zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
New Diplomatic Offensive for Iraq Act - Directs the President to implement a regional diplomatic plan in conjunction with the U.N. Security Council to: (1) curtail the ongoing civil war in Iraq; (2) prevent the spread of violence from Iraq into neighboring countries; (3) prevent the establishment of safe havens for al-Qa'ida and other terrorist organizations; (4) prevent regional conflict; (5) prevent genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other crimes against humanity; and (6) promote a national process of reconciliation within Iraq. States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) undertake a sustained diplomatic effort to engage the governments of regional nations on issues that impact the situation in Iraq; (2) continue and expand U.S. direct bilateral talks with nations neighboring Iraq on issues of mutual interest; (3) support the goals specified in the International Compact for Iraq; and (4) encourage the increased engagement of international organizations in working to achieve stability and security in Iraq. Directs the President to appoint a Presidential Special Envoy for Iraq Regional Security whose duties shall include: (1) discussions with the government of Iraq and governments of neighboring countries to support Iraq's efforts to achieve peace and stability and to take necessary actions to prevent regional instability, including organizing a related Iraq Support Group; and (2) working with Iraqi officials and other domestic stakeholders to organize a forum for negotiations on national reconciliation. Directs the Secretary of State to organize an international donors conference to solicit additional international commitments of funding and support for reconstruction and economic development in Iraq. Directs the President direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to seek a Security Council resolution that: (1) supports regional and international cooperation in promoting stability and development in Iraq; (2) encourages increased support for efforts to rebuild and expand Iraq's economy and critical infrastructure; and (3) authorizes renewed U.N. assistance to promote security and political reconciliation in Iraq, including a commitment to an increased U.N. role following the beginning of a U.S. Armed Forces' redeployment from Iraq.

Date: 2007-10-10
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Relocation Empowerment and Placement Assistance for Iraqi Refugees Act of 2007 or REPAIR Act of 2007 - Waives visa and related fees relating to special immigrant status for Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. Chief of Mission or the U.S. Armed Forces as interpreters or translators. Waives numerical limitations with respect to such special immigrants. Expands such category to include persons who: (1) performed such services with a U.S. contractor; or (2) performed other services. Makes additional U.S. military officers eligible to recommend such nationals for special immigrant status. Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to make every effort to ensure that aliens applying for special immigrant status and visas, and aliens applying for refugee status and visas, may apply and interview within Iraq in Baghdad and Irbil through in-country processing mechanisms. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to jointly establish a program to offer federal employment to relocated Iraqi special immigrants as translators, interpreters, and cultural awareness instructors. States that such special immigrants shall be eligible for the same resettlement assistance as refugees. Directs the Secretary to provide such special immigrants with computer literacy and vocational training, English language training, and employment and counseling services. Expresses the sense Congress that the United States should provide an orientation into life in the United States for Iraqi special immigrants and should make all reasonable efforts to provide temporary safe haven for alien applicants who are in imminent danger in Iraq.

Date: 2007-10-12
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Immigration
U.S. and Costa Rica Trade Cooperation Act - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to make permanent the extension of temporary duty-free treatment of certain textile and apparel articles manufactured in a beneficiary country (particularly, Costa Rica) and imported into the United States.

Date: 2007-10-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Establishes a Congressional-Executive Commission on the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which shall: (1) monitor the Socialist Republic of Vietnam's human rights compliance, with particular emphasis on the Montagnard peoples and the Central and Northwest Highlands; (2) maintain lists of persons believed to be imprisoned, detained, tortured, or otherwise persecuted by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam due to their pursuit of the rights described in this Act; (3) monitor the development of the rule of law in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with particular emphasis on the Montagnard peoples and the Central and Northwest Highlands; and (4) monitor and encourage the development of programs and activities of the U.S. government and private organizations with a view toward increasing the U.S.-Vietnam interchange.

Date: 2007-11-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iraq Strategic Agreement Review Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and any other necessary representative of the executive branch of the U.S. government to begin consultations with the appropriate congressional committees and leadership on any potential long-term security, economic, or political agreement (agreement) with the government of Iraq. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) full Iraqi sovereignty is in the U.S. national interest; and (2) any agreement that is not in the form of a treaty with respect to which the Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification under Article II of the Constitution of the United States does not have the force and effect of law. Prohibits obligating or expending funds for the implementation of any agreement with the government of Iraq unless the agreement is in the form of a treaty with respect to which the Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification under Article II.

Date: 2008-01-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Diplomatic Accountability Act of 2008 - 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: 2008-01-17
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to add Mauritius as a lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country (LDC) for purposes of the application of preferential treatment to apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more LDCs, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such articles, that are imported into the United States. Repeals provisions granting preferential treatment for imported apparel articles produced in LDCs of yarn or fabric that is produced in beneficiary sub-Saharan countries and determined to be available in commercial quantities for use by LDCs. Provides for the liquidation or reliquidation (refund of duties) for such articles entered into the United States on or after October 1, 2005, and before the 15th day after enactment of this Act.

Date: 2008-01-17
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Directs the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Defense, and the intelligence community, to conduct annual assessments of the effectiveness of sanctions against Iran.

Date: 2008-01-18
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
States that any formal agreement emerging from the "Declaration of Principles for a Long-term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship Between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America" shall not have the effect of force of law unless the agreement is approved by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that any formal agreement emerging from such Declaration must be approved by the Iraqi legislature. Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) or any other U.S. department or agency from being used to enforce or implement any formal agreement emerging from such Declaration unless the agreement is approved by Congress.

Date: 2008-01-23
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Former Soviet Union Minority Relief Act of 2008 - Authorizes additional appropriations for Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus for: (1) humanitarian and resettlement assistance for ethnic and religious minorities; (2) hate crime prevention and rule of law assistance; (3) democracy promotion; and (4) broadcasting assistance.

Date: 2008-01-29
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Recovery and Stability of Iraq Act of 2008 - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the position of Iraqi Displacement Coordinator who shall identify programs that address the humanitarian needs of displaced Iraqis and who shall advise and coordinate with the heads of appropriate U.S. departments and agencies, the government of Iraq, countries hosting displaced Iraqis in the region, the United Nations, and other involved nongovernmental and international organizations. Directs the Coordinator to: (1) design a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of displaced Iraqis; and (2) encourage the government of Iraq to develop a long-term plan for the voluntary and safe return of displaced Iraqis to their homes.

Date: 2008-02-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Communist Chinese Olympic Accountability Act - Prohibits any federal government official or employee from attending the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games held in Beijing, People's Republic of China, except for an individual who is a member of the U.S. Olympic Team or who is serving in a medical or security capacity on behalf of the Team.

Date: 2008-04-01
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Amends the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 to state that for purposes of alien inadmissibility based upon terrorist-related grounds the African National Congress (ANC) shall not be considered to be a terrorist organization on the basis of any act or event that occurred before the date of enactment of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State (after consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security) or the Secretary of Homeland Security (after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General) to determine, in such Secretary's sole and unreviewable discretion, that inadmissibility based upon specified criminal convictions or terrorist activities shall not apply to an alien with respect to activities undertaken in opposition to apartheid rule in South Africa. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security should exercise such authority in appropriate instances to exempt the anti-apartheid activities of aliens who are current or former officials of the government of the Republic of South Africa.Directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Director of National Intelligence, to ensure that databases used to determine U.S. admissibility are appropriately updated.

Date: 2008-04-03
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Immigration
China Democracy Act - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the import of products from the People's Republic of China (PRC) into the United States or the export of goods or technology from the United States to the PRC. Prohibits persons from the United States from: (1) making investments in PRC enterprises or enterprises owned or controlled by the PRC government, entities controlled by the PRC government, or by PRC nationals; or (2) engaging in any transaction to secure an investment by a Chinese national in any U.S. person or any enterprise owned or controlled by a U.S. person. Prohibits entry into the United States, for a specified period, of vessels engaged in trade with the PRC. Subjects violators of this Act to certain penalties. Prohibits the issuance of visas to PRC nationals. Suspends visas issued to PRC nationals before the effective date of this Act. Requires the President to take the necessary steps to downgrade diplomatic relations with the PRC. Terminates this Act upon certification by the President that the PRC has: (1) met certain democratic, civil liberties, and human rights principles; and (2) established a market-oriented economic system.

Date: 2008-04-10
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
International Partnership for Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress supporting reconciliation efforts within Iraq and the creation of an Iraqi-supported international commitment to reconciliation in Iraq. Authorizes the United States Institute of Peace to provide assistance to support international efforts to encourage peaceful and positive contact, dialogue, and reconciliation among the Iraqi people.

Date: 2008-04-29
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 to authorize assistance to promote democracy and civil society in Belarus. Includes Internet broadcasting within the scope of increased support and funding for U.S. government and surrogate broadcasting to Belarus. Specifies that funding may be used for broadcasting by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Voice of America, and European Radio for Belarus and Belsat. Includes cessation of repression against student activists and ethnic minorities among the criteria that the government of Belarus must meet in order to end U.S. sanctions under such Act.

Date: 2008-05-06
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iraqi Police Service Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of State to assume responsibility from the Department of Defense (DOD) over the Police Training Teams being used in Iraq to provide advisory support, training and development, and equipment for the Iraqi Police Service; (2) the Secretary to ensure that a majority of the members of each Police Training Team consists of qualified civilian advisors, including Department of State employees and contractor employees; and (3) the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a statement of understanding on command structure, including the responsibilities of members of the Police Training Teams. States that: (1) in addition to members of the Armed Forces serving on Police Training Teams the Secretary of Defense, at the request of the Secretary, shall make DOD equipment available for the Police Training Teams; and (2) the Armed Forces shall continue to provide security for Police Training Teams.

Date: 2008-06-04
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Next Steps for Haiti Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Director of Foreign Assistance, in consultation with the government of Haiti and Haitian civil society organizations, to establish the Haiti Professional Exchange Program whose purpose shall be to assign qualified Haitian Americans and others to provide technical assistance to help Haiti improve in areas vital to its growth and development, including education, energy, environment, health care, infrastructure, security, transportation, and disaster preparedness. Requires that the Director establish an outreach program to encourage Exchange Program participation. Sets forth Program provisions. Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2008-06-12
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Affirms the strong and historic ties between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Disapproves of the May 2008 Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the United States of America and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Concerning Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Other Energy Fields. Reiterates that the United States is committed to nuclear weapons nonproliferation and to preventing the Islamic Republic of Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons. States that: (1) no agreement for nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may enter into force on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) no nuclear materials and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology shall be exported or reexported, or transferred or retransferred, and no federal agency shall issue any license or authorization for the export or reexport, or transfer or retransfer of these items or assistance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia if the end user is a nuclear production or utilization facility, or if the President determines that the material, equipment, technology, or item may be diverted to such a facility.

Date: 2008-06-18
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Directs the Secretary of State to transfer to the government of Haiti the real property of the former U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Date: 2008-06-20
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Just and Lasting Peace in Sudan Act of 2008 - Prohibits sanctions imposed against the government of Sudan from being lifted until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the following conditions have been met for at least one year: (1) the government of Sudan (government) implements the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Darfur Peace Agreement; (2) the Abyei Boundary Commission recommendations are implemented and oil revenue shares are paid retroactively; (3) the government hands over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) all indicted individuals; (4) the government ends its atrocities against innocent civilians in Darfur and other parts of Sudan; (5) the government allows the deployment of United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur forces and allows unhindered access to humanitarian workers; (6) the government ends its terrorist ties; and (7) senior government officials are held accountable for crimes committed in the Nuba, South Sudan, Southern Blue Nile, and Eastern Sudan, and for their support for Osama bin Laden and other terrorist groups. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should not normalize relations with Sudan until such conditions have been implemented for at least one year.

Date: 2008-06-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Provides that the 45-day period referred to in specified Acts shall be tolled with respect to any rescission of the Secretary of State's determination that the government of North Korea has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism until the President certifies to Congress that the government of North Korea has made a complete and verifiable declaration regarding: (1) the existence, number, and disposition of any assembled or partially assembled nuclear explosive devices; (2) attempts to enrich uranium or develop the capability to do so; and (3) nuclear assistance provided to any other countries.

Date: 2008-06-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
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 (including internally displaced persons) 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 (including internally displaced persons) 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 to work with the international community to provide: (1) financial assistance to vulnerable populations in Iraq (including internally displaced persons) 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: 2008-07-15
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Liberia Stabilization, Economic Empowerment, Development and Security Act of 2008 or the Liberia SEEDS Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Liberia for the following: (1) roads and bridges; (2) rehabilitation of Monrovia Freeport; (3) water and sanitation; (4) the electricity sector; (5) vocational education programs for war-affected youth and ex-combatants; (6) establishment of a government employee training institute and enhancement of government accountability and effectiveness; (7) narcotics control and law enforcement; (8) educational exchanges; and (9) the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia.

Date: 2008-07-30
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Oil for Iraq Liberation Act of 2008 - Prohibits: (1) the entry into or the performance by a U.S. person or an entity owned or controlled by such person of a contract that includes overall management responsibility for petroleum development in Iraq, a contract for financing petroleum development in Iraq, or the guaranty of another person's performance under either such contract; (2) any investment by such person in Iraq's petroleum resources; and (3) any transaction by such person that evades or violates such prohibitions. Sets forth penalties for violation of such prohibitions. Defines specified terms.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Securing Eligibility for Needed Donations Act of 2008 or the SEND Act of 2008 - Prohibits Department of Commerce funds from being used to implement, administer, or enforce specified amendments to Department regulations restricting gift parcels and humanitarian donations to Cuba. (The amendments prohibit: (1) the sending of gifts of clothing, personal hygiene items, seeds, fishing equipment, soap-making equipment, and veterinary medicine and supplies; and (2) more than one gift parcel of certain permitted items a month per household.)

Date: 2008-09-16
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Transparent Actions over Covert Tactics in Iran Act of 2008 or TACT in Iran Act - Prohibits any appropriated funds from being obligated or expended by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or Department of Defense (DOD) to provide covert or clandestine support for the purpose of overthrowing the government of Iran. Provides an exception in the case of a congressional declaration of war against Iran.

Date: 2008-09-18
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund Act of 2008 - Authorizes: (1) the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund (SAEDF) to conduct public offerings or private placements for the purpose of soliciting and accepting venture capital; and (2) financial returns on SAEDF investments that include a component of private venture capital to be distributed to the investors of such capital.

Date: 2008-09-26
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Limitation on Nuclear Cooperation with the United Arab Emirates Act of 2008 - Prohibits any agreement for cooperation to enter into force or any license to be issued for the export of nuclear material, equipment, or technology between the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the government of the UAE has: (1) taken actions to prohibit the transfer of goods, services, or technology to the government of Iran, including fully implementing U.N. Security Council sanctions against Iran; (2) implemented an export control regime in accordance with international standards and has implemented legislative and functional actions to target the logistical and financial networks that support terrorist organizations; (3) terminated all related cooperation between any UAE national and the government of Iran, any Iranian national, or any Iranian-controlled entity, and has prosecuted any such UAE national, and (4) not engaged in or condoned activities that violate the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act, and other applicable U.S. law. Amends the the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require congressional approval of an agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation (section 123 agreement). (Under current law such an agreement become effective unless Congress disapproves it within a specified time period.) Directs the President to keep the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations fully informed of any initiative or negotiations relating to a new or amended section 123 agreement.

Date: 2008-12-09
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small business employers a partially refundable business tax credit for the health insurance costs of employees who are not otherwise covered by a spouse's insurance or by a federal health insurance program.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, as amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, to extend the date by which the President must determine whether Haiti is meeting specified political, economic, social, and security requirements in order for Haiti to qualify for preferential trade provisions under such Act.

Date: 2007-01-09
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Somalia Stabilization and Reconstruction Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to support efforts by the people of Somalia to achieve peace, economic growth, and democracy, and to eradicate extremism and terrorism from their country and region. Directs the President to: (1) appoint a Special Envoy for Somalia to coordinate U.S. involvement in the region and to ensure that the U.S. government remains informed of and engaged in efforts to resolve the instability in Somalia; and (2) instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to work with the appropriate U.N. agencies, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and the international community to establish an International Donor Trust Fund for Somalia. Authorizes the President to: (1) support a regional or international peacekeeping force for Somalia; and (2) provide assistance to support efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Somalia as well as the establishment of a representative government in Somalia. Directs the Secretary of State to convene one or more donor conferences for Somalia. Restricts foreign assistance to countries identified as providing assistance to individuals or entities seeking to prevent the formation of a government of national unity in Somalia or harm U.S. interests.

Date: 2007-02-06
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Directs the President to: (1) complete the redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq within one year of enactment of this Act; (2) change U.S. military priorities in Iraq to the training of Iraqi security forces; (3) condition U.S. political, military, and economic assistance to Iraq upon Iraq's meeting specified benchmarks; (4) maintain an over-the-horizon troop presence in the Middle East to prosecute the war on terror and protect regional security interests; (5) state publicly that the United States does not seek permanent military bases in Iraq; (6) work with Iraqi leaders to convene a diplomatic summit or a series of summits on Iraq; (7) establish an international support group for Iraq's stabilization; (8) establish a regional security alliance to strengthen U.S. allies in the Middle East; and (9) appoint a senior advisor for economic reconstruction in Iraq. Declares that: (1) the purposes for the authorization of military force in Iraq under P.L. 107-243 (Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002) have been accomplished; and (2) effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act the President shall be authorized to use military force in Iraq solely to implement the strategy provided for under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress within 60 days of enactment of this Act respecting such strategy's implementation.

Date: 2007-02-17
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2007 - 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: (1) 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; and (2) authorize U.S. importation of personal consumption goods acquired in Cuba.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 - Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand the definitions of "petroleum resources" and "person." Expresses the sense of Congress concerning certain sanctions against Iran. Subjects Russia to specified nuclear energy cooperation prohibitions unless the President certifies to Congress that: (1) Russia has suspended all nuclear assistance and transfers of advanced conventional weapons and missiles to Iran; or (2) Iran has verifiably dismantled all nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing-related programs. Subjects Iran to specified economic sanctions unless the President certifies to Congress that Iran has verifiably dismantled all nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing-related programs.Subjects, with respect to prohibited transactions with Iran, a parent company to penalties for violations committed by certain subsidiaries outside the United States that would be subject to prohibitions if committed inside the United States or by a U.S. person. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate specified geological and geophysical expense amortization benefits if petroleum-related sanctions are imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 on any member of an expanded affiliated group whose common parent is a foreign corporation. Revises the definition of "affiliated group." Directs the President to reduce annual U.S. contributions to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) based upon Bank amounts provided to entities and projects in Iran. Authorizes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress an updated National Intelligence Estimate on Iran.Authorizes the President to: (1) carry out exchange programs with the people of Iran; and (2) make voluntary grant-based contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the establishment of an international nuclear fuel bank to maintain a reserve of low-enriched uranium in case of a disruption in the supply of reactor fuel by normal market mechanisms.Sets forth specified Iran investment-related reporting requirements.

Date: 2007-03-22
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) publish biannually in the Federal Register a list of each person, whether within or outside of the United States, that has an investment of more than $20 million in the energy sector in Iran; and (2) maintain on the website of the Department of the Treasury the names of the persons on such list. States 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 included on the most recent list. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment of assets in, persons included on the most recent list. 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 companies included on such most recent list. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to shield from treatment as breaching a fiduciary duty any person divesting plan assets from, or avoiding investing plan assets in, persons included on such most recent list. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board should: (1) initiate efforts to provide a terror-free international investment option among the funds of the Thrift Savings Fund; and (2) initiate similar efforts to provide a genocide-free international investment option.

Date: 2007-05-17
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe Act of 2007 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support the people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to promote democracy and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe; and (2) call on President Mugabe to restore democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States welcomes the Southern African Development Community's announcement that the President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, will lead negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties in Zimbabwe; (2) preparations should be made to hold free elections in accordance with international standards; (3) cooperation among the United States, regional players in Africa, and the international community is an important component of a proactive strategy to support democratic rule and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe; (4) normalized relations with the government of Zimbabwe are desirable but until the government of Zimbabwe promotes democracy and the rule of law the United States will continue to isolate the government of Zimbabwe and expand financial and travel sanctions against those responsible for repressing Zimbabwe's people; and (5) the United States should use its influence in the U.N. Security Council to emphasize the threat to international peace posed by the government of Zimbabwe.Directs the Secretary of State to provide Congress with quarterly briefings on U.S. strategy for engagement with Zimbabwe. (Terminates such requirement three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.)Authorizes appropriations to support democracy and governance activities in Zimbabwe, including support for: (1) free and peaceful national elections; (2) creation of nonviolent political space; and (3) human rights programs.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act - Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish processing facilities in Iraq and in countries in the region for eligible Iraqis to apply and interview for U.S. admission as refugees or as special immigrants. Includes among refugees of special humanitarian concern: (1) Iraqis who were employed by, or worked for or directly with the U.S. government in Iraq; (2) Iraqis who were employed in Iraq by a U.S.-based media or nongovernmental organization or an organization that has received a grant from, or entered into a cooperative agreement or contract with the U.S. government; (3) spouses, children, sons, daughters, siblings, and parents of Iraqis who worked for the U.S. government or who are special immigrants; and (4) Iraqis who are members of a religious or minority community and have close family members in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to identify other priority groups in Iraq. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide special immigrant status to an otherwise admissible Iraqi national (and spouse and children) who was employed by, or worked for or directly with the U.S. government in Iraq for at least one year in or after 2003. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish in the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, a Minister Counselor for Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons; and (2) designate in the U.S. embassies in Cairo, Egypt; Amman, Jordan; Damascus, Syria; and Beirut, Lebanon a Minister Counselor to oversee U.S. resettlement of persons considered refugees of special humanitarian concern. Directs the Secretary, with respect to each country with a significant population of displaced Iraqis, including Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon, to: (1) consult with other countries regarding resettlement of the most vulnerable members of such refugee populations; and (2) develop mechanisms in and provide assistance to countries with a significant population of displaced Iraqis to ensure their well-being and safety in their host environments. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit a qualifying Iraqi applicant for asylum or withholding of removal whose claim was denied on the basis of changed country conditions to file for reopening of his or her claim.

Date: 2007-06-19
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Immigration
Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2007 - 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 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. Expresses the sense of Congress that temporary entry visas should be issued 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 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: 2007-06-21
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
United States-Republic of Korea Defense Cooperation Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to include the Republic of Korea among those countries given preferential consideration with respect to certain: (1) arms export presidential certification and legislative review requirements; and (2) military training reporting requirements.

Date: 2007-07-23
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Expresses the sense of the Senate on the need for a comprehensive diplomatic offensive to help broker national reconciliation efforts in Iraq and lay the foundation for the eventual redeployment of U.S. combat forces.

Date: 2007-10-03
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Saffron Revolution Support Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) support the democratic aspirations of Burma's people; (2) condemn the repression carried out by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); and (3) hold accountable individuals responsible for the repression of peaceful political activity in Burma. Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a list of: (1) SPDC officials who play or have played a substantial role in political repression in Burma or in the commission of human rights abuses; and (2) other Burmese SPDC supporters. Subjects persons so identified to U.S. entry prohibition and financial sanctions (blocked property, financial transaction prohibitions, and banking sanctions). Terminates such prohibitions upon a presidential certification to the committees that the SPDC has: (1) released all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the National League for Democracy; (2) entered into a dialogue with democratic forces led by the National League for Democracy and the ethnic minorities of Burma on transitioning to democratic government; and (3) allowed humanitarian access to populations affected by armed conflict in all regions of Burma. Amends the the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to prohibit the importation into the United States of Burmese gems, teak, or other hardwood timber. Prohibits any U.S. person (as defined by this Act) from investing in Burma. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary of State to award grants to nongovernmental organizations, universities, and other organizations to establish an Internet database of SPDC human rights abuses; and (2) the President to assist nonviolent democracy activists in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate committees respecting countries that provide military aid to Burma.

Date: 2007-10-16
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Burma Democracy Promotion Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) condemn the repression carried out by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); (2) support a peaceful transition to constitutional democracy in Burma; and (3) hold accountable individuals responsible for the repression of peaceful political activity in Burma. Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a list of: (1) SPDC officials who play or have played a substantial role in political repression in Burma or in the commission of human rights abuses; and (2) other Burmese SPDC supporters. Subjects persons so identified to U.S. entry prohibition and financial sanctions (blocked property, financial transaction prohibitions, and banking sanctions). Exempts medical and humanitarian assistance from such restrictions. Authorizes additional waivers for diplomatic and travel purposes. Terminates such prohibitions upon a presidential certification to the committees that the SPDC has: (1) released all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the National League for Democracy; (2) entered into a dialogue with democratic forces led by the National League for Democracy and the ethnic minorities of Burma on transitioning to democratic government; and (3) allowed humanitarian access to populations affected by armed conflict in all regions of Burma. Amends the the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to prohibit the importation into the United States of Burmese gems, teak, or other hardwood timber. Directs the President to appoint a Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to issue multi-year licenses for humanitarian or religious activities in Burma; and (2) the President to assist nonviolent democracy activists in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate committees respecting countries that provide military aid to Burma. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should lead U.N. Security Council efforts to impose an international arms embargo on Burma.

Date: 2007-10-29
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs
Congressional Oversight of Iraq Agreements Act of 2007 - Directs the Legal Advisor to the Secretary of State to provide Congress with the justification (including the constitutional authority) 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 Iraq as an executive agreement. Expresses the sense of Congress that any bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq involving "commitments or risks affecting the nation as a whole," including a status of forces agreement (SOFA), 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 the use of funds to carry out such an agreement.

Date: 2007-12-06
Topic: International Affairs (Specific Country)
Subject: International affairs