All Freedom of the press Legislation - Federal Government
S.J.RES.41 - A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - By Senator Baucus from Committee on Finance filed written report. Report No. 110-444. Bill Text A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. 7/23/2008--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.) Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. Comment on Bill H.J.RES.93 - Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.
Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-287. Bill Text Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. 7/24/2008--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 23, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through October 7, 2017. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the amount of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion for the third quarter of 2013 by 0.25% of such amount. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution which shall take effect upon its enactment [...] show full description H.RES.1127 - Resolution condemning the endemic restrictions on freedom of the press and media and public expression in the Middle East and the concurrent and widespread presence of anti-Semitic incitement to violence and Holocaust denial in the Arab media and press.
Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Mr. Ackerman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. Bill Text Resolution condemning the endemic restrictions on freedom of the press and media and public expression in the Middle East and the concurrent and widespread presence of anti-Semitic incitement to violence and Holocaust denial in the Arab media and press. 6/18/2008--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the restrictions on freedom of the press and expression in the Arab world and the widespread presence of anti-Semitic material, Holocaust denial, and incitement to violence in the Arab media. Deplores the practices utilized by the governments in the Middle East to exert control over the press and on public expression. Expresses concern that many of the Arab governments to which United States has turned for assistance in ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are responsible for using their government-controlled media to promulgate incendiary speech regarding Israel and the Jewish people that makes U.S. efforts to help [...] show full description S.RES.504 - A resolution condemning the violence in Tibet and calling for restraint by the Government of the People's Republic of China and the people of Tibet.
Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent Vote. Bill Text A resolution condemning the violence in Tibet and calling for restraint by the Government of the People's Republic of China and the people of Tibet. 4/9/2008--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.) Condemns the violence in Tibet and calls for restraint by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the people of Tibet. Calls for: (1) a dialogue between the government of China and His Holiness the Dalai Lama on religious and cultural autonomy for Tibet within China; and (2) release of peaceful protesters. Calls on the PRC to: (1) respect the right of the people of Tibet to speak of the Dalai Lama and possess his photograph; (2) respect basic human rights; (3) allow international journalists free access to China; and (4) provide a full accounting of the March [...] show full description H.CON.RES.317 - Condemning the Burmese regime's undemocratic draft constitution and scheduled referendum.
Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill Text Condemning the Burmese regime's undemocratic draft constitution and scheduled referendum. 5/6/2008--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Denounces the undemocratic and illegitimate actions of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in Burma that seek to legitimize military rule through a flawed referendum process and an undemocratic constitution. Demands the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, detained Buddhist monks, and all other political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. Denounces the SPDC for its failure to comply with U.N. recommendations and engage in tri-partite dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1990 election winning parties, and representatives of ethnic nationalities. Urges the President to: (1) call for U.N. Security Council condemnation of the undemocratic referendum process and the SPDC's flawed constitution; (2) call for a Security Council resolution instructing the regime to comply with [...] show full description S.RES.445 - A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, and the political crisis in Pakistan.
Latest Action: 02/07/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S795-796) Bill Text A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, and the political crisis in Pakistan. 2/7/2008--Introduced. Conveys the condolences of the people of the United States to the people of Pakistan on the tragic loss of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Condemns the December 2007 murder of Benazir Bhutto and the slaughter of at least 165 other Pakistani citizens in this attack and the prior attempt on Benazir Bhutto's life. Calls upon the government of Pakistan to: (1) bring the perpetrators to justice and to support an independent inquiry into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto; (2) ensure that free elections are held on February 18, 2008, as scheduled; (3) end the harassment of judges, opposition party activists, and lawyers; and (4) end restrictions on the media and freedom of speech. Calls upon the President to: (1) review U.S. aid to Pakistan to ensure that all assistance [...] show full description S.RES.431 - A resolution calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya.
Latest Action: 01/29/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S456-457) Bill Text A resolution calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya. 1/29/2008--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.) Commends the Kenyan people for their commitment to democracy, as evidenced by the high voter turnout and peaceful voting on election day. Condemns: (1) the violence in Kenya; and (2) threats to civil leaders and human rights activists. Urges politicians and political parties to desist from the deactivation and use of ethnic militias. Calls on the two leading presidential candidates to engage in an internationally brokered dialogue and respect the will of the Kenyan people. Calls for: (1) those who are found guilty of human rights violations to be held accountable for their actions; and (2) an end to restrictions on the media [...] show full description H.CON.RES.283 - Calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya.
Latest Action: 02/08/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill Text Calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya. 2/7/2008--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Commends the Kenyan people for their commitment to democracy and respect for the democratic process as evidenced by the high voter turnout and peaceful voting on election day. Condemns the ongoing violence in Kenya and urges all parties concerned to immediately end use of violence as a means to achieve their political objectives. Calls on the two leading presidential candidates to accept offers of external and internal assistance to help find a solution to the current crisis which has the support of the people of Kenya. Calls on Kenyan security forces to refrain from using excessive force and to respect the human rights of Kenyan citizens. Calls for an immediate end to the restrictions on the media, and on the rights of peaceful assembly and association. Condemns threats to civil society [...] show full description H.RES.912 - 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.
Latest Action: 01/16/2008 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 912. Bill Text 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. H.R.4329 - To assess the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to require further negotiation of certain provisions of the NAFTA, and to provide for the withdrawal from the NAFTA unless certain conditions are met.
Latest Action: 12/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Bill Text To assess the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to require further negotiation of certain provisions of the NAFTA, and to provide for the withdrawal from the NAFTA unless certain conditions are met. 12/6/2007--Introduced.
NAFTA Accountability Act - Provides that unless the specified conditions set forth in this Act are met: (1) Congress withdraws its approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) effective October 1, 2009; and (2) the President, not later than April 1, 2009, shall provide written notice of withdrawal to the governments of Canada and Mexico. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should not engage in negotiations to expand NAFTA to include other countries and that trade promotion authority should not be renewed with respect to the approval of any such NAFTA expansion. S.RES.391 - A resolution calling on the President of the United States to engage in an open discussion with the leaders of the Republic of Georgia to express support for the planned presidential elections and the expectation that such elections will be held in a manner consistent with democratic principles.
Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. Bill Text A resolution calling on the President of the United States to engage in an open discussion with the leaders of the Republic of Georgia to express support for the planned presidential elections and the expectation that such elections will be held in a manner consistent with democratic principles. 12/13/2007--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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should publicly support free elections to be held in Georgia on January 5, 2008; and (2) the government of Georgia must conduct free elections open to independent reporting. H.RES.840 - Calling for the protection of human rights and restoration of rule of law in Pakistan.
Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Bill Text Calling for the protection of human rights and restoration of rule of law in Pakistan. 12/4/2007--Introduced.
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the government of Pakistan should: (1) restore the rule of law by reinstating the constitution and members of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; (2) end the charges against human rights defenders and release those in detention or under house arrest, in particular Ms. Asma Jahangir; (3) restore media independence and ensure freedom of speech; and (4) ensure respect for human rights. H.RES.810 - Calling for an end to the state of emergency in Pakistan.
Latest Action: 11/09/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H13513) Bill Text Calling for an end to the state of emergency in Pakistan. 11/8/2007--Introduced.
Expresses opposition to the declaration of a state of emergency by President Pervez Musharraf, calls for a return to constitutional order, and urges the government of Pakistan to ensure that free elections are held in January 2008, as scheduled. Calls for security for Pakistan's opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and the release of individuals detained without charges. Calls on the government of Pakistan to end media restrictions. Calls for a review of U.S. aid to Pakistan in the aftermath of President Musharraf's proclamation. Supports the protection of human rights in Pakistan. S.RES.372 - A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan.
Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S14201-14202) Bill Text A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the decision by President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to declare a state of emergency in Pakistan and calling on President Musharraf to revoke the state of emergency; (2) calling upon President Musharraf to honor his commitment to relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan and allow free parliamentary elections in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan; (3) that the U.S. government should provide assistance to facilitate such elections; (4) calling upon the government of Pakistan to conduct a full investigation into the attempted assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto; and (5) that U.S. military assistance to Pakistan should be subjected to careful review, and that assistance for certain weapons systems not directly related to the fight against Al Qaeda [...] show full description H.RES.665 - Endorsing reforms for freedom and democracy in Vietnam.
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Bill Text Endorsing reforms for freedom and democracy in Vietnam. 9/19/2007--Introduced.
Endorses reforms for freedom and democracy in Vietnam, including those reforms advocated by Dr. Nguyen Dan Que's 9-point road map to democracy. Urges the U.S. government to utilize such reforms to peacefully bring democracy and human rights to Vietnam. S.2035 - A bill to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media.
Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S7710-7722, S7722-7759) Bill Text A bill to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media. 10/22/2007--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Prohibits a federal entity (an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency) from compelling a covered person to testify or produce any document relating to protected information unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including that all reasonable alternative sources have been exhausted, that the testimony or document sought is essential, and that nondisclosure would be contrary to the public interest, taking into account both the public interest in compelling disclosure and the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information. Defines [...] show full description H.CON.RES.183 - Calling on the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan to immediately release Farhad Aliyev and Rafiq Aliyev from detention during trial, to assure that their right to a fair and open trial before an independent and impartial tribunal will be carried out, and to comply with all its international human rights agreements and commitments respecting the rule of law, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 07/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1519) Bill Text Calling on the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan to immediately release Farhad Aliyev and Rafiq Aliyev from detention during trial, to assure that their right to a fair and open trial before an independent and impartial tribunal will be carried out, and to comply with all its international human rights agreements and commitments respecting the rule of law, and for other purposes. 7/12/2007--Introduced. Calls on the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan to: (1) release Farhad Aliyev and Rafiq Aliyev from detention during trial and to assure their right to a fair and open trial; (2) implement visitation rights for family and medical and international legal advisers for Farhad and Rafiq Aliyev; and (3) fulfill its international obligations, including obligations relating to its membership in the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Convention on Human Rights, and the Energy Charter Treaty. Expresses the sense [...] show full description S.RES.252 - A resolution recognizing the increasingly mutually beneficial relationship between the United States of America and the Republic of Indonesia.
Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8306-8309) Bill Text A resolution recognizing the increasingly mutually beneficial relationship between the United States of America and the Republic of Indonesia. 6/22/2007--Introduced.
Recognizes the progress made by the government of Indonesia in its efforts to promote democracy, and encourages the government and the people of Indonesia to continue working to promote human rights, civil liberties, a free press, and a strong civil society. Encourages the President, the Secretary of State, and other U.S. officials to continue assisting the government of Indonesia's efforts to promote democracy and ensure the liberty and welfare of the people of Indonesia. S.J.RES.16 - A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.
Latest Action: 08/29/2007 - By Senator Baucus from Committee on Finance filed written report under authority of the order of the Senate of 08/03/2007. Report No. 110-146. Bill Text A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. 7/24/2007--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.) Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. H.J.RES.44 - Joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Signed by President. Bill Text Joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Public Law. (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 23, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through October 21, 2014. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the amount of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion for the third quarter of 2012 to 114.75% of such amount. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution [...] show full description H.CON.RES.151 - Noting the disturbing pattern of killings of numerous independent journalists in Russia since 2000, and urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to authorize cooperation with outside investigators in solving those murders.
Latest Action: 06/19/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill Text Noting the disturbing pattern of killings of numerous independent journalists in Russia since 2000, and urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to authorize cooperation with outside investigators in solving those murders. 6/18/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Recalls the essential role that transparency and the free flow of information play in creating democratic institutions and civil society. Recognizes the vital contribution made by independent journalists in Russia in bringing transparency and a free flow of information to readers after decades of Communist censorship and repression. Notes the disturbing trend of murders of independent journalists in Russia over the last decade. Encourages the President of the United States to offer Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials of the Russian government law enforcement investigative assistance to help identify and bring to justice those responsible [...] show full description S.RES.211 - A resolution expressing the profound concerns of the Senate regarding the transgression against freedom of thought and expression that is being carried out in Venezuela, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6923; text as passed Senate: CR S6923) Bill Text A resolution expressing the profound concerns of the Senate regarding the transgression against freedom of thought and expression that is being carried out in Venezuela, and for other purposes. 5/24/2007--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 profound concern about the transgression against freedom of thought and expression in Venezuela by President Hugo Chavez's refusal to renew the concession of Radio Caracas Television. Encourages the Organization of American States (OAS) to respond appropriately to such transgression. H.R.2228 - To encourage and facilitate the consolidation of security, human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia.
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 [...] show full description S.1267 - A bill to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media.
Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-226. 10:00 a.m. Bill Text A bill to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media. 5/2/2007--Introduced. Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - Prohibits a federal entity (an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency) from compelling a covered person (a person engaged in journalism, including their supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate) to testify or produce any document unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to testimony or any record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between such providers and covered persons. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court [...] show full description H.R.2102 - To maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media.
Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 428. Bill Text To maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media. 10/16/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Prohibits a federal entity (an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency of the federal government), in any matter arising under federal law, from compelling a covered person to testify or produce any document unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence, including determinations: (1) relating to exhaustion of alternative sources, (2) that the testimony or document sought is critical; (3) that disclosure of the information source's identity is necessary; and (4) that the public interest in compelling disclosure of the information or document involved outweighs the public interest in gathering [...] show full description H.R.2003 - To encourage and facilitate the consolidation of peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia.
Latest Action: 10/03/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill Text To encourage and facilitate the consolidation of peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy, and |
