Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to address the impending humanitarian crisis and potential security breakdown as a result of the mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring countries, and the growing internally displaced population in Iraq, by increasing directed accountable assistance to these populations and their host countries, facilitating the resettlement of Iraqis at risk, and for other purposes. 9/23/2008--Introduced. Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified humanitarian assistance.Directs [...]

show full description
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;[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1485)

Bill Text
To address the impending humanitarian crisis and potential security breakdown as a result of the mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring countries, and the growing internally displaced population in Iraq, by increasing directed accountable assistance to these populations and their host countries, facilitating the resettlement of Iraqis at risk, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--Introduced. Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq (including internally displaced persons) and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 05/15/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the grave concern of the House of Representatives for Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran's continued actions to undermine the legitimate Lebanese Government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, and their systematic violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701, and 1747. 5/15/2008--Introduced. Demands that U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701, and 1747 concerning Lebanon be implemented. Calls for the immediate election of a Lebanese president in accordance with the Lebanese constitution. Expresses: (1) support for the legitimate government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and the extension of its authority throughout Lebanon; (2) support for a democratic Lebanon; (3) support for United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops; (4) concern that the international community's failure to live up to its commitments to stop Hezbollah's rearmament could once again lead to war; and (5) commitment to the release of the abducted [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4655-4656)

Bill Text
Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. 5/22/2008--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.) Reaffirms support for the legitimate, democratically-elected government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. Expresses sympathy to the people of Lebanon who have again been thrust against their will into a Hizballah-initiated conflict. Condemns: (1) Hizballah's illegitimate assault on Lebanon's sovereign government; and (2) Syria and Iran for providing military support to Hizballah in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions. Urges: (1) the U.S. government and the international community to support Lebanon's government; (2) the Security Council to [...]

show full description
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
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: 04/02/2008 - 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
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Iraq, and the international community.

4/2/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Expresses gratitude to the coalition forces and other international supporters for their contribution and sacrifice in the efforts to bring peace to Iraq.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - 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
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Republic of Iraq, and international community.

2/6/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - 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
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Republic of Iraq, and international community.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 12/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in remembrance of the victims and in honor of the veterans of the peacekeeping mission in Beirut, Lebanon, from 1982 to 1984.

12/18/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a commemorative postage stamp in remembrance of the victims, and in honor of the veterans, of the Beirut peacekeeping mission; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.

Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Condemning Syria for its destablizing actions in the Middle East region and calling on Iraq not to reopen its oil pipeline to Syria.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Condemns the assassinations of Antoine Ghanem, Rafiq Hariri, and other anti-Syrian Lebanese leaders.

Calls on Iraq not to reopen the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline until Syria makes significant progress respecting disarmament, border control, support for insurgents, and non-proliferation.

Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S13132 text as passed Senate: CR S13132 text of measure as introduced: CR S13100)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the importance of a sovereign, democratic, and prosperous Lebanon and the need for free and fair presidential elections in Lebanon without intimidation or foreign interference. 10/18/2007--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.) Calls for free presidential elections in Lebanon conducted according to Lebanon's constitution and free from foreign interference or the use of intimidation tactics. Supports ongoing efforts in Lebanon to reach agreement on a presidential candidate committed to upholding Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. Condemns the governments of Syria and Iran for their interference in Lebanon's internal political affairs and for their repeated violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 10/15/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 738.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the Government of Syria's continued interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon. 10/15/2007--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.) Condemns the campaign of murder, terror, and intimidation aimed at overthrowing Lebanon's democratically-elected government and establishing a new Lebanese government subservient to Syria and Iran. Condemns Syria and Iran for their gross interference in Lebanon's internal political affairs and gross violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions protective of Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. Condemns Lebanese political parties and actors who have allied themselves with Syria and Iran to the detriment of their own country. Condemns efforts by some Lebanese political figures to impede the [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing grave concern of the House of Representatives for Iran and Syria's continued and systematic violations of UN Resolutions 1701 and 1559. 9/27/2007--Introduced. Demands that all provisions of U.N. Resolutions be implemented including that: (1) Hezbollah release Israel Defense Force soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, as mandated by U.N. Resolution 1701; (2) Hezbollah and other armed Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias groups disband and disarm as required by U.N. Resolutions 1559 and 1701; and (3) the arms embargo be strictly enforced. Expresses: (1) commitment to the unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers; (2) support for the government of Lebanon's asserting of sovereignty throughout its territory, particularly in the South; (3) support for the U.N. mandated UNIFIL troops; (4) support for a democratic Lebanon, with disarmed Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias; and (5) concern that the international community's failure to live up to its [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To address the impending humanitarian crisis and security breakdown as a result of the mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring countries, and the growing internally displaced population in Iraq, by increasing directed accountable assistance to these populations and their host countries, increasing border security, and facilitating the resettlement of Iraqis at risk. 9/26/2007--Introduced. Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to each country containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees or internally displaced persons including Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, to provide bilateral assistance or funding to international aid organizations and nongovernmental organizations for humanitarian assistance, including adequate food, shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation, health care, education, and security. Directs the Secretary [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/24/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12010-12011 text as passed Senate: CR S12011 text of measure as introduced: CR S12005)

Bill Text
A resolution condemning the assassination on September 19, 2007, of Antoine Ghanem, a member of the Parliament of Lebanon who opposed Syrian interference in Lebanon. 9/24/2007--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 condolences to the families of Antoine Ghanem and other victims of the September 19, 2007, attack, as well as to all the people of Lebanon. Condemns such attack and urges that its perpetrators, including any state sponsor or official, be held accountable for their crimes. Underscores Senate support for the special international tribunal and urges the U.N. Security Council to extend its jurisdiction to include the Ghanem assassination. Urges the President to increase coordination with key partners in Europe and the Middle East to support Lebanon's sovereignty and strengthen [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To provide compensation for United States citizens taken hostage by terrorists or state sponsors of terrorism. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Authorizes the President to compensate a U.S. national, or his or her estate, who: (1) has a claim pending in U.S. court against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking, or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110 (EGS) or a plaintiff in Case Number 1:00CV00716 (HHK) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Limits an award to $500,000, adjusted to reflect the annual change in the Consumer Price Index. Bars a person who has accepted compensation under this Act from commencing or maintaining a U.S. civil action [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To provide compensation for United States citizens taken hostage by terrorists or state sponsors of terrorism. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Authorizes the President to compensate a U.S. national, or his or her estate, who: (1) has a claim pending in U.S. court against a foreign state seeking compensation for injuries caused by an act of hostage-taking, or has obtained a judgment on such a claim that has not been fully satisfied; (2) on or after August 2, 1990, and while not serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken hostage by a terrorist party; or (3) was a representative plaintiff or class member in Case Number 1:00CV03110 (EGS) or a plaintiff in Case Number 1:00CV00716 (HHK) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Limits an award to $500,000, adjusted to reflect the annual change in the Consumer Price Index. Bars a person who has accepted compensation under this Act from commencing or maintaining a U.S. civil action [...]

show full description