary War with the Kingdom of Great Britain and recognized the independence of the United States of America, and acknowledging the shared values and close friendship between the peoples and governments of the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

6/10/2008--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.)

Marks the 225th anniversary of relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Reaffirms the value of the deep friendship that has developed between our two countries since the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

Latest Action: 01/16/2008 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 912.

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Condemning the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and reaffirming the commitment of the United States to assist the people of Pakistan in combating terrorist activity and promoting a free and democratic Pakistan.

1/16/2008--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.)

Condemns the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and expresses condolences to her family and the families of all those who were killed or injured in the attack.

Welcomes the United Kingdom's assistance in the investigation of the attack and commends Pakistan for accepting such assistance.

Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to assist the people of Pakistan in combating terrorist activity and promoting a free and democratic Pakistan.

Latest Action: 12/06/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution welcoming First Minister Dr. Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland to the United States.

12/4/2007--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.)

Welcomes First Minister Dr. Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland to the United States.

Commends Dr. Paisley and Mr. McGuinness for showing the world that it is possible to rise above decades of bitter sectarian violence to achieve peace.

Expresses hope that Northern Ireland will continue to be peaceful and stable in the future.

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

Bill Text
To direct the Secretary of State to enhance diplomatic relations with foreign countries and to promote domestic business interests abroad by establishing a grant program to promote international travel to the United States. 9/26/2007--Introduced. Improving Public Diplomacy through International Travel Act - Directs the Secretary of State to enhance diplomatic relations with foreign countries and promote domestic business interests abroad by establishing a grant program to promote international travel to the United States. Directs a grant recipient to develop a promotion program to encourage international travel to the United States and to effectively communicate U.S. entry requirements, including required documentation, fees, and processes. Sets forth the following market phase-ins: (1) year one, Canada; (2) year two, Canada and Mexico; (3) year three, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom; (4) year four, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Japan; and (5) [...]

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Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Extending best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of India's independence from the British Empire.

8/2/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes India as a long-term U.S. strategic partner.

Applauds the Indian-American community for the important role it plays in the U.S.-India relationship.

Extends best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of India's independence from the British Empire.

Latest Action: 09/17/2007 - Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

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Recognizing the remarkable example of Sir Nicholas Winton who organized the rescue of 669 Jewish Czechoslovakian children from Nazi death camps prior to the outbreak of World War II.

9/17/2007--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.)

Commends Sir Nicholas Winton and those British and Czechoslovakian citizens who worked with him for their persistence and courage in saving the lives of 669 Czechoslovakian Jewish children in the months before the outbreak of World War II.

Urges men and women everywhere to recognize in Winton's humanitarian effort the difference that one devoted individual can make in changing and improving the lives of others.

Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

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Recognizing the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library in Fulton, Missouri, as "America's National Churchill Museum", and commending its efforts to recognize the importance of the historic legacy of Sir Winston Churchill and to educate the people of the United States about his legacy of character, leadership, and citizenship. 7/18/2007--Introduced. Recognizes: (1) the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library in Fulton, Missouri, as "America's National Churchill Museum"; (2) the importance of the continuing collection, preservation, and interpretation of the historical materials held by the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library toward enhancing the knowledge and understanding of Sir Winston Churchill's historic legacy; and (3) the immense importance of World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. Commends the "Lessons of Leadership" offered by the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library educational outreach programs about the life and leadership of Sir Winston [...]

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Latest Action: 07/13/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S9225-9226 text as passed Senate: CR S9225-9226 text of measure as introduced: CR S9213)

Bill Text
A resolution praising Muslim-American physicians who condemned recent attempted terrorist acts in the United Kingdom.

7/13/2007--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.)

Condemns the recent attempted attacks in the United Kingdom.

Commends the Islamic Medical Association of North America for swift and public denunciation of the attacks.

Encourages Muslim voices in the United States and abroad to continue speaking out against terrorism.

Condemns bigotry and acts of violence against any American, including Arab-Americans and Muslim-Americans.

Latest Action: 05/19/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and the War of 1812, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812. Requires a coin design emblematic of the War of 1812, particularly the Battle for Fort McHenry that formed the basis for the "Star-Spangled Banner." Authorizes the Secretary to issue the coins only during the calendar year beginning on January 1, 2012. Requires all surcharges received by the Secretary from coin sales to be paid to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission for: (1) the purpose of supporting bicentennial activities in collaboration [...]

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Latest Action: 06/26/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to support the establishment of an international regime for the assured supply of nuclear fuel for peaceful means and to authorize voluntary contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency to support the establishment of an international nuclear fuel bank. 6/26/2007--Introduced. International Nuclear Fuel for Peace and Nonproliferation Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to support the establishment of an international regime for the assured supply of nuclear fuel for peaceful means under multilateral authority, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Authorizes the President to make grant basis contributions to the IAEA for an international nuclear fuel bank to maintain a low-enriched uranium reserve of reactor fuel for eligible countries. Requires the President, prior to making such contributions, to certify to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations that: (1) the IAEA has received [...]

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Latest Action: 07/11/2007 - Ms. Jackson-Lee moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing support for the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

7/11/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States strongly supports the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland; (2) political leaders of Northern Ireland, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern should be commended for acting in the best interest of the people of Northern Ireland by forming this government; (3) May 8, 2007, will be remembered as an historic day and an important milestone in cementing peace and unity for Northern Ireland and an example for nations around the world plagued by internal conflict; and (4) the United States stands ready to support this new government and to work with the people of Northern Ireland as they strive for lasting peace.

Latest Action: 07/11/2007 - Ms. Jackson-Lee moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Condemning the decision by the leadership of the University and College Union of the United Kingdom to support a boycott of Israeli academia.

7/11/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Condemns the vote by the leadership of the University and College Union (UCU) of May 30, 2007, to consider at the branch level a boycott Israeli academics and academic institutions.

Urges the international scholarly community, the European Union (EU), and individual governments to reject, or continue to oppose, calls for an academic boycott of Israel.

Urges governments and educators throughout the world to reaffirm the importance of academic freedom.

Urges other unions and organizations to reject the troubling actions of the UCU.

Urges the general members of the UCU to reject the call of the union's leadership to boycott Israel.

Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that the fatal radiation poisoning of Russian dissident and writer Alexander Litvinenko raises significant concerns about the potential involvement of elements of the Russian Government in Mr. Litvinenko's death and about the security and proliferation of radioactive materials. 4/1/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the fatal radiation poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko raises significant concerns about the potential involvement of elements of the Russian government in Mr. Litvinenko's death, and about the security and proliferation of radioactive materials; (2) the use of such radioactive materials demonstrates a threat to the safety and security of the people of the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries; and (3) the President of the United States and the Secretary of State should urge Russian President Vladimir Putin [...]

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Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Foreign Affairs. H. Rept. 110-215.

Bill Text
To declare United States policy on international climate cooperation, to authorize assistance to promote clean and efficient energy technologies in foreign countries, and to establish the International Clean Energy Foundation. 6/28/2007--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) International Climate Cooperation Re-engagement Act of 2007 - Title I: United States Policy on Global Climate Change - (Sec. 103) Establishes within the Department of State an Office on Global Climate Change, which shall be headed by the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Climate Change. States that the primary responsibility of the Ambassador-at-Large shall be to advance U.S. goals with respect to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and addressing global climate change. Authorizes the Ambassador-at-Large to represent the United States in diplomatic contacts relating to global climate change. Title II: Assistance to Promote Clean and Efficient [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2007 - Mr. Tanner moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing gratitude to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, for their State Visit to the United States and reaffirming the friendship that exists between the United States and the United Kingdom.

6/5/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

States that the House of Representatives is deeply appreciative of the State Visit recently conducted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and celebrates the State Visit as having been an occasion to reaffirm the depth of the friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Latest Action: 06/25/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 416.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the public service of Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

6/25/2007--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.)

Recognizes the public service of Tony Blair during his tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Expresses appreciation to Mr. Blair for his support for the United States and Britain's invaluable alliance to our nation.

Latest Action: 05/17/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6359-6360; text as passed Senate: CR S6360; text of measure as introduced: CR S6311-6312)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing support for the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland. 5/17/2007--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: (1) the United States strongly supports the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland; (2) political leaders of Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern should be commended for acting in the best interest of the people of Northern Ireland by forming this government; (3) May 8, 2007, will be remembered as an historic day and an important milestone in cementing peace and unity for Northern Ireland and an example for nations around the world plagued by internal conflict; and (4) the United States stands ready to support this new government and to work with the people of Northern Ireland as they achieve [...]

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Latest Action: 05/21/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with amendments. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, and for other purposes. 5/21/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Star-spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act - Establishes the Star-spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to: (1) encourage, plan, develop, coordinate, and execute programs, observances, and activities commemorating the historic events that preceded and are associated with the War of 1812; (2) facilitate such commemoration throughout the United States and internationally; (3) coordinate the activities of the Commission with state commemoration commissions, the National Park Service, the Department of Defense (DOD), and other agencies; (4) provide technical assistance to states, localities, units of the National Park System, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration; (5) coordinate and facilitate scholarly research on, publication [...]

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Latest Action: 04/11/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4391)

Bill Text
A resolution observing Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and calling on the remaining member countries of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service to ratify the May 2006 amendments to the 1955 Bonn Accords immediately to allow open access to the Bad Arolsen archives. 4/11/2007--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.) Joins people around the world in observing Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and mourning the millions who were lost during the Holocaust. Commends the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Poland, and the Netherlands as the member countries of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service that have ratified the May 2006 amendments to the Agreement Constituting an International Commission for the International Tracing Service (Bonn Accords).[...]

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Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4223; text as passed Senate: CR S4223; text of measure as introduced: CR S4216)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate condemning the seizure by the Government of Iran of 15 British naval personnel in Iraqi territorial waters, and calling for their immediate, safe, and unconditional release.

3/29/2007--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.)

Condemns the government of Iran's seizure of 15 British naval personnel from Iraqi territorial waters as a provocative and illegal act and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the Iranian Government's seizure of 15 British sailors and marines in the Shatt al Arab waterway on March 23, 2007, and asking for the immediate repatriation of these sailors and marines to the United Kingdom.

3/29/2007--Introduced.

Condemns Iran's March 2007 seizure of British sailors and marines, and asks for their immediate return to British custody.

Calls on the United Nations to condemn Iran's holding of these British naval personnel.

Demands that Iran refrain from: (1) denying the British government its right to have contact with these sailors and marines while they are in Iranian custody; and (2) subjecting these sailors and marines to any "show trials" in Iranian courts or to any cruel or inhumane treatment.

Latest Action: 06/15/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E305)

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that the bicentennial of the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which banned the slave trade in the British Empire, allowed for the search and seizure of ships suspected of transporting enslaved people, and provided compensation for the freedom of slaves, should be commemorated.

3/27/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the bicentennial of the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which banned the slave trade in the British Empire, allowed for the search and seizure of ships suspected of transporting enslaved people, and provided compensation for the freedom of slaves, should be commemorated.

Latest Action: 03/27/2007 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of British marines and sailors held captive by Iran, and for other purposes.

3/26/2007--Introduced.

Condemns the Islamic Republic of Iran for the seizure of 15 British marines and sailors and demands their unconditional release.

Calls on the U.N. Security Council to condemn this seizure and explore new sanctions against Iran, including gasoline restrictions, to prevent further Iranian hostile action, deny Iran's ability to militarize the Persian Gulf, and enforce Iran's nonproliferation commitments.

Latest Action: 05/01/2007 - Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

5/1/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Recognizes the historical significance of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade to the world.

Respects the memory of those who died as a result of slavery, including through exposure to the horrors of the Middle Passage and in resistance to enslavement.

States that the House of Representatives should educate current and future generations about this crime against humanity by honoring its significance in U.S. history with appropriate programs and activities.