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.
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8014-8015; text as passed Senate: CR S8015)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the tenth anniversary of the bombings of the United States embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and memorializing the citizens of the United States, Kenya, and Tanzania whose lives were claimed as a result of the al Qaeda led terrorist attacks. 8/1/2008--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.) Recognizes the historic significance of the 10th anniversary of the al Qaeda bombings of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Mourns the loss of those killed and remembers their families and colleagues. Expresses gratitude to the people of Kenya and Tanzania for their assistance following the attacks and reaffirms support for their striving for future democracy and prosperity. Reaffirms the Senate's [...]

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Latest Action: 07/18/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Leahy under authority of the order of the Senate of 01/04/2007. With written report No. 110-425.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 7/18/2008--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.) Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the civilian stabilization initiative; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (9) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service;[...]

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Latest Action: 07/14/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To create a civil action to provide judicial remedies to carry out certain treaty obligations of the United States under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

7/14/2008--Introduced.

Avena Case Implementation Act of 2008 - Authorizes a person whose rights are infringed by a nonforeign governmental authority's violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to bring a civil action to obtain: (1) declaratory or equitable relief; and (2) in any case where the plaintiff is convicted of a criminal offense where the violation occurs during and in relation to the investigation or prosecution of the offense, any relief required to remedy the harm done by the violation, including vitiation of conviction or sentence.

Latest Action: 06/20/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To provide for the transfer to the Government of Haiti of the real property of the former United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

6/20/2008--Introduced.

Directs the Secretary of State to transfer to the government of Haiti the real property of the former U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee conc

Bill Text
Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 5/13/2008--Introduced. Clean Global War on Terror Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2008 appropriations for specified activities related to the war on terror, international affairs, and national defense matters to the Departments of Agriculture (including food relief to certain foreign countries), of Justice, of Defense (military, including funds for Afghan and Iraqi security forces), of Defense (military construction), and of State (including international peacekeeping activities). Rescinds certain funds made available in: (1) the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 for the Defense Health Program; and (2) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund. Makes additional supplemental appropriations [...]

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Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3034; text as passed Senate: CR S3034; text of measure as introduced: CR S3033)

Bill Text
A resolution solemnly commemorating the 25th anniversary of the tragic April 1983 bombing of the United States Embassy in Beirut and remembering those who lost their lives and those who where injured.

4/15/2008--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.)

States that the Senate, on the 25th anniversary of the April 18, 1983, bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon: (1) remembers the victims of the bombing and joins family and friends in mourning the American and Lebanese victims; (2) condemns all terrorist acts that deliberately target the innocent; and (3) reiterates its support for the people of Lebanon and their government as they seek to build a future free from the threat of terrorist violence.

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 [...]

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Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Considered as unfinished business.

Bill Text
Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to end its crackdown in Tibet and enter into a substantive dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find a negotiated solution that respects the distinctive language, culture, religious identity, and fundamental freedoms of all Tibetans, and for other purposes. 4/9/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Calls on the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to: (1) end its crackdown on nonviolent Tibetan protesters and its continuing cultural, religious, economic, and linguistic repression inside Tibet; (2) begin a dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people and provide for a long-term solution in Tibet; and (3) release all Tibetans who are imprisoned for nonviolently opposing [...]

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Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 606.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prescribe the binding oath or affirmation of renunciation and allegiance required to be naturalized as a citizen of the United States, to encourage and support the efforts of prospective citizens of the United States to become citizens, and for other purposes. 3/5/2008--Introduced. Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2007 [sic] - Directs the Chief of the Office of Citizenship of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide grants (not to exceed $500) to assist legal U.S. residents who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet naturalization requirements. Provides such grants to an accredited institution of higher education or other qualified educational institution for tuition, fees, books, and other educational resources required by the English language course in which the legal resident is enrolled. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide [...]

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Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee

Bill Text
To require the safe, complete, and fully-funded redeployment of United States Armed Forces and contractor security forces from Iraq and to prohibit the establishment of any enduring or permanent United States military bases in Iraq, and for other purposes. 2/27/2008--Introduced. Fully-Funded United States Military Redeployment and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2008 - States that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) commence the safe and orderly redeployment of U.S. troops and military contractors from Iraq; (2) pursue security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy; (3) help preserve the territorial integrity of Iraq and establish a democratic central government there; (4) account for missing U.S. personnel and citizens in Iraq; and (5) turn over all internal security activities and military operations in Iraq to its elected government within one year after the enactment of this Act. Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq [...]

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Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee

Bill Text
To provide for a timetable for the redeployment of the United States Armed Forces from Iraq and to seek political and diplomatic solutions for the security and stability of the Republic of Iraq. 2/26/2008--Introduced. Iraq Redeployment Timetable and Political Reconciliation Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) begin U.S. military redeployment from Iraq within 90 days after the enactment of the Act; and (2) complete such redeployment within 180 days. States that the redeployment shall be carried out in order to protect U.S. national security interests and improve U.S. military readiness. Authorizes the Secretary to retain U.S. military forces in Iraq as required for protection of the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) continue to work with the government of Iraq to provide for the security and stability of Iraq and its transition to democratic rule through diplomatic means; and (2) begin negotiations [...]

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Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S15077-15078)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that certain benchmarks must be met before certain restrictions against the Government of North Korea are lifted, and that the United States Government should not provide any financial assistance to North Korea until the Secretary of State makes certain certifications regarding the submission of applications for refugee status. 12/10/2007--Introduced. States that restrictions imposed on the government of North Korea as a result of its being determined to be a government that has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism should not be lifted until benchmarks have been met respecting: (1) missile or nuclear technology transfers; (2) cessation of terrorist activities and support of terrorist groups and terrorist activities; (3) counterfeiting of U.S. currency; (4) release of South Korean POWs, Japanese nationals, and Kim Donk-Shik; and (5) Bureau 39's closure. States that the U.S. government should not provide [...]

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Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to phase out the use of private military contractors. 11/16/2007--Introduced. Stop Outsourcing Security Act - Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that only government personnel provide security services at U.S. diplomatic or consular missions in Iraq. Requires the President to report to Congress on the status of planning for the use of Government and military personnel instead of private contractors for mission critical or emergency essential functions by January 1, 2009, in all conflict zones where Congress has authorized the use of force. Authorizes Congress access to contracts and task orders in excess of $5 million entered into by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, the Department of the Interior, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the period beginning October 1, 2001, and ending on the last day of the month during which this Act is enacted for work to be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan.[...]

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Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate.

Bill Text
Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 11/14/2007--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.) Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Policy on Redeployment and Conduct of Operations in Iraq - (Sec. 101) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the war in Iraq should end as safely and quickly as possible, and our troops should be brought home; (2) the performance of U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan should be commended, and their service should be appropriately recognized; and (3) the primary purpose of funds from this Act should be to transition the mission of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and undertake their redeployment, and not [...]

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Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H13867)

Bill Text
To phase out the use of private military contractors. 11/7/2007--Introduced. Stop Outsourcing Security Act - Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that only government personnel provide security services at U.S. diplomatic or consular missions in Iraq. Requires the President to report to Congress on the status of planning for the use of Government and military personnel instead of private contractors for mission critical or emergency essential functions by January 1, 2009, in all conflict zones where Congress has authorized the use of force. Authorizes Congress access to contracts and task orders in excess of $5 million entered into by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of State, the Department of the Interior, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the period beginning October 1, 2001, and ending on the last day of the month during which this Act is enacted for work to be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee

Bill Text
To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243) and to require the withdrawal of the United States Armed Forces in Iraq. 10/23/2007--Introduced. Bring Our Troops Home Responsibly Act of 2007 - Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243). States U.S. policy with respect to Iraq, including that the United States should: (1) begin withdrawing its Armed Forces from there; (2) continue assisting the Iraqi government with rebuilding and reconstruction efforts; and (3) provide humanitarian assistance to displaced Iraqi refugees. Directs the Secretary of Defense to begin the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, and to complete such withdrawal by January 20, 2009. Prohibits funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) from being expended: (1) to increase the number of U.S. forces in Iraq;[...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To impose travel and other related restrictions on heads of state of countries that are state sponsors of terrorism who are attending events at the United Nations in New York City.

10/18/2007--Introduced.

Directs the President to impose specified travel and other related restrictions on heads of state of countries that are state sponsors o