All Diplomacy Legislation - Federal Government
S.3678 - A bill to promote freedom, human rights, and the rule of law in Vietnam.
Latest Action: 10/01/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10338-10339) Bill Text A bill to promote freedom, human rights, and the rule of law in Vietnam. 10/1/2008--Introduced. Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2008 - Prohibits the federal government from providing the government of Vietnam with nonhumanitarian development, trade, economic, and security assistance during any fiscal year that exceeds the amount of such assistance provided during FY2008, unless such increases are matched or exceeded by additional funding for programs focusing on human rights and democracy promotion. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements if increased U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance would promote the purposes of this Act or it is otherwise in the U.S. national interest. Prohibits the President from providing certain duty-free treatment for Vietnam until the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam protects freedom of association and does not engage in violations of workers' rights. Authorizes the President to provide U.S.[...] show full description Comment on Bill S.RES.690 - A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate concerning the conflict between Russia and Georgia.
Latest Action: 09/27/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10020-10021; text as passed Senate: CR S10020; text of measure as introduced in Senate: CR S10009-10010) Bill Text A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate concerning the conflict between Russia and Georgia. 9/27/2008--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 Russian Federation's disproportionate military response on the sovereign territory of Georgia, including the South Ossetian Autonomous Region and the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, is in violation of international law and commitments of the Russian Federation; (2) the United States recognizes significant common interests with the Russian Federation which can serve as the basis for improved long-term relations; (3) the Russian Federation should comply with the cease-fire agreement; (4) the Russian Federation and Georgia should refrain from the future use of force to resolve the status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,[...] show full description S.3563 - An original bill to authorize appropriations under the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for security assistance for fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/24/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-496. Bill Text An original bill to authorize appropriations under the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for security assistance for fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and for other purposes. S.3531 - A bill to authorize assistance for Afghanistan, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/22/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill Text A bill to authorize assistance for Afghanistan, and for other purposes. 9/22/2008--Introduced. Afghan Freedom Support and Security Act of 2008 - Authorizes funds for assistance to Afghanistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Directs the President to: (1) implement a system to monitor assistance provided under this Act on a program-by-program basis; and (2) provide assistance to enhance the government of Afghanistan's capacity to monitor programs carried out by the national, provincial, and local governments in Afghanistan. Authorizes appropriations. Directs: (1) the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Afghanistan to oversee the programs authorized under this Act; and (2) the Office of Technical Assistance of the Department of the Treasury to conduct an annual assessment of Afghanistan's public finance system. Authorizes [...] show full description S.3457 - A bill to reaffirm United States objectives in Ethiopia and encourage critical democratic and humanitarian principles and practices, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/09/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8182) Bill Text A bill to reaffirm United States objectives in Ethiopia and encourage critical democratic and humanitarian principles and practices, and for other purposes. 9/9/2008--Introduced. Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Ethiopia Act of 2008 - States that the President should take additional steps to support the implementation of democracy and governance institutions and organizations in Ethiopia consistent with the Ethiopian Constitution of 1994 and related national law, including: (1) support of democracy development; (2) promotion of judicial independence; (3) support of human rights programs, especially regarding women and minorities; (4) expansion of the Voice of America (VOA) and other independent media; (5) support of international efforts to gain full access to the Ogaden and other conflict-affected regions; and (6) support of a United Nations Special Envoy to launch a dialogue to bring about the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea and who works [...] show full description S.RES.643 - A resolution calling for greater dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Government of China regarding rights for the people of Tibet, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/17/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8960-8961) Bill Text A resolution calling for greater dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Government of China regarding rights for the people of Tibet, and for other purposes. 9/17/2008--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.) Urges the Dalai Lama or his representatives and the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to begin negotiations for a solution that addresses the legitimate grievances of, and provides genuine autonomy for, the Tibetan people. Affirms that the human rights of Tibetans and their right to practice religion free of government regulation is not an internal matter of any one country. Calls on the U.S. government to press the PRC to: (1) respect freedom of speech and freedom of association and to release those who have committed no crime other than peaceful protest; and (2) allow Tibetans [...] show full description S.RES.632 - A resolution calling on the Governments of the People's Republic of China and the international community to use the upcoming Olympic Games as an opportunity to push for the parties to the conflicts in Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic to cease hostilities and revive efforts toward a peaceful resolution of their national and regional conflicts.
Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7789-7790) Bill Text A resolution calling on the Governments of the People's Republic of China and the international community to use the upcoming Olympic Games as an opportunity to push for the parties to the conflicts in Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic to cease hostilities and revive efforts toward a peaceful resolution of their national and regional conflicts. 7/30/2008--Introduced. Expresses continued support and sympathy for the hundreds of thousands of civilians of Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic who have been affected by the ongoing violence and regional instability. Urges: (1) the United Nations, the African Union, and other international leaders to use the unique opportunity presented by the Olympics to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation in areas of conflict; (2) the government of China to press the Sudanese government to commit to a cessation of hostilities, allow the full deployment of UNAMID peacekeeping forces, and engage in good faith in [...] show full description S.RES.611 - A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the crisis in Zimbabwe, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 07/14/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6669-6670; text as passed Senate: CR S6669-6670; text of measure as introduced: CR S6652-6653) Bill Text A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the crisis in Zimbabwe, and for other purposes. 7/14/2008--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 to: (1) condemn the Mugabe regime for its manipulation of the country's electoral process and reject the June 27, 2008, presidential runoff election as illegitimate; (2) encourage the President's efforts to expand sanctions on those individuals responsible for violations of human and political rights in Zimbabwe; (3) applaud the governments of Benin, Botswana, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia for condemning such election; (4) encourage the U.N. Security Council to authorize a United Nations Special Representative for Zimbabwe; (5) urge African leaders to engage in the political resolution effort; (6) urge [...] show full description S.RES.598 - A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the need for the United States to lead renewed international efforts to assist developing nations in conserving natural resources and preventing the impending extinction of a large portion of the world's plant and animal species.
Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. Bill Text A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the need for the United States to lead renewed international efforts to assist developing nations in conserving natural resources and preventing the impending extinction of a large portion of the world's plant and animal species. 9/23/2008--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.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the government should fully use federal authorities, diplomatic agreements, and other appropriate mechanisms, including working with other donor nations, to identify global conservation goals, and increase funding for, global conservation strategies in order to help ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and protect biological diversity in terrestrial and marine environments of developing countries;[...] show full description H.CON.RES.387 - Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should sever diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe until such time as the President determines that Zimbabwe meets requirements relating to democratic, free and fair elections, basic civil liberties and human rights, and certain other requirements.
Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Bill Text Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should sever diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe until such time as the President determines that Zimbabwe meets requirements relating to democratic, free and fair elections, basic civil liberties and human rights, and certain other requirements. 6/26/2008--Introduced.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should sever diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe until the President determines that: (1) Zimbabwe is governed by democratically elected national and local governments that respect civil liberties and human rights; (2) the Zimbabwean government has established an independent judiciary; and (3) Zimbabwe's current dictator, Robert Mugabe, is no longer part of the Zimbabwean government in any capacity. H.RES.1278 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Government should lead an international diplomatic initiative to limit inefficient speculation on international energy exchanges through the adoption of international standards for energy futures trading margin requirements as an appropriate means of ensuring access to reliable and affordable supplies of crude oil.
Latest Action: 06/17/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1238-1239) Bill Text Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Government should lead an international diplomatic initiative to limit inefficient speculation on international energy exchanges through the adoption of international standards for energy futures trading margin requirements as an appropriate means of ensuring access to reliable and affordable supplies of crude oil. 6/17/2008--Introduced.
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should lead a diplomatic initiative to limit speculation on international energy exchanges through the adoption of international standards for energy futures trading margin requirements as a means of ensuring access to reliable and affordable crude oil supplies. S.RES.580 - A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.
Latest Action: 06/02/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4894) Bill Text A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. 6/2/2008--Introduced. Declares that: (1) preventing the government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability through economic, political, and diplomatic means is vital to U.S. national security; and (2) nothing in this resolution authorizes the use of force against Iran. Urges the President to use his authority to impose sanctions on: (1) Iranian banks engaged in proliferation activities or the support of terrorist groups; (2) international banks which conduct financial transactions with sanctioned Iranian banks; (3) energy companies with large investments in the Iranian petroleum or natural gas sector; and (4) all companies which do business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Demands that the President lead an international effort to increase pressure on Iran to suspend its nuclear enrichment activities, including by banning the [...] show full description H.RES.1230 - Condemning postelection violence in Zimbabwe and calling for a peaceful resolution to the current political crisis.
Latest Action: 06/19/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. Bill Text Condemning postelection violence in Zimbabwe and calling for a peaceful resolution to the current political crisis. 6/19/2008--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Condemns the campaign of violence and harassment in Zimbabwe conducted by the ruling party and its supporters in the police and military against members of the opposition and other civilians. Calls on the government of Zimbabwe to create an environment conducive to a peaceful transition of power. Encourages the political parties to commit to forming a government that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people and promotes national unity. Urges the international community, under the leadership of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to deploy monitors to ensure that the presidential runoff election reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people. Commends: (1) the people of Zimbabwe for their [...] show full description H.CON.RES.362 - Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the threat posed to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and the vital national security interests of the United States by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and regional hegemony, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Bill Text Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the threat posed to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and the vital national security interests of the United States by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and regional hegemony, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Declares that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability through economic, political, and diplomatic means is vital to U.S. national security. Urges the President to use his authority to impose sanctions on: (1) Iranian banks engaged in proliferation activities or the support of terrorist groups; (2) international banks which conduct financial transactions with proscribed Iranian banks; (3) energy companies with large investments in the Iranian petroleum or natural gas sector; and (4) all companies which do business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Demands that the President initiate an international effort to increase economic, political, and diplomatic [...] show full description S.3041 - A bill to establish the Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission to assess needs and provide recommendations to improve foreign intelligence and information collection, analysis, and reporting and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 05/20/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4489-4490) Bill Text A bill to establish the Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission to assess needs and provide recommendations to improve foreign intelligence and information collection, analysis, and reporting and for other purposes. 5/20/2008--Introduced.
Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission Act - Establishes in the legislative branch a Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission to undertake certain evaluations, and provide recommendations, relating to the collection, coordination, and reporting of foreign intelligence and information. H.RES.1187 - Promoting global energy supply security through increased cooperation among the United States, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, by diversifying sources of energy, and implementing certain oil and natural gas pipeline projects for the safe and secure transportation of Eurasian hydrocarbon resources to world markets.
Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Bill Text Promoting global energy supply security through increased cooperation among the United States, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, by diversifying sources of energy, and implementing certain oil and natural gas pipeline projects for the safe and secure transportation of Eurasian hydrocarbon resources to world markets. 5/13/2008--Introduced. Commends Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan for their positive contributions to the East-West Energy Corridor and energy security in the region. Supports the newly-appointed Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy, and encourages his full engagement with the countries in the region, notably Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. Calls on the Administration to engage actively with European allies and encourage the European Union to developed a unified stance on the Nabucco project and become more involved. Urges the Administration to actively engage in the region in its efforts to secure the necessary guarantees [...] show full description H.R.5916 - To reform the administration of the Arms Export Control Act, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 05/19/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Bill Text To reform the administration of the Arms Export Control Act, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Reform Act of 2008 - Title I: Reform Of Arms Export Control Procedures - Subtitle A: Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2008 - Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2008 - (Sec. 103) Directs the President, not later than March 31, 2009, to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review and assessment of the U.S. arms export controls system. Requires such review and assessment to: (1) determine the system's overall effectiveness; (2) develop processes to ensure better coordination of arms export control activities; (3) ensure control over weapons-related nuclear technology and all items on the Missile Technology Control Regime Annex; (4) determine the overall effect of arms export controls on counterterrorism, law enforcement,[...] show full description S.2917 - 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.
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.[...] show full description H.R.5834 - To amend the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to promote respect for the fundamental human rights of the people of North Korea, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 10/07/2008 - Signed by President. Bill Text To amend the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to promote respect for the fundamental human rights of the people of North Korea, and for other purposes. 10/7/2008--Public Law. (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 22, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the resettlement of North Korean refugees. Amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) activities to support human rights and democracy and freedom of information (by increasing the availability of non-government controlled sources) in North Korea; and (2) assistance to North Koreans who are outside North Korea. Directs the Broadcasting Board of Governors to report respecting U.S. broadcasting to North Korea and the extent [...] show full description H.CON.RES.329 - Expressing the sense of Congress that former Presidents and high-ranking political figures should refrain from freelance diplomacy against the wishes of the current Government and stated United States foreign policy.
Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Bill Text Expressing the sense of Congress that former Presidents and high-ranking political figures should refrain from freelance diplomacy against the wishes of the current Government and stated United States foreign policy. 4/16/2008--Introduced.
Expresses solidarity with Israel and its democratic government. Disapproves of former President Jimmy Carter's freelance diplomatic efforts in the Middle East which contradict the foreign policy position of the current Administration. Calls on President Carter to cease all diplomatic efforts with recognized terrorist groups. Condemns Hamas for its support of terrorism and the slaughter of Israeli civilians and states that it should follow the path of diplomacy to bring peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. H.R.5777 - To impose certain restrictions on trade with and investment in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade. Bill Text To impose certain restrictions on trade with and investment in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes. 4/10/2008--Introduced. China Democracy Act - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the import of products from the People's Republic of China (PRC) into the United States or the export of goods or technology from the United States to the PRC. Prohibits persons from the United States from: (1) making investments in PRC enterprises or enterprises owned or controlled by the PRC government, entities controlled by the PRC government, or by PRC nationals; or (2) engaging in any transaction to secure an investment by a Chinese national in any U.S. person or any enterprise owned or controlled by a U.S. person. Prohibits entry into the United States, for a specified period, of vessels engaged in trade with the PRC. Subjects violators of this Act to certain penalties. Prohibits the issuance of visas to PRC nationals. Suspends visas issued [...] 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 |
