Urging respect for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition of power in 2016.

Bill: 114-hres-780
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Introduced: 2016-06-13 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Foreign aid and international relief
Foreign property
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Human rights
News media and reporting
Sanctions
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2016-06-13
text: The United States should impose sanctions on government officials of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who impede progress toward a democratic transition through credible elections that respect the will of the Congolese. 
 
Sanctions should target core figures in President Kabila's government for visa denials and asset freezes. 
 
Economic and security assistance should be reviewed for possible termination, while preserving humanitarian assistance, until the election crisis is resolved. 
 
The President of the United States should lift sanctions only when: (1) President Kabila has declared that he will not remain in power once his term ends and has made verifiable progress towards holding national elections, or (2) the DRC has held a free and fair presidential election and a new President has been sworn in. 
 
The United States should: (1) support independent DRC civil society organizations and media, and (2) investigate and target money laundering activities by key figures close to President Kabila and those financial institutions involved in such activities.
 
The United States should coordinate efforts with key Western and African partners, including through other financial intelligence units.

action_date: 2016-11-15
text: 
The United States should impose sanctions on government officials of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who impede progress toward a democratic transition through credible elections that respect the will of the DRC people.
 
Sanctions should target core figures in President Kabila's government for visa denials and asset freezes. 
 
Economic and security assistance should be reviewed for possible termination, while preserving humanitarian assistance, until the election crisis is resolved. 
 
The President of the United States should lift sanctions only when: (1) President Kabila has declared that he will not remain in power once his term ends and has made verifiable progress towards holding national elections, or (2) the DRC has held a free and fair presidential election and a new President has been sworn in. 
 
The United States should: (1) support independent DRC civil society organizations and media, and (2) investigate and target money laundering activities by key figures close to President Kabila and those financial institutions involved in such activities.
 
The United States should coordinate efforts with key Western and African partners, including through other financial intelligence units.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table. Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 - 3 (Roll no. 578). (text: CR H6185-6186)
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 - 3 (Roll no. 578).(text: CR H6185-6186)
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6208-6209)
action_date: 2016-11-15
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: 2016-11-15
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 780.
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6185-6189)
action_date: 2016-11-15
text: Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
action_date: 2016-07-14
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2016-07-14
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2016-06-13
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, 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 concerned.
action_date: 2016-06-13
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, 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 concerned.
action_date: 2016-06-13
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, 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 concerned.
action_date: 2016-06-13
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, 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 concerned.
action_date: 2016-06-13
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2016-06-13
text: Introduced in House