zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Syria Accountability and Liberation Act - States that U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to Syria shall remain in effect until the President certifies that Syria has ceased support for terrorism, has dismantled biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons programs and has committed to combat their proliferation, respects the boundaries and sovereignty of all neighboring countries, and upholds human rights and civil liberties. Imposes specified trade, assistance, and military sanctions, as appropriate, on persons or countries that transfer goods or technology so as to contribute to Syria's biological, chemical, nuclear, or advanced conventional weapons programs. Imposes specified sanctions aimed at Syria's energy sector. Sets forth diplomatic measures intended to isolate the government of Syria. Directs the President to provide assistance to support a democratic transition in Syria. Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2008-04-24
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
OPEC Accountability Act - Requires the President to initiate consultations with Indonesia, Kuwait, Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Saudi Arabia to seek their elimination of any action that: (1) limits the production or distribution of oil, natural gas, or any other petroleum product; (2) sets or maintains the price of any such product; or (3) otherwise is an action in restraint of trade with respect to such products when such action constitutes an act, policy, or practice that is unjustifiable and burdens and restricts U.S. commerce. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to: (1) initiate World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute proceedings if the consultation is not successful with respect to any such country; and (2) take appropriate action regarding the country under U.S. trade remedy laws.

Date: 2008-05-01
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to activate the coverage of short-term emergency health care services if the Secretary determines that there is a public health emergency. Sets forth factors for the Secretary to consider, including the degree to which the emergency is likely to overwhelm health care providers in the region. Requires the Secretary to establish a medical monitoring program for monitoring and reporting on the health care needs of the affected population over time. Limits eligibility for coverage of emergency health care services to: (1) uninsured or underinsured emergency victims who need health care services due to injuries or disease resulting from the public health emergency; or (2) uninsured individuals residing in the affected area whose ability to access care or medicine is disrupted as a result of the emergency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a streamlined process for determining eligibility for emergency health care services; (2) report to Congress on the number and adequacy of volunteers enrolled in the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP) who will be available to each state in the event of a public health emergency; and (3) conduct an outreach and public education campaign to inform health care providers and the general public about the availability of emergency health care coverage during the period of the emergency.

Date: 2008-07-23
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Health
Rescinds any amounts that remain unexpended in: (1) the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund; (2) the Iraq Security Forces Fund; and (3) the Economic Support Fund authorized under chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that are available for Iraq.

Date: 2008-09-09
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Encore Service Act of 2008 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to make eligible for assistance under the National Service Trust program Encore Service programs that engage individuals age 50 or older in national service addressing specific community needs. Gives Encore Service participants age 50 or older five options for their term of service, ranging from full-time to minimum time. Makes such participants eligible for national service educational awards, which they may transfer to others for use within 20 years. Expresses the sense of Congress that, by 2018, 25% of National Service Trust program participants should be age 50 or older. Requires the Corporation for National and Community Service to identify and address the barriers to program participation by such individuals. Establishes Encore Fellowship programs providing Encore Fellowships to professionals age 50 or older who serve as full-time volunteers for nine months to one year with public or nonprofit organizations that address unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. Makes such Fellows ineligible for national service educational awards. Creates Silver Scholarship programs providing Silver Scholarships to individuals who, over a one-year period, complete: (1) at least 500 hours of volunteer service after attaining age 55; or (2) between 250 and 500 hours of such service and present compelling personal experiences. Allows such individuals to transfer their scholarships to others for use within 20 years. Directs the Corporation to specify the services that qualify volunteers for scholarships, including: (1) tutoring or mentoring in educational settings; and (2) assisting persons with special needs. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to allow anyone age 55 or older (currently, 60 or older) whose income does not exceed 200% (currently, 125%) of the poverty level to volunteer under the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs that provide supportive services to persons with exceptional needs. Reauthorizes appropriations for the National Senior Volunteer Corps, including the Retired and Senior Volunteer, Foster Grandparent, and Senior Companion programs.

Date: 2008-09-11
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Social welfare
Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified humanitarian assistance.Directs the Secretary to make every effort to ensure that the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations in Iraq and Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries are met. Authorizes appropriations to Jordan for humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees and to provide the necessary infrastructure to support both the needs of Iraqi refugees and the Jordanian people. Requires that related fund monitoring mechanisms be established.Increases refugee admission limitations for the purpose of admitting Iraqi citizens or nationals who became refugees on or after March 19, 2003.Directs the Secretary, by a specified date and subject to the availability of appropriations, to have increased by 100% the number of federal personnel in Iraq and in other appropriate countries who are conducting security reviews of Iraqi refugee applicants. Directs the Secretary of State to work with the international community to provide: (1) financial assistance to vulnerable populations in Iraq and to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries; and (2) technical and financial assistance to international organizations in order to process refugees.Defines "vulnerable populations in Iraq" to include internally displaced persons.

Date: 2008-09-23
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Establishes the Commission on the Conflict between Russia and Georgia, which shall: (1) examine the causes of the conflict between Russia and Georgia that began in August 2008; and (2) make U.S. policy recommendations with respect to Russia, Georgia, and other countries in the region.Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of a final report required under this Act.

Date: 2008-09-24
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2008 - Prohibits the federal government from providing the government of Vietnam with nonhumanitarian development, trade, economic, and security assistance during any fiscal year that exceeds the amount of such assistance provided during FY2008, unless such increases are matched or exceeded by additional funding for programs focusing on human rights and democracy promotion. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements if increased U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance would promote the purposes of this Act or it is otherwise in the U.S. national interest. Prohibits the President from providing certain duty-free treatment for Vietnam until the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam protects freedom of association and does not engage in violations of workers' rights. Authorizes the President to provide U.S. assistance through appropriate nongovernmental organizations and the Human Rights Defenders Fund for the support of individuals and organizations to promote human rights in Vietnam. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding diplomacy with the government of Vietnam. Declares it is U.S. policy: (1) to take such measures as are necessary to overcome the jamming of Radio Free Asia by the government of Vietnam; and (2) that educational and cultural exchange programs with Vietnam should promote progress toward freedom and democracy. Declares it is U.S. policy to offer refugee resettlement to Vietnam nationals (including members of the Montagnard ethnic minority groups) who were eligible for the Humanitarian Resettlement program, the Orderly Departure program, the Resettlement Opportunities for Vietnamese Returnees program, the Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1988, or any other U.S. refugee program, but who were deemed ineligible for reasons of administrative error or certain circumstances beyond their control.

Date: 2008-10-01
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Establishes in the legislative branch the Independent Commission on the 2004 Coup d'Etat in the Republic of Haiti. Directs the Commission to examine the U.S. government's role in the February 2004 coup d'etat in the Republic of Haiti. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of its final report to Congress and the President.

Date: 2009-01-08
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Diplomatic Accountability Act of 2009 - Directs: (1) the President to appoint a high-level U.S. representative or special envoy for Iran for the purpose of easing tensions and normalizing relations between the United States and Iran; and (2) the Secretary of State to establish a Department of State office to support the work of such representative or special envoy.

Date: 2009-01-08
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iraq Security Agreement Act of 2009 - Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees respecting U.S. security commitments to, and arrangements with, other countries. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to consult with the appropriate congressional committees respecting negotiations pursuant to the Declaration of Principles between the United States and Iraq. Prohibits any agreement (or the obligation of implementing funds) containing a security commitment to, or security arrangement with, the Republic of Iraq, from entering into force except pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2 (relating to treaties) or Article I, section 7, clause 2 (relating to enactment of laws) of the Constitution of the United States.

Date: 2009-01-08
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Security through Termination Of Proliferation Act of 2009 or the STOP Act of 2009 - States that specified U.S. sanctions with respect to Iran, North Korea, or Syria shall remain in effect until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such country has verifiably dismantled its weapons of mass destruction programs. Amends the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act to include within the scope of such Act (including identification/reporting and sanction provisions) persons involved in the transshipment (as defined by this Act) of certain goods, services, or technology. Establishes restrictions on nuclear cooperation with a country that is assisting the nuclear program of, or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to, Iran, North Korea, or Syria. Provides for exclusion from the United States (with a discretionary national security waiver by the President) of an alien who is a senior government official of a foreign government or a corporate principal or significant shareholder of a foreign person identified as involved in proliferation activities respecting Iran, North Korea, or Syria. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny a foreign tax credit to a taxpayer engaged in business activity with Iran that is prohibited by U.S. law; and (2) set forth income tax provisions respecting a foreign corporation engaged in business activity with Iran that is prohibited by U.S. law. Establishes the Compensation for Former United States Hostages in Iran Fund.

Date: 2009-01-13
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons. Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and Egypt), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified humanitarian assistance. Directs the Secretary to make every effort to ensure that the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations in Iraq and Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries are met. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for such humanitarian assistance; and (2) to Jordan for humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees and to provide the necessary infrastructure to support both the needs of Iraqi refugees and the Jordanian people. Requires that related fund monitoring mechanisms be established. Prohibits direct bilateral assistance to Syria. Increases FY2009-FY2011 refugee admission limitations for the purpose of admitting Iraqi citizens or nationals who became refugees on or after March 19, 2003. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, by a specified date and subject to the availability of appropriations, to have increased by 100% the number of federal personnel in Iraq and in other appropriate countries who are conducting security reviews of Iraqi refugee applicants. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to work with the international community to provide: (1) financial assistance to vulnerable populations in Iraq and to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries; and (2) technical and financial assistance to international organizations in order to process refugees. Defines "vulnerable populations in Iraq."

Date: 2009-01-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Egyptian Counterterrorism and Political Reform Act - Prohibits military assistance to Egypt beginning in FY2010 unless the President certifies to Congress for a given fiscal year that it is in U.S. national security interests to provide such assistance. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) funds that would have been provided for military assistance should be given in the form of additional economic support fund assistance and not used by the armed forces of Egypt; (2) the President should certify the establishment of procedures to ensure access by the Comptroller General to appropriate financial information in order to review the use of these funds; and (3) the agreement among the United States, Egypt, and Israel to decrease the overall amount of U.S. foreign assistance for both countries should continue.

Date: 2009-01-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Prohibit Aid to Saudi Arabia Act of 2009 - Prohibits obligating or spending funds appropriated for Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs to finance directly any assistance for Saudi Arabia. Includes in such prohibition direct loans, credits, insurance, and guarantees of the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

Date: 2009-02-02
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act - 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, except 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.

Date: 2009-02-04
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Act of 2009 - Establishes the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Commission to determine the validity of land claims arising out of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1848. Authorizes three or more eligible descendants of the same community land grant to petition the Commission on behalf of themselves and all other descendants. Directs the Commission to recommend appropriate relief to a valid petition, including whether the community land grant should be reconstituted and its non-federal lands restored. Directs the Commission to establish a Community Land Grant Study Center at the Onate Center in Alcalde, New Mexico, to assist the Commission with necessary research and investigations. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to make necessary personnel, equipment, and facilities available to the Commission. Terminates the Commission 180 days the Commission submits its final report as required by this Act.

Date: 2009-02-11
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Syria Accountability and Liberation Act - Maintains U.S. restrictions against Syria until the President certifies that Syria: (1) has ceased support for terrorism; (2) has dismantled biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons programs and has committed to combat their proliferation; (3) respects the boundaries and sovereignty of all neighboring countries; and (4) upholds human rights and civil liberties. Imposes specified trade, assistance, admissions, and military sanctions, as appropriate, on persons or countries that transfer goods or technology contributing to Syria's biological, chemical, nuclear, or advanced conventional weapons programs. Imposes specified sanctions aimed at Syria's energy sector. Sets forth diplomatic measures intended to isolate the government of Syria. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to support a democratic transition in Syria.

Date: 2009-02-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Threat Reduction Act of 2009 - Amends the Iran Freedom Support Act to maintain specified U.S. sanctions with respect to Iran until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran has verifiably dismantled its weapons of mass destruction programs and ceased its support for international terrorism. Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to: (1) include transshipment among sanctionable activities; and (2) exclude from the United States an alien who is a senior government official of a foreign government or a corporate principal or significant shareholder of a foreign person involved in proliferation activities relating to Iran. Expands: (1) the scope of sanctionable "persons" to include any business organization and any foreign subsidiary or affiliate; and (2) the definition of "petroleum resources" to include petroleum byproducts, oil or liquefied natural gas or liquefied natural gas tankers, and products used to construct or maintain pipelines used to transport oil or compressed or liquefied natural gas. Prohibits, with a discretionary waiver, U.S. importation of Iranian products other than information materials. Subjects an entity to penalties for violations of certain sanctions committed by a subsidiary established by such entity outside of the United States that would be subject to prohibitions if committed inside the United States or by a U.S. person. Authorizes the President to impose sanctions on principal executive officers of sanctioned persons. Amends the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act to include within the scope of such Act persons involved in the transshipment of certain goods, services, or technology. Prohibits service module payments to the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. Sets forth provisions regarding divestment from Iran's energy sector. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny a foreign tax credit to a taxpayer engaged in business activity with Iran that is prohibited by U.S. law; and (2) set forth income tax provisions respecting a foreign corporation engaged in business activity with Iran that is prohibited by U.S. law. Establishes the Compensation for Former United States Hostages in Iran Fund. Identifies claims to be paid. Establishes restrictions on nuclear cooperation with a country that is assisting the nuclear program of, or transferring advanced conventional weapons or missiles to, Iran.

Date: 2009-02-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Saudi Arabia Accountability Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the government of Saudi Arabia: (1) cooperate fully with the United States in the investigation of terror groups and individuals; (2) close permanently all organizations in Saudi Arabia that fund, train, encourage, or in any way aid terrorism anywhere in the world, and end funding for such organizations outside Saudi Arabia; and (3) block funding from private Saudi citizens and entities to Saudi-based or offshore terror organizations. Directs the President to prohibit certain exports to Saudi Arabia and restrict travel of certain Saudi diplomats if the President cannot certify to the appropriate congressional committees that the government of Saudi Arabia: (1) is fully cooperating with the United States in investigating and preventing terrorist attacks; (2) has closed permanently all Saudi-based terror organizations; (3) has ended funding for any offshore terror organization; and (4) has exercised maximum efforts to block funding from private Saudi citizens and entities to offshore terror organizations. Allows the President to waive such sanctions for national security reasons. Prohibits visa issuance to citizens of Saudi Arabia until the President certifies that Saudi Arabia does not discriminate in visa issuance based upon religion or heritage.

Date: 2009-03-03
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 - (Sec. 3) States that it is the policy of the United States to support the decision of state and local governments and educational institutions to divest from, and to prohibit the investment of assets they control in, persons that the have investments of more than $20 million in Iran's energy sector. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit their investment in, any person that the state or local government determines, using credible information available to the public, engages in certain investment activities in Iran. Specifies such activities as: (1) the investment of $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector; or (2) provision of oil or liquefied natural gas tankers, or products used to construct or maintain pipelines used to transport oil or liquefied natural gas, for that energy sector. Authorizes divestment, as well, from any financial institution which extend $20 million or more in credit to another person, for 45 days or more, if that person will use the credit to invest in Iran's energy sector. Expresses the sense of Congress that a state or local government should not adopt such measures against such a person unless it has made every effort to avoid erroneously targeting the person and has verified that such person engages in such investment activities. Declares that any measure of a state or local government authorized under this Act is not preempted by any federal law or regulation. (Sec. 4) Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to shield any registered investment company from civil, criminal, or administrative action based upon its divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by persons that have invested in Sudan or in Iran. (Sec. 5) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to shield from treatment as breaching a fiduciary duty any person divesting employee benefit plan assets from, or avoiding investing plan assets in, persons that have engaged in such investment activities in Iran. (Sec. 7) Terminates this Act 30 days after the President certifies to Congress that the government of Iran has ceased: (1) providing support for acts of international terrorism and no longer satisfies the requirements for designation as a state-sponsor of terrorism; or (2) the pursuit, acquisition, and development of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and ballistic missiles and ballistic missile launch technology.

Date: 2009-03-05
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Border Reinforcement and Violence Reduction Act of 2009 - Authorizes and directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand resources, make grants, and take other actions to protect U.S. citizens and property and to identify, investigate, and prosecute firearms trafficking and other unlawful activities along the U.S.-Mexican border. Border Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary to make border security grants to local sheriffs' offices and police departments within 25 miles of the southern border of the United States. Allows grant funds to be used to pay for law enforcement operations along the U.S.-Mexican border, the costs of training and equipping law enforcement personnel, transporting illegal aliens to U.S. custody, and building detention facilities. Southwest Border Violence Reduction Act of 2009 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) to dedicate and expand resources for the Project Gunrunner initiative of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to identify, investigate, and prosecute firearms trafficking across the U.S.-Mexican border; and (2) provide ATF agents, equipment, and training to assist Mexican law enforcement officers in combating firearms trafficking and other criminal enterprises. Directs the Secretary to: (1) dedicate and expand resources for the Operation Armas Cruzadas of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to identify, investigate, and prosecute firearms trafficking, smuggling, and other unlawful activities across the U.S.-Mexican border; and (2) coordinate with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to develop a comprehensive and strategic plan to inspect vehicles heading into Mexico.

Date: 2009-03-11
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Export Freedom to Cuba Act of 2009 - 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: 2009-03-16
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2009 - Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam in excess of FY2009 amounts unless: (1) 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, and actions to end trafficking in persons; and (2) the federal government provides assistance, in addition to democracy building assistance under this Act, supporting human rights training, civil society building, and exchange programs between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the United States Congress at levels commensurate with or exceeding any increases in nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam. 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. Prohibits the provision of duty-free treatment for eligible articles from Vietnam until the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam protects freedom of association and does not engage in serious labor rights violations. Authorizes the President to provide U.S. assistance through appropriate nongovernmental organizations and the Human Rights Defenders Fund for the support of individuals and organizations to promote human rights in Vietnam. Declares it is U.S. policy: (1) to take measures to overcome the jamming of Radio Free Asia by the government of Vietnam; and (2) that educational and cultural exchange programs with Vietnam should promote progress toward freedom and democracy. Declares it is U.S. policy to offer refugee resettlement to Vietnam nationals (including members of the Montagnard ethnic minority groups) who were eligible for the Humanitarian Resettlement program, the Orderly Departure program, the Resettlement Opportunities for Vietnamese Returnees program, the Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1988, or any other U.S. refugee program, but who were deemed ineligible for reasons of administrative error or who failed to apply because of circumstances beyond their control.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
North Korea Sanctions and Diplomatic Nonrecognition Act of 2009 - 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 and Syria; (2) is not assisting foreign terrorist organizations, engaged in counterfeiting U.S. currency, or engaged in illicit narcotics traffic; (3) has released specified U.S. citizens, Japanese nationals, and surviving Korean War prisoners of war; (4) has undertaken specified family reunification actions; and (5) has undertaken specified penal reforms. Continues diplomatic nonrecognition of North Korea until such benchmarks have been met. Directs the President, in the case of a North Korean missile or rocket launch in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1695 and 1718, 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 against North Korea.

Date: 2009-04-21
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Diplomatic Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to direct the President to impose two or more sanctions under such Act if a person has, with actual knowledge: (1) on or after the date of enactment of such Act made an investment of $40 million or more (or any combination of investments of at least $10 million which in the aggregate equals or exceeds $40 million in any 12-month period) that significantly contributed to Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources; (2) on or after the date of enactment of the Iran Diplomatic Enhancement Act of 2009 made an investment of $20 million or more (or any combination of investments of at least $5 million which in the aggregate equals or exceeds $20 million in any 12-month period) that directly and significantly contributed to Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources; or (3) on or after the date of enactment of the Iran Diplomatic Enhancement Act of 2009 provided Iran with refined petroleum resources, engaged in an activity that could contribute to the enhancement of Iran's ability to import refined petroleum resources, or provided Iran with goods, services, or technology for refining petroleum. (Current law imposes sanctions upon investments of $40 million or more and does not include refined petroleum resource imports.) Extends existing presidential waiver authority to such activities. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months on such activities.

Date: 2009-04-21
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to require, in making a determination whether a democratically elected Cuban government exists, that Cuba cease providing a safe harbor to individuals who have been legally indicted or convicted of serious criminal offenses, including convicted felon William Morales, and all other individuals who have fled from the United States to Cuba to avoid U.S. prosecution or confinement. (Requires that such a determination be made before economic assistance may be provided for Cuba.)

Date: 2009-04-21
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
United States-China Diplomatic Expansion Act of 2009 - Authorizes FY2010 appropriations for: (1) public diplomacy programming, hiring of additional local public diplomacy personnel, and public diplomacy information technology infrastructure in the People's Republic of China (PRC); (2) construction of one additional U.S. consulate in the PRC (in addition to the number in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act); (3) 10 additional U.S. diplomatic posts in the PRC (in addition to the number in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act); (4) a U.S. financial contribution to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; (5) rule of law initiatives in the PRC; and (6) specified Chinese language exchanges.

Date: 2009-05-07
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
U.S.-China Language Engagement Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive three-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for innovative model programs establishing, improving, or expanding Chinese language and cultural studies instruction for their elementary school and secondary school students. Directs the Secretary to award grants to LEAs for use in acquiring communications technologies or equipment to improve Chinese language instruction in elementary schools and secondary schools through computer-assisted instruction, distance learning, and virtual exchanges with schools in China. Expresses the sense of Congress that increasing the number of students who receive substantial exposure to Chinese language and cultural studies before graduating from secondary school will enhance our global economic competitiveness in the 21st century.

Date: 2009-05-07
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Education
Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps Designation Implementation Act - Directs the President to identify in the Federal Register and apply specified sanctions against: (1) a foreign person or foreign entity that is a representative or affiliate of the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); or (2) such a person or entity that has committed or risks committing destabilizing violence against Iraq or its government. Excludes such persons from U.S. entry. Directs the President, with specified waiver authority, to notify the appropriate congressional committees and apply specified sanctions against a foreign person or foreign entity that provides material, financial, or commercial support to the IRGC. Includes additional sanctions if the entity is a foreign government.

Date: 2009-05-12
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009 - Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a regional strategy to guide U.S. support for multilateral efforts to eliminate the threat to civilians and regional stability posed by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and to enforce the rule of law and ensure full humanitarian access in LRA-affected areas. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to respond to the humanitarian needs of populations in northeastern Congo, southern Sudan, and Central African Republic affected by LRA activity. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State and Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) should work with the appropriate congressional committees to increase future assistance to Uganda if the government of Uganda demonstrates a commitment to reconstruction in war-affected areas of northern and eastern Uganda. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should support efforts by the people of northern Uganda and the government of Uganda to: (1) promote local and national reconciliation including mechanisms outlined in the Annexure to the Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation between the government of Uganda and the LRA; and (2) assist internally displaced people, establish mechanisms for the demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, and enhance the competency of local institutions including the police.

Date: 2009-05-19
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
United States-Pakistan Security and Stability Act - Directs the President to develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees, with intelligence support from the Director of National Intelligence, a comprehensive interagency strategy and implementation plan for long-term security and stability in Pakistan. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) Pakistan; and (2) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund.

Date: 2009-05-19
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
United States-Afghanistan Security and Stability Act - Directs the President to develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees, with intelligence support from the Director of National Intelligence, a comprehensive interagency strategy and implementation plan for long-term security and stability in Afghanistan. Authorizes appropriations for Afghanistan.

Date: 2009-05-19
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Directs the Secretary of State, if the government of Cuba is allowed full membership or participation in the Organization of American States (OAS), to withhold assessed and voluntary contributions to the OAS until the President certifies to Congress that there is a government in Cuba that has satisfied certain political, judicial, broadcasting, and labor requirements, and does not include Fidel Castro or Raul Castro.

Date: 2009-06-03
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Suspend Brazil GSP Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) attain the immediate return of Sean Goldman and all children of the United States who are being held wrongfully in Brazil in contravention of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Convention); and (2) impress upon Brazil the importance of abiding by their obligations under the Hague Convention with respect to international child abduction cases involving children from the United States. Directs the President to: (1) notify World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries, not later than seven days after enactment of this Act, that the United States is suspending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for Brazil; and (2) suspend, not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, GSP and duty-free treatment for Brazil. Authorizes the President to reinstate GSP and duty-free treatment for Brazil if he certifies to Congress that Brazil is complying with the Hague Convention.

Date: 2009-06-04
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Prohibits FY2009 funds made available to the Department of State or any other federal department or agency from being used to host Iranian officials for the July, 4, Independence Day celebrations internationally or domestically.

Date: 2009-06-24
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Israel Foreign Assistance Appropriations Act, 2010 - Appropriates FY2010 funds for Israel for: (1) refugee resettlement; and (2) foreign military credit sales. Conditions the availability of: (1) FY2010 appropriations for a voluntary contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) upon a determination by the Secretary of State that Israel is not being denied IAEA participation; and (2) certain appropriations to support a Palestinian state upon a determination by the Secretary that the Palestinian governing entity has demonstrated a commitment to peaceful co-existence with Israel and is taking appropriate counterterrorism measures. Expresses the sense of Congress against the Arab League boycott of Israel. Prohibits the expenditure of specified funds to create in any part of Jerusalem a new government office of any U.S. department or agency for the purpose of conducting official U.S. business with the Palestinian Authority (PA) or successor governing entity over Gaza and Jericho.

Date: 2009-07-09
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act to authorize the President agree to amendments to the Border Environment Cooperation Agreement between the United States and Mexico to expand the purposes and functions of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission to certify, and the North American Development Bank to finance, any infrastructure in the border region between the two countries.

Date: 2009-07-17
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Reduce Iranian Cyber-Suppression Act - Prohibits the heads of executive agencies from entering into or renewing contracts for the procurement of goods or services from a person that exports sensitive technology (technology that restricts the free flow of information) to Iran. Authorizes the President to waive such requirement if: (1) it is in the national interest of the United States; and (2) the President reports to Congress the reasons for such determination.

Date: 2009-07-21
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2009 - States that it is U.S. policy: (1) to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel; and (2) that the U.S. Embassy in Israel should be established in Jerusalem not later than January 1, 2012. 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 FY2012 for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened. States that for each of FY2010-FY2011, 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: 2009-07-30
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 - Specifies principles that Congress declares should be the basis of the relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Pakistan to support: (1) democratic institutions; (2) efforts to expand rule of law, build the capacity, transparency, and trust in government institutions, and promote internationally recognized human rights; (3) economic freedom and development; (4) investments in people, particularly women and children; and (5) strengthen public diplomacy to combat militant extremism and promote a better understanding of the United States. Authorizes FY2010-FY2014 appropriations for assistance to Pakistan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, including: (1) international military education and training (IMET); and (2) foreign military financing for the purchase of defense articles and services, among other things. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an exchange program between military and civilian personnel of Pakistan and certain other countries, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries. Prohibits any security-related assistance and arms transfers to Pakistan during FY2010-FY2014 until the Secretary of State certifies that: (1) Pakistan's government is continuing to cooperate with the United States in efforts to dismantle supplier networks relating to the acquisition of nuclear weapons-related materials; (2) Pakistan's government during the preceding fiscal year has demonstrated a sustained commitment to and is making significant efforts towards combating terrorist groups; and (3) Pakistan's security forces are not materially and substantially subverting Pakistan's political or judicial processes. Provides for a national security waiver of such limits. Prescribes FY2010 requirements for the Department of State's Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund. Restricts the provision of any direct cash security-related U.S. assistance or non-assistance payments to Pakistan to civilian authorities of a civilian government. Provides for a national security waiver of such restriction. Directs the Secretary to submit a Pakistan Assistance Strategy Report to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to review and comment on the Report, and recommend any additional actions that could help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. efforts to meet the objectives of this Act. Directs the President to develop and report to the appropriate congressional committees on a comprehensive interagency regional security strategy to eliminate terrorist threats and close safe havens in Pakistan.

Date: 2009-09-24
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs