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--Introduced. 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; (10) the repatriation loans program account; (11) the American Institute in Taiwan; (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) international organizations, peacekeeping, and [...]

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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: 07/17/2008 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. 7/16/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Title I: Budget and Personnel Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration [...]

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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,[...]

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Latest Action: 03/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2234)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009, and for other purposes. 3/31/2008--Introduced. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (4) Defense Production Act purchases; (5) research, development, test, and evaluation; (6) operation and maintenance, including working capital funds, the Defense Health Program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and the Defense Inspector General; (6) active and reserve military personnel, including [...]

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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 [...]

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Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S215; text as passed Senate: CR S215; text of measure as introduced: CR S210)

Bill Text
A resolution seeking the return of the USS Pueblo to the United States Navy.

1/23/2008--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.)

Resolves that the Senate desires the return of the USS Pueblo to the United States Navy and would welcome its return as a goodwill gesture from the North Korean people.

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

Bill Text
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide citizenship for certain children of United States servicemen born overseas during the Vietnam and Korean Wars.

10/30/2007--Introduced.

Amerasian Paternity Recognition Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to confer automatic citizenship on aliens residing in the United States in lawful permanent resident status: (1) pursuant to a classification petition approved under a provision that gives preferential treatment to persons born in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, or Thailand after 1950 and before October 22, 1982, and fathered by a U.S. citizen; or (2) who were born in Vietnam after January 1, 1962, and before January 1, 1976, and fathered by a U.S. citizen.

Latest Action: 10/30/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to respect the human rights of refugees from North Korea.

10/29/2007--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.)

Encourages the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to: (1) halt the forced repatriation of North Koreans who face a well-founded fear of persecution if they are returned to North Korea; and (2) grant the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees access to determine such refugees' status and the degree of assistance to which they are entitled.

Recognizes the efforts of the Korean-American community for bringing attention to the plight of North Korean refugees.

Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To provide for the continuation of restrictions against the Government of North Korea unless the President certifies to Congress that the Government of North Korea has met certain benchmarks.

9/25/2007--Introduced.

North Korean Counterterrorism and Nonproliferation Act - Provides for the continuation of restrictions against the government of North Korea unless the President certifies to Congress that North Korea has met certain benchmarks respecting: (1) missile or nuclear technology transfers; (2) support of terrorist groups and terrorist activities, (3) counterfeiting of U.S. currency, (4) release of South Korean POWs, Japanese journalists, and Kim Donk-Shik; and (5) Bureau 39's closure.

Latest Action: 09/24/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the unequivocal support of the House of Representatives for Israel's right to self defense in the face of an imminent nuclear or military threat from Syria. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Expresses support for Israel's right to self defense in the face of an imminent nuclear or military threat from Syria. Pledges to continue to work with Prime Minister Olmert to ensure that Israel continues to receive critical military and economic assistance needed to address the growing security threat of Syria and Iran. Condemns: (1) the government of Syria for its continued support of terrorism and its illicit chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons activities, including close cooperation with North Korea; (2) the government of North Korea for providing Syria with technology, expertise, and materials to develop nuclear weapons; and (3) Syria and Iran for continuing to provide support to Hezbollah and Palestinian terrorist groups. Urges President Bush to: (1) condemn [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Government should take immediate steps to boycott the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing in August 2008 unless the Chinese regime stops engaging in serious human rights abuses against its citizens and stops supporting serious human rights abuses by the Governments of Sudan, Burma, and North Korea against their citizens.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

States that it is the responsibility of the United States to take steps to stop human rights abuses by the Chinese regime against its citizens and to stop the Chinese regime from supporting human rights abuses by Sudan, Burma, and North Korea.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should take steps to boycott the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing unless the Chinese regime ends such human rights abuses.

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

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Government should take immediate steps to boycott the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing in August 2008 unless the Government of the People's Republic of China stops engaging in serious human rights abuses against its citizens and stops supporting serious human rights abuses by the Governments of Sudan, Burma, and North Korea against their citizens.

8/2/2007--Introduced.

States that it is the responsibility of the United States to take steps to stop human rights abuses by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) against its citizens and to stop the Chinese government from supporting human rights abuses by Sudan, Burma, and North Korea.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should take steps to boycott the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing unless the Chinese government ends such human rights abuses.

Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - S.AMDT.3880 Amendment SA 3880 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 125th anniversary of the 1882 Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation between the Kingdom of Chosun (Korea) and the United States. 12/19/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the strength of the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance should be acknowledged; (2) the countries' economic relationship should be deepened; (3) the United States should sustain substantive dialogue with both the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with the expectation of the Korean peninsula's eventual unification; (4) working with the Republic of Korea to foster greater regional cooperation in East Asia should be a U.S. priority; and (5) the United States and the Republic of Korea should strive to develop a more global perspective in their partnership, with the goal of addressing international priorities such as the fight [...]

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Latest Action: 03/04/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-273.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the programs of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and for other purposes. 3/4/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There are 3 other summaries) Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) authority to make loans and issue investment insurance and investment guarantees through September 30, 2011.(Sec. 3) States that OPIC may insure, reinsure, guaranty, or finance a project only if the country in which the project is to be undertaken: (1) is eligible for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and has not been determined to be ineligible for such designation based upon its record on worker rights or child labor; or (2) if not eligible for such GSP designation, the government has taken or is taking steps to afford workers internationally [...]

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