zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Detention Act of 2011 - Requires each high-value enemy combatant captured or otherwise taken into long-term custody or detention by the United States to, while under such U.S. detention, be detained at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility (GTMO) at U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Defines "high-value enemy combatant" as an enemy combatant who: (1) is a senior member of al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or any associated terrorist group; (2) has knowledge of an imminent terrorist threat against the United States or its territories, the U.S. Armed Forces, or U.S. people, organizations, or allies; (3) has, or has had, direct involvement in planning or preparing a terrorist action against the United States or a U.S. ally or in assisting the leadership of al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or any associated terrorist group in planning or preparing such a terrorist action; or (4) would, if released from detention, constitute a clear and continuing threat to the United States or any U.S. ally.

Date: 2011-05-23
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Libyan Assets for Humanitarian Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to authorize the President to: (1) confiscate and vest funds and other property of the government of Libya that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and (2) liquidate or sell any of such property. Limits the amount of funds that may be taken. Requires that confiscated and vested funds be deposited in an account for confiscated property (as required to be established by this Act). Authorizes the President to transfer account funds to: (1) executive agencies or other persons to be used for humanitarian relief for the people of Libya, and (2) a U.S.-recognized successor government of Libya. Prohibits fund transfers for weapons purchases or to organizations or persons involved in terrorism or human rights violations. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) congressional notification, (2) reporting and recordkeeping, (3) confiscation of property, and (4) judicial review. Defines "government of Libya" as the government of Libya on the date of enactment of this Act, including any agency or instrumentality of that government, any entity controlled by that government, and the Central Bank of Libya, while excluding any successor government of Libya.

Date: 2011-06-13
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the Secretary of State, during the seven-year period ending on September 30, 2018, to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards to eligible persons, including business leaders and U.S. government officials actively engaged in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business, who are in good standing in an international trusted traveler program of DHS. Authorizes the DHS Secretary to collect a fee for the issuance of such cards that is sufficient to offset the costs associated with carrying out this Act. Establishes in the Treasury an APEC Business Travel Card Account into which such fees shall be deposited.

Date: 2011-08-02
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Immigration
Assessing Progress in Haiti Act - Directs the President to report to Congress on the status of post-earthquake humanitarian, reconstruction, and development efforts in Haiti, including efforts to prevent the spread of cholera and treat persons infected with the disease.

Date: 2011-09-19
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2011 - States that it is U.S. policy to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel. Amends the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 to eliminate the President's authority to waive certain funding limitations for Department of State acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened. Requires any official U.S. document which lists countries and their capital cities to identify Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Limits appropriations that may be obligated in FY2013 for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened. States that for each of FY2012-FY2013, of funds authorized to be appropriated for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad, necessary sums should be made available until expended only for construction and other costs associated with the establishment in Jerusalem of the U.S. Embassy in Israel.

Date: 2011-09-23
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Zimbabwe Sanctions Repeal Act of 2011 - Repeals the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001. (The Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 prohibits U.S. support through international financial institutions for debt relief and other economic development aid to Zimbabwe until certain conditions to restore democracy and the rule of law are met.)

Date: 2011-10-04
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend, through FY2015, the third-country fabric rule granting duty-free treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such articles. Revises the term "sub-Saharan African country" to include the Republic of South Sudan under such Act.

Date: 2011-12-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Directs the President to submit a report to Congress, within 15 days after enactment of this Act, describing all known Syrian opposition groups, both independent and state-sponsored and inside and outside of Syria, operating to oppose the government of Syria. Requires such report to include: (1) assessments of their composition and military, financial, and political capacities; and (2) an assessment of the relationship between each opposition group and the Muslim Brotherhood, al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups that have promoted an agenda that would negatively impact U.S. national interests. Directs the President to submit to Congress, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, an assessment of the size and security of conventional and non-conventional weapons stockpiles in Syria which shall describe: (1) who has or may have access to such stockpiles; (2) the sources and types of weapons flowing from outside Syria to both government and opposition forces; and (3) a plan to prevent the proliferation of conventional, biological, chemical, and other types of weapons in Syria. Directs the President to submit a report to Congress, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, describing all support provided to opposition political forces in Syria. Requires such report to include: (1) a description of the current technical assistance democracy programs conducted by the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support the political opposition in Syria (opposition); (2) a summary of the communications equipment that is currently being provided to the opposition, including a description of the entities that have received and that will continue to receive such equipment; (3) a description of any additional activities the United States plans to support the opposition; and (4) a description of the funding levels currently dedicated to support the opposition.

Date: 2012-03-22
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of the Russian Federation.

Date: 2012-06-12
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
China Fair Trade Act of 2012 - Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to provide that certain exceptions and waivers to the prohibition on the procurement of the products of a country that is not a party to the Agreement on Government Procurement shall not apply with respect to the procurements of products or services of the People's Republic of China. Amends the Buy American Act to declare that certain exceptions to the Act requiring only U.S. materials be used for public use shall not apply to the procurement of Chinese-made products until China becomes a party to the Agreement. Declares that certain exceptions to Buy American requirements shall not apply to the procurement of Chinese products by the Department of Defense (DOD) until China becomes a party to such Agreement. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to declare that certain exceptions to Buy American requirements under such Act shall not apply to the procurement of Chinese steel and products until China becomes a party to the Agreement. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress on the productive capacity of the major industrial sectors in China. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to report to Congress on: (1) Chinese policies and the subsidies China provides in the development and exportation of renewable energy products and technologies, and (2) the impact such policies and subsidies have on U.S. manufacturers of such products and technologies.

Date: 2012-07-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Syria Humanitarian Support and Democratic Transition Assistance Act of 2012 - Directs the President to appoint a Special Envoy for Syria to coordinate U.S. engagement with the country and to ensure U.S. support for efforts to bring about a democratic transition in Syria. Urges the President to: (1) support humanitarian activities taking place in and outside Syria, (2) support efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Syria, and (3) contribute to future capacity building for governing institutions after a political transition takes place in Syria. Urges: (1) the allocation of funding for bilateral assistance programs in Syria; and (2) the United States to work with other donor nations to increase international contributions for the people of Syria; (3) the President to increase bilateral funding to countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon, that have experienced an influx of Syrian refugees; and (4) the United States to work with regional partners to secure conventional and unconventional weapons stockpiles in Syria and prevent their illicit sale or transfer out of Syria. Directs the President to instruct the Secretary of State to work with the appropriate United Nations (U.N.) agencies, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and the broader international community to establish an international donors group to provide humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria.

Date: 2012-08-02
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Congressional Oversight of Afghanistan Agreements Act of 2013 - Directs the Legal Advisor to the Secretary of State to submit to Congress an unclassified report providing the justification for the President's decision to deny Congress its constitutionally protected role by concluding an agreement on the future of the security relationship between the United States and Afghanistan as an executive agreement.

 Requires such report to include a legal analysis of the constitutional powers asserted by the President in concluding that such an agreement does not require congressional approval.

 Expresses the sense of Congress that any bilateral agreement between the United States and Afghanistan involving commitments or risks affecting the nation as a whole, including a Bilateral Security Agreement, that is not a treaty approved by two-thirds of the Senate under Article II of the Constitution or authorized by legislation does not have the force of law.

Prohibits funds from being authorized or appropriated to carry out any bilateral agreement between the United States and Afghanistan involving commitments or risks affecting the nation as a whole, including a Bilateral Security Agreement, that is not a treaty approved by two-thirds of the Senate under Article II of the Constitution or authorized by legislation passed by both houses of Congress.

Date: 2013-01-03
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Cuba Reconciliation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo placed upon all trade with Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare the denial of foreign tax credit inapplicable to Cuba.Permits: (1) installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, including telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba; and (2) travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents. Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba.

Date: 2013-01-04
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Prohibits any funds made available after FY2013 to any federal department or agency from being used to provide assistance to Egypt.

Date: 2013-01-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
(Sec. 2) Directs the President to appoint a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia within the Department of State. Requires the Special Envoy to have the rank of ambassador.

(Sec. 3) Requires the Special Envoy to: (1) promote the right of religious freedom of religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and South Central Asia, denounce the violation of such right, and recommend appropriate U.S government responses to such violations; (2) monitor and combat acts of religious intolerance and incitement targeted against such religious minorities; (3) ensure that the needs of such religious minority communities are addressed, including economic and security needs directly tied to religious-based discrimination and persecution; (4) work with foreign governments of such countries to address inherently discriminatory laws; and (5) coordinate and assist in the preparation of specified reports required by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Special Envoy, subject to direction by the President and the Secretary of State, to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to religious freedom in: (1) contacts with foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations (U.N.), the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international organizations; and (2) multilateral conferences and meetings relevant to religious freedom.

(Sec. 5) Requires the Special Envoy to give priority to programs, projects, and activities for Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to eliminate certain positions within the State Department as necessary to offset the costs of carrying out this Act.

(Sec. 7) Declares that this Act shall cease to be effective on October 1, 2018.

Date: 2013-01-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Accountability of Taxpayer Funding for Afghanistan Fuels Act of 2013 - Prohibits a covered product from being provided directly or indirectly to the government of Afghanistan unless the Secretary of Defense (DOD) determines and reports to Congress that: (1) the covered product meets an existing or future need of the government of Afghanistan, (2) related financial documents are fully accounted for and will be maintained by DOD for at least 10 years, and (3) DOD has established related monitoring controls.

Prohibits DOD funds from being provided directly or indirectly to the government of Afghanistan to procure any covered product unless the Secretary determines and reports to Congress that: (1) the government of Afghanistan is capable of providing reliable accounting and reporting to DOD regarding the purchase, delivery, and consumption of a covered product; (2) the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or upon the date of termination of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, the Inspector General of DOD has certified to the Secretary that such requirements have been met.

Defines "covered product" as petroleum, oil, a lubricant (including diesel fuel, gasoline, jet or aviation fuel, kerosene, or other fuels), or firewood that is to be used for purposes of equipping, training, or sustaining the Afghan National Security Forces.

Date: 2013-01-22
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Egypt Accountability and Democracy Promotion Act - States that U.S. policy shall be to use its foreign assistance for Egypt to advance U.S. national security interests in Egypt, including encouraging the advancement of political, economic, and religious freedom in Egypt.

Limits specified security and economic assistance to Egypt unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress every six months that the Egyptian government: (1) is not controlled by or under the influence of a foreign terrorist organization, or that no supporter of a foreign terrorist organization serves in a policy-making position in the government; (2) has implemented legal reforms that protect the political, economic, and religious freedoms and human rights of all citizens and residents of Egypt; (3) is fully implementing the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty; and (4) is taking verifiable steps to destroy the smuggling network and tunnels between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, and is cracking down on extremist groups in the Sinai Peninsula.

Provides for a limited national security waiver of such restrictions.

Sets forth reporting requirements.

Date: 2013-01-25
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Taiwan Policy Act of 2013 - States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to amend or supersede the Taiwan Relations Act.

States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) support Taiwan and the human rights of its people, (2) permit senior leaders of Taiwan to enter the United States under conditions of appropriate respect and permit meetings between high level Taiwanese and U.S. officials in all U.S. executive departments, and (3) sign a comprehensive extradition agreement.

Authorizes the President to: (1) accept a letter of request from Taiwan for price and availability data or for a formal sales offer regarding the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon or other similar aircraft, and (2) transfer specified naval vessels to Taiwan.

States that in conducting relations with Taiwan and China the United States continues to assent to the six assurances provided to Taiwan in 1982.

Directs: (1) the President to appoint a Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, (2) the Department of State to continue its program to ensure meaningful participation by Taiwan in international organizations, and (3) the Secretary of State to brief Congress about any potential defense-related transfers to Taiwan.

Authorizes the President to make available to Taiwan defense items or defense services, including: (1) air, maritime, and ground capabilities; and (2) capacity for partnership with friendly foreign militaries.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the goal of trade negotiations with Taiwan should be the negotiation of a free trade agreement.

Date: 2013-01-25
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Karl Hoerig Foreign Aid Suspension Act - Prohibits assistance to Brazil until the President certifies to Congress that the government of Brazil has removed the prohibition on extradition of Brazilian nationals to other countries.

Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition on a case-by-case basis if in the U.S. national interest.

Date: 2013-02-06
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
North Korea Sanctions and Diplomatic Nonrecognition Act of 2013 - Continues diplomatic, economic, and military sanctions against the government of North Korea as a supporter of international terrorism until the President certifies to Congress that North Korea: (1) is no longer engaged in the illegal transfer of missile or nuclear technology, particularly to Iran, Syria, or Burma; (2) is not assisting foreign terrorist organizations, engaged in counterfeiting U.S. currency, or engaged in illicit narcotics traffic; (3) has returned the last remains of Reverend Kim Dong-shik to the United States; (4) has released abducted Japanese nationals and surviving Korean War prisoners of war; and (5) has undertaken specified actions regarding family reunification, penal reforms, refugee access, and religious organization communications.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should redesignate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Finds that the United States did not grant diplomatic recognition to North Korea upon its establishment as a client regime of the former Soviet Union in 1948.

Continues diplomatic nonrecognition of North Korea until such benchmarks have been met.

Directs the President, in the case of a North Korean missile, rocket, or other airborne launch or the conducting of a nuclear test in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1695, 1718, and 1874, to instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use U.S. influence to secure adoption of a Security Council resolution condemning North Korea's action and requiring implementation of comprehensive sanctions and an inspection regime against North Korea.

Date: 2013-02-13
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should: (1) reaffirm U.S. support for the peaceful resolution of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, the East China Sea, and the Yellow Sea; (2) condemn the use of threats or force by naval, maritime security, and fishing vessels from China in the South China Sea and the East China Sea as well as the use of force by North Korea in the Yellow Sea; (3) welcome the diplomatic efforts to resolve these disputes by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the U.S. allies and partners in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and India; and (4) support U.S. Armed Forces operations in support of freedom of navigation rights in international waters and air space in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Yellow Sea.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress regarding peaceful measures to resolve the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Date: 2013-02-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons and Stop War Through Diplomacy Act - Directs the President to appoint a high-level U.S. representative or special envoy for Iran who shall: (1) seek to ease tensions and normalize relations between the United States and Iran through bilateral and multilateral negotiations, (2) lead U.S. diplomatic efforts with regard to Iran, and (3) act as liaison with U.S. and international intelligence agencies,

Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) rescind the no contact policy with Iran, and (2) establish an office in the Department of State to support the work of the representative or special envoy.

Date: 2013-02-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Export Freedom to Cuba Act of 2013 - Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions.

Prohibits the above provisions from: (1) restricting presidential authority in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers; and (2) authorizing U.S. importation of personal consumption goods acquired in Cuba.

Date: 2013-02-27
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Free Trade With Cuba Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Makes ineffective any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992, (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996, (3) the prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985 against allocation of the annual sugar quota to any country unless its officials verify that it does not import for reexport to the United States any sugar produced in Cuba, and (4) the prohibition under the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 on transactions or payments respecting certain U.S. intellectual property. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism subject to agricultural and medical export restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. Authorizes common carriers to install and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property, and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights.

Date: 2013-02-27
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2013 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba.

Authorizes the issuance of temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals to facilitate purchase of U.S. agricultural products.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer.

Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, and any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect, relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions, (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. States that such provision shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers.

Amends the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1, and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund.

Date: 2013-02-27
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Rescinds $500 million of unobligated amounts of foreign assistance for Egypt.

Appropriates $500 million for the Department of Defense (DOD) tuition assistance program for FY2013.

Date: 2013-03-11
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the next triennial International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly to be held in September 2013 in Montreal, Canada; and (2) instruct the U.S. Mission to the ICAO to officially request observer status for Taiwan at the Assembly and other related meetings, activities, and mechanisms, and urge ICAO member states to support Taiwan observer status and participation in the ICAO.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress, in unclassified form, describing the U.S. strategy to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial ICAO Assembly and at any subsequent ICAO Assemblies and other related meetings.

Date: 2013-03-14
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Prohibits military credit assistance to Egypt under the Arms Export Control Act with respect to funds made available to any federal department or agency beginning with FY2014.

Date: 2013-03-20
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Assessing Progress in Haiti Act - Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress on the status of post-earthquake recovery and development efforts in Haiti, including efforts to prevent the spread of cholera and treat persons infected with the disease.

Date: 2013-04-25
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013 - Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam in excess of FY2012 amounts unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting political, media, and religious freedoms, minority rights, access to U.S. refugee programs, return of confiscated religious estates and property, and actions to end trafficking in persons and the release of political prisoners.

Authorizes the President to waive such requirements if increased U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance would promote the purposes of this Act or is otherwise in the U.S. national interest. Allows the President to waive such authority with respect to: (1) all U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam; or (2) one or more programs, projects, or activities of such assistance.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1)the United States should take measures to overcome the jamming of Radio Free Asia by Vietnam and that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should not cut staffing, funding, or broadcast hours for the Vietnamese language services of the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia; (2) U.S.-Vietnam educational and cultural exchange programs should promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam; (3) the Secretary of State should oppose Vietnam's candidacy for membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC); (4) Vietnam should be designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom; and (5) Vietnam does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance.

Directs the President to report annually to Congress regarding Vietnam's compliance with the provisions of this Act.

Date: 2013-05-08
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
United States-Cuba Normalization Act of 2013 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Makes ineffective any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; (3) the prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985 against allocation of the annual sugar quota to any country unless its officials verify that it does not import for reexport to the United States any sugar produced in Cuba; and (4) the prohibition under the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 on transactions or payments respecting certain U.S. intellectual property; Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism subject to agricultural and medical export restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of the foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. Authorizes common carriers to install and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property; and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights. Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) to the products of Cuba. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from limiting the amount of remittances to Cuba that may be made by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Rescinds any determination by the Secretary of State that Cuba has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) call for the immediate and unconditional release of U.S. citizen Alan Phillip Gross, and (2) urge Cuba to provide Mr. Gross with all appropriate medical treatment and to allow him to choose a doctor to provide him with an independent medical assessment.

Date: 2013-05-09
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Prohibits the United States from carrying out any activities under the United States-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed on May 2, 2012, or any successor agreement for any fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act absent prior congressional statutory authorization to carry out such activities for such fiscal year.

Date: 2013-05-23
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Cooperative Threat Reduction Modernization Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to establish a strategy to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related materials in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Requires such strategy to include: (1) an assessment of gaps in current cooperative nonproliferation efforts, (2) an articulation of agencies' threat reduction priorities in the Middle East and North Africa region, (3) establishment of appropriate metrics for determining success in the region, and (4) steps to ensure that the strategy fits in with broader U.S. efforts to reduce the threat from weapons of mass destruction.

Date: 2013-06-11
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Protecting Americans from the Proliferation of Weapons to Terrorists Act of 2013 - Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds made available to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Department of Defense (DOD), or any other U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities for the purpose of, or in a manner which would have the effect of, supporting military or paramilitary operations in Syria.

Makes an exception for funds obligated for non-lethal humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people provided directly by the U.S. government through nongovernmental organizations and contractors or foreign governments.

Nullifies such prohibition only if a joint resolution approving assistance for military or paramilitary operations in Syria is enacted.

Directs the Secretary of State to report every 90 days on assistance provided to groups, organizations, movements, and individuals in Syria.

Date: 2013-06-25
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
War Powers Protection Act of 2013 - Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds made available to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Department of Defense (DOD), or any other U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities for the purpose of, or in a manner which would have the effect of, supporting military or paramilitary operations in Syria, except after a formal declaration of war.

Directs the Secretary of State to report every 90 days on assistance provided to groups, organizations, movements, and individuals in Syria.

Date: 2013-06-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Israel Sovereignty and Security Recognition Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should recognize Israel's sovereignty and legal right to its lands, including the Golan Heights and Jerusalem as Israel's capital; and (2) the Secretary of State should transfer the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Jerusalem, Israel, and either repurpose or sell the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Amends the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 to eliminate the President's authority to waive certain funding limitations for Department of State acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened.

Date: 2013-12-02
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements supporting dialogue and planning involving international partnerships between the Department of Energy (DOE), including DOE National Laboratories, and the government of Israel and its ministries, offices, and institutions; and (2) establish a joint United States-Israel Center based in an area of the United States with offshore energy development expertise to develop academic cooperation in energy innovation technology and engineering, water science, technology transfer, and analysis of geopolitical implications of new natural resource development.

Extends the grant program to support U.S.-Israel research, development, and commercialization of renewable energy or energy efficiency (as well as the related advisory committee). Expands the scope of covered energy under such program.

 Expresses the sense of Congress that open dialogue and continued mechanisms for regular engagement encourages further U.S.-Israel public, academic, and private cooperation on energy security issues.

Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of State to seek to establish an Energy Cooperation Working Group within the semi-annual United States-Israel Strategic Dialogue.

States that the Group's purpose shall be to strengthen U.S.-Israel dialogue on: (1) advancing research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency; (2) identifying policy priorities associated with Israel's natural resources development; (3) identifying best practices for energy infrastructure cyber security; (4) leveraging natural gas resources to impact regional stability positively; (5) developing technical and environmental management of deep-water exploration and production; and (6) implementing coastal protection and restoration.

Date: 2013-12-09
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Energy
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

(Sec. 1) Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements supporting dialogue and planning involving international partnerships between the Department of Energy (DOE), including DOE National Laboratories, and the government of Israel and its ministries, offices, and institutions; and (2) establish a joint United States-Israel Center based in an area of the United States with offshore energy development expertise to develop academic cooperation in energy innovation technology and engineering, water science, technology transfer, and analysis of geopolitical implications of new natural resource development.

Extends the grant program to support U.S.-Israel research, development, and commercialization of renewable energy or energy efficiency (as well as the related advisory committee) through September 30, 2024.

Expands the scope of covered program energy to include natural gas energy, water desalination improvement, and other water treatment technologies.

(Sec. 2) Expresses the sense of Congress that open dialogue and continued mechanisms for regular engagement encourages further U.S.-Israel public, academic, and private cooperation on energy security issues.

Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of State to seek to establish an Energy Cooperation Working Group within the semi-annual United States-Israel Strategic Dialogue.

States that the Group's purpose shall be to strengthen U.S.-Israel dialogue on: (1) advancing research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency; (2) identifying policy priorities associated with Israel's natural resources development; (3) identifying best practices for energy infrastructure cybersecurity; (4) leveraging natural gas resources to impact regional stability positively; (5) developing technical and environmental management of deep-water exploration and production; and (6) implementing coastal protection and restoration.

Date: 2013-12-10
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Energy
Burma Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2014 - Prohibits FY2014 Department of Defense (DOD) funds from being made available to the government of Burma unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that: (1) Burma has taken steps toward establishing civilian oversight of the armed forces, addressing human rights abuses by the military, and terminating military relations with North Korea; (2) Burma has taken steps to establish a fair and inclusive process to amend the Constitution of Burma, including the full participation of the political opposition and ethnic minority groups; (3) Burma has amended its constitution and laws to ensure civilian control of the military; (4) Burma is promoting peace agreements or political reconciliation and is addressing the resettlement and humanitarian situation of displaced persons; and (5) the Burmese military is improving its human rights record, taking steps to withdraw forces from conflict zones, and implementing a code of conduct.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to report annually to Congress on the status of military-to-military engagement between the U.S. Armed Forces and the Burmese military.

Date: 2014-01-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Equal Rights and Access for the Women of South Sudan Act - Requires that activities carried out by the United States in South Sudan relating to governance, post-conflict reconstruction and development, police and military training, and refugee relief and assistance support the human rights of women and their full political, social, and economic participation.

Date: 2014-02-27
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Prohibits funds available to the Department of State or any other department or agency from being used to provide assistance to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West (the East-West Center).

Date: 2014-03-13
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Turkey Christian Churches Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to Congress until 2021 on the status and return of stolen, confiscated, or otherwise unreturned Christian churches, places of worship, and other properties in or from the Republic of Turkey and in the areas of northern Cyprus occupied by the Turkish military.

Requires such report to: (1) list all the Christian churches, places of worship, and other religious properties, including movable properties such as artwork and other artifacts, in or from Turkey and in the territories of the Republic of Cyprus under military occupation by Turkey that are claimed as stolen, confiscated, or otherwise wrongfully removed from their Christian church owners; and (2) describe all engagement over the previous year on this issue by Department of State officials with representatives of the Republic of Turkey.

 Requires that a summary of such information be included in the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and the International Religious Freedom Reports.

Date: 2014-03-28
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Burma Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2014 - Prohibits FY2014 or FY2015 funds from being made available for security assistance to the government of Burma unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that: (1) Burma has taken steps toward establishing civilian oversight of the armed forces, addressing human rights abuses by the military, and terminating military relations with North Korea; (2) Burma has taken steps to establish a fair and inclusive process to amend the Constitution of Burma, including the full participation of the political opposition and ethnic minority groups; (3) Burma has amended its constitution and laws to ensure civilian control of the military; (4) Burma is promoting peace agreements or political reconciliation and is addressing the resettlement and humanitarian situation of displaced persons; and (5) the Burmese military is improving its human rights record, taking steps to withdraw forces from conflict zones, and implementing a code of conduct.

States that nothing in this Act should be construed to prevent participation by Burmese authorities in training on civil-military relations and human rights, as carried out by the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, or to prevent U.S. disaster assistance in Burma.

 Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to Congress on the status of military-to-military engagement between the U.S. Armed Forces and the Burmese military.

Date: 2014-04-02
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs