A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the current situation in Iraq and the urgent need to protect religious minorities from persecution from the terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Bill: 113-sres-530
Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Introduced: 2014-07-30 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Human rights
Iraq
Middle East
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
Religion
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2014-07-30
text: 
Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to promoting and protecting religious freedom around the world and providing relief to minority groups facing persecution. 
 
Calls on the Department of State to work with the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Iraqi government, neighboring countries, the diaspora community in the United States, and other key stakeholders for those seeking safety and protection from religious persecution in Iraq. 
 
Requests the addition of a Special Representative for Religious Minorities to be included in Iraq's government. 
 
Urges the President to ensure timely visa processing for Iraq's minority groups fleeing religious persecution. 

action_date: 2014-09-18
text: 
Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to promoting and protecting religious freedom around the world. 
 
Calls on the Department of State to work with the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Iraqi government, neighboring countries, the diaspora community in the United States, and other key stakeholders to address the plight of Iraqi minority groups seeking protection from persecution in Iraq.
 
Requests the government of Iraq to prioritize the issue of protecting religious minorities and enact and enforce laws protecting religious freedom.
 
Urges the President to ensure timely visa processing for Iraq's minority groups fleeing religious persecution.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5878; text as passed Senate: CR S5878)
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5878; text as passed Senate: CR S5878)
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 575.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title and with an amended preamble. Without written report.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Menendez with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title and with an amended preamble. Without written report.
action_date: 2014-09-18
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2014-07-30
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5141)
action_date: 2014-07-30
text: Introduced in Senate