Expressing the sense of the Congress that the Russian Federation should fully protect the freedoms of all religious communities without distinction, whether registered and unregistered, as stipulated by the Russian Constitution and international standards.

Bill: 109-hconres-190
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Introduced: 2005-06-23 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Crime and Law Enforcement
Criminal investigation
Europe
Human rights
Police corruption
Regionalism (International organization)
Religion
Religious liberty
Russia
United Nations
Violence

Summary:
action_date: 2005-06-23
text: 
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) urge the Russian Federation to ensure full protection of freedoms for all religious communities and end the harassment of unregistered religious groups; (2) continue to raise concerns with the government of the Russian Federation over violations of religious freedom; and (3) urge the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief to raise with Russian Federation officials issues relating to freedom of religion.

action_date: 2006-03-15
text: 

(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 Congress that the United States should: (1) urge the Russian Federation to ensure full protection of freedoms for all religious communities and end governmental and security harassment of unregistered religious groups; (2) urge the Russian Federation to ensure that law enforcement officials investigate acts of violence against unregistered religious communities, as well as make certain that authorities are not complicit in such attacks; (3) continue to raise concerns with the government of the Russian Federation over violations of religious freedom, especially regarding indigenous denominations not well known in the United States; (4) ensure that U.S. embassy officials engage local officials throughout the Russian Federation, especially when violations of freedom of religion occur, and undertake outreach activities to educate local officials about the rights of unregistered religious communities; (5) urge both the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chair-in-Office on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions, and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief to visit the Russian Federation and raise with federal and local officials concerns about the free practice of unregistered religious communities; and (6) urge the Council of Europe and its member countries to raise with Russian Federation officials issues relating to religious freedom. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2006-03-16
text: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2006-03-15
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2006-03-15
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 - 1, 1 Present (Roll no. 42). (text: CR 3/14/2006 H888)
action_date: 2006-03-15
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 - 1, 1 Present (Roll no. 42).(text: CR 3/14/2006 H888)
action_date: 2006-03-15
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H991-992)
action_date: 2006-03-14
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2006-03-14
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 190.
action_date: 2006-03-14
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H888-890)
action_date: 2006-03-14
text: Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
action_date: 2005-11-16
text: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2005-11-16
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2005-11-15
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2005-11-15
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2005-11-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations.
action_date: 2005-06-23
text: Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
action_date: 2005-06-23
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-06-23
text: Introduced in House