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Official portrait of Rep. Duncan, John J., Jr. [R-TN-2]

Rep. Duncan, John J., Jr. [R-TN-2]

United States · Official source

Records

4,001 records where Rep. Duncan, John J., Jr. [R-TN-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 2294 (111th)open

Keep Terrorists Out of America Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Keep Terrorists Out of America Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that individuals currently detained at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should not be transferred or released into the United States. Prohibits the President from transferring or releasing any such individual into the United States unless 60 days prior to such transfer: (1) the President submits to the governor and legislature of the state to which the President intends to transfer or release such an individual certification that the individual does not pose a security risk to the United States; (2) the governor and state legislature of the state in which the President intends to transfer an individual consent to the transfer; and (3) the President notifies the Congress of, among other things, the name of the individual being transferred, the installation the individual is being transferred to, a justification for the transfer, and a certification that the President has mitigated any risks to national security posed by the transfer.

Bill· HRH.R. 2296 (111th)referred

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. Requires fines to be based upon the nature and severity of the violation, the size of the firearms business involved, and the prior record of the firearm's licensee. Prohibits consideration of the amount of fines or license revocations imposed by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in the retention, promotion, or transfer of such agents. Revises the definition of "willfully" for purposes of firearms violations and standards for criminal violations of firearms recordkeeping requirements. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make preliminary determinations on firearms license applications and notify applicants in writing of a proposed denial; and (2) establish guidelines for ATF inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations. Permits an owner of a firearms business whose license is expired, surrendered, or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Allows purchasers of existing firearms businesses the right to cure firearms violations attributable to such businesses. Allows the transfer, possession, and importation of machineguns for industry testing, research and training, national security services, and motion picture or television production. Eliminates the requirement of written permission for the use of a handgun for lawful purposes by a minor (under age 18) where a parent or legal guardian is present at all times during such use. Prohibits the Attorney General from electronically retrieving inactive firearms licensee information by name or personal identification code. Directs the Attorney General to authorize the importation of all frames or receivers of rifles, or barrels for firearms other than handguns, if the importation is for repair or replacement purposes.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 421 (111th)passed

Recognizing and commending the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its 75th year anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Congratulates the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its 75th anniversary. Commends the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the National Park Service (NPS) for 75 years of successful management and preservation of the Park's land. Commends the citizens of east Tennessee and western North Carolina for their vision and sacrifice in bringing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into being.

Bill· HRH.R. 2287 (111th)referred

No Social Security for Illegal Immigrants Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

No Social Security for Illegal Immigrants Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to exclude from creditable wages and self-employment income any wages earned for services by aliens performed in the United States, and self-employment income derived from a trade or business conducted in the United States, while the alien was not authorized to be so employed or to perform a function or service in such a trade or business.

Bill· HRH.R. 2255 (111th)referred

Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require reports on federal mandates to include: (1) an assessment of the prospective costs of carrying out changes to a condition of federal assistance being imposed on participating state, local, or tribal governments and how these costs compare with the funds being authorized; (2) for reauthorizations, an assessment of the additional costs of changes in those conditions compared with the changes in funding being authorized; (3) in cases where a bill or joint resolution provides necessary sums, an estimate of that amount; and (4) an identification and description of any reasonably foreseeable indirect costs to such governments or the private sector from implementing the federal mandate. Repeals a provision excluding independent regulatory agencies from reporting requirements. Makes requirements under this Act applicable to general notice of any final rule that includes such a mandate.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 394 (111th)referred

Expressing disapproval by the House of Representatives of the totalization agreement between the United States and Mexico signed by the Commissioner of Social Security and the Director General of the Mexican Social Security Institute on June 29, 2004.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2009

Disapproves the totalization agreement between the United States and Mexico, establishing totalization arrangements between the Social Security Systems of the two countries, which was signed by the Commissioner of Social Security and the Director General of the Mexican Social Security Institute on June 29, 2004.

Bill· HRH.R. 2169 (111th)referred

Limitation on Government Spending Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2009

Limitation on Government Spending Act of 2009 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to define GDP as the gross domestic product for the relevant fiscal year as most recently estimated by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Defines federal spending limits for: (1) FY2011, as outlays not exceeding 22% of the GDP; (2) FY2012, as outlays not exceeding 21% of the GDP; and (3) FY2013 and fiscal years thereafter, as outlays not exceeding 20% of the GDP. Makes it out of order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any legislation that includes any provision that would result in a deficit for a fiscal year that exceeds the maximum deficit amount or federal spending limit, as applicable, for such fiscal year. Permits waiver or suspension of such prohibition, or successful appeals from rulings of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths (60) of the Senate.

Bill· HRH.R. 2125 (111th)referred

Surface Transportation Safety Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Surface Transportation Safety Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to modify certain federal regulations to: (1) allow fire services personnel to wear high visibility apparel meeting certain requirements; and (2) ensure that positive protective measures (including temporary longitudinal traffic barriers) are used to separate workers on highway construction projects from motorized traffic. Directs the Secretary to approve the use of federal-aid highway funds by a state for patented or proprietary items that further the goals of state strategic highway safety plans. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to revise the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to include a standard for a minimum level of retroreflectivity that must be maintained for pavement markings, which shall apply to all roads open to public travel. Revises requirements for the highway safety improvement program to count installation, replacement, and upgrade of highway signs and pavement markings as a highway safety improvement project. Authorizes: (1) states to obligate highway safety improvement program funds apportioned to them for projects to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity in highway signs or pavement markings on public roads, whether or not such projects are included in state plans; and (2) a federal share of costs of 100% for such projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program to improve traffic signs and pavement markings for older drivers and pedestrians in all states; (2) review the safety of all highway-rail grade crossings in the United States and, based on such review, compile a list of the ten highway-rail grade crossings having the greatest need for safety improvements; (3) establish a national database of information on the safety of highway-rail grade crossings in the United States; and (4) allocate $20 million to each state with a population density of less than 20 persons per square mile for each fiscal year beginning with FY2010 for rural highway safety improvement projects.

Bill· HRH.R. 2110 (111th)referred

Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Fairness and Simplification Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Fairness and Simplification Act - Limits state taxation of the wages or other remuneration of any employee who performs duties in more than one state to: (1) the state of the employee's residence; and (2) the state in which the employee is present and performing employment duties for more than 30 days. Exempts from the definition of "employee" for purposes of this Act a professional athlete or entertainer or certain public figures.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 109 (111th)open

Honoring the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in the Nation's Capital and its transition to the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure on June 6, 2009, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2009

Remembers the lives of the women and men who have lost their fight with breast cancer and expresses support and admiration for those who have survived. Congratulates participants in the Global Race for the Cure to raise money for research and education. Urges Americans to walk this year and support their family and friends who participate. Honors the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.

Law· HRH.R. 2097 (111th)enacted

Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner . Requires a coin design emblematic of the War of 1812, and in particular of, the Battle for Baltimore that formed the basis for the Star-Spangled Banner. Limits the period for coin issuance to calendar year 2012. Imposes a surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coins and $10 per coin for the $1 coins, which shall be distributed to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission for the purpose of supporting bicentennial activities, educational outreach activities, and preservation and improvement activities pertaining to the sites and structures relating to the War of 1812.

Bill· HRH.R. 2014 (111th)referred

To award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots ("WASP").

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009

Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the award of a single gold medal in honor of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) collectively, in honor of their pioneering military service and exemplary record, which forged revolutionary reform in the U.S. Armed Forces. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution shall make the medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at other locations associated with the WASP.

Bill· HRH.R. 2009 (111th)referred

To amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to permit immediate repayment of direct capital investments received under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009

Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to grant any financial institution that has received or receives a direct capital investment under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) the right to repay it immediately. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to accept such a payment unconditionally.

Bill· HRH.R. 2000 (111th)referred

To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in recognition of his contributions to the fight against global poverty.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009

Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation on behalf of Congress of a gold medal of appropriate design to Dr. Muhammad Yunus in recognition of his many enduring contributions to the fight against global poverty.

Bill· HRH.R. 1955 (111th)referred

Agriculture Education Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Agriculture Education Freedom Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual any gain from the sale of any animal raised and sold by such individual as part of his or her participation in the 4-H program under the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture, the Future Farmers of America, any tax-exempt similar organization, or any program of a tax-exempt educational organization.

Bill· HRH.R. 1868 (111th)referred

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to consider a person born in the United States "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States for citizenship at birth purposes if the person is born in the United States of parents, one of whom is: (1) a U.S. citizen or national; (2) a lawful permanent resident alien whose residence is in the United States; or (3) an alien performing active service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Bill· HRH.R. 1919 (111th)referred

Federal Withholding Tax Repeal Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Federal Withholding Tax Repeal Act of 2009 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code requiring withholding of income, social security, and railroad retirement taxes from wages.

Bill· HRH.R. 1831 (111th)referred

Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for charitable contributions by individuals and corporations of real property interests for conservation purposes.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 42 (111th)referred

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to parental rights.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2009

Constitutional Amendment - States that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children is a fundamental right. States that neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served. Provides that no treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this amendment.

Bill· HRH.R. 1744 (111th)referred

Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prescribe consumer protection guidelines for rental-purchase transactions, including: (1) the determination of rental-purchase cost; (2) disclosure requirements; (3) prohibitions against confessions of judgment, wage assignments, and waiver of consumer claims or defenses; (4) furnishing of statements of account; (5) point-of-rental disclosures; and (6) rental-purchase advertising disclosures. Declares that an action for civil liability may be brought against a merchant's assignee only if the violation is apparent on the face of a rental-purchase agreement to which it relates, including, but not limited to, a disclosure that can be determined to be incomplete or inaccurate from the face of the agreement. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to promulgate implementing regulations. Grants enforcement powers to the Federal Trade Commission and to state attorneys general. Subjects to criminal penalties any willful and knowing violation of the information disclosure requirements of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1740 (111th)open

EARLY Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009 or EARLY Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conduct a national evidence-based education campaign: (1) to increase public awareness regarding the threats posed by breast cancer to young women, including the particular risks faced by certain ethnic and cultural groups; and (2) focusing on awareness of risk factors and achieving early detection through community-centered informational forums, public service advertisements, and media campaigns. Directs the Secretary to award grants to entities to establish national multimedia campaigns that: (1) will encourage young women to be aware of their personal risk factors, strategies for increasing early detection and self awareness, evidence based preventative lifestyle changes, and other appropriate breast cancer early detection and risk reduction strategies; (2) will encourage young women of specific higher-risk populations to talk to their medical practitioners about those risks and methods for appropriate screening and surveillance; and (3) may include advertising through specified media. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) establish an advisory committee to assist in creating and conducting the public education campaign; (2) conduct an education campaign to increase awareness among health care professionals; and (3) conduct prevention research. Directs the Secretary to award grants to organizations and institutions to provide to young women diagnosed with breast cancer substantive assistance and health information from credible sources on: (1) education and counseling regarding fertility preservation; (2) social, emotional, psychosocial, financial, lifestyle, and caregiver support; (3) familial risk factors; and (4) risk reduction strategies to reduce recurrence or metastasis.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 41 (111th)referred

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the President from entering into a treaty or other international agreement that would provide for the United States to adopt as legal tender in the United States a currency issued by an entity other than the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2009

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the President from entering into a treaty or other international agreement that would provide for the United States to adopt as legal U.S. tender a currency issued by an entity other than the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 1684 (111th)referred

Preservation of the Second Amendment in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009

Preservation of the Second Amendment in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges Act - Allows, except as provided under federal criminal law relating to the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons in federal facilities, a person to possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area or national wildlife refuge area in accordance with the laws of the state in which such area is located.

Bill· HRH.R. 1633 (111th)referred

Honor the WISH Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Honor the Written Intent of our Soldier Heroes Act or Honor the WISH Act - Includes, as a person authorized to direct disposition of the remains of a member of the Armed Forces who dies while on active duty, the person identified by the decedent on the record of emergency data maintained by the Secretary of the military department concerned as the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition, regardless of the relationship of the designee to the decedent.

Bill· HRH.R. 1656 (111th)referred

Assisted Institution Bonus Repayment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Assisted Institution Bonus Repayment Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to require a financial institution, as a condition of receiving assistance under such Act, to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury that the 10 most highly paid executives or employees of such institution have repaid any bonuses received during the previous five fiscal years.

Bill· HRH.R. 1646 (111th)referred

Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $500 for the purchase of a qualified hearing aid for an individual who is either: (1) age 55 or older; or (2) is claimed as a dependent of the taxpayer. Denies such tax credit to any taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000.

Bill· HRH.R. 1620 (111th)referred

Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to provide for reciprocity for the carrying of certain concealed firearms in different states by persons who are not prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm and who are: (1) carrying a valid state license or permit for carrying a concealed firearm; or (2) otherwise entitled to carry a concealed firearm in their state of residence.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 266 (111th)passed

Celebrating 90 years of United States-Polish diplomatic relations, during which Poland has proven to be an exceptionally strong partner to the United States in advancing freedom around the world.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Celebrates the 90th anniversary of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations. Congratulates the Polish people on their great accomplishments as a democracy. Expresses appreciation for Poland's steadfast partnership with the United States.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 269 (111th)passed

Supporting the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Supports the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Encourages all road users to be more aware of motorcycles and motorcyclists' safety. Encourages all motorcycle riders receive appropriate training and practice safe riding skills.

Bill· HRH.R. 1587 (111th)referred

To amend the lead prohibition provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to provide an exemption for certain off-highway vehicles, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2009

Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to exempt off-highway vehicles from children's product lead limits. Defines "off-highway vehicle" as: (1) any motorized vehicle designed to travel on two, three, or four wheels and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control; and (2) a snowmobile. Allows the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to exempt a specific product or material from the limits if it finds that lead in the product or material will not result in the absorption of lead (under current law, of any lead) into the human body, taking into account normal and reasonably foreseeable use and abuse of the product by a child.

Bill· HRH.R. 1557 (111th)referred

SAFE Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Securing America's Future Economy Commission Act or SAFE Commission Act - Establishes the Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission to develop legislation designed to address: (1) the unsustainable imbalance between long-term federal spending commitments and projected revenues; (2) increases in net national savings to provide for domestic investment and economic growth; (3) the implications of foreign ownership of federally issued debt instruments; and (4) revision of the budget process to place greater emphasis on long-term fiscal issues. Requires the Commission to: (1) develop one or two methods for estimating the cost of legislation as an alternative to the current Congressional Budget Office (CBO) method; and (2) hold at least one town-hall style public hearing within each federal reserve district. Requires the Commission to submit a legislative proposal to Congress and the President. Authorizes the President to submit to Congress an alternative proposal. Authorizes the Committee on the Budget of either chamber to publish its own alternative proposal in the Congressional Record. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such legislation. Requires CBO to prepare a long-term cost estimate and have it published in the Congressional Record as expeditiously as possible whenever requested to do so by the Commission, the President, or the chairman or ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget of either chamber.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 251 (111th)open

Directing the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit to the House of Representatives all information in his possession relating to specific communications with American International Group, Inc. (AIG).

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit to the House of Representatives copies of all Department of the Treasury documents, records, and communications referring or relating to: (1) any negotiation concerning the controlled break-up of the American International Group, Inc. (AIG) into at least three government-controlled divisions; (2) any negotiation concerning any additional assistance under title I of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, or other program administered by the Secretary to such corporation; or (3) any government communication or authorization for payment of any pre-existing bonus contract with any AIG executive.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 74 (111th)referred

Supporting the goals and ideals of a decade of action for road safety with a global target to reduce by 50 percent the predicted increase in global road deaths between 2010 and 2020.

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Supports the goals and ideals of a decade of action for global road safety with a global target to reduce by 50% the predicted increase in global road deaths between 2010 and 2020. Urges the Obama Administration to take a leadership role at the First Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Moscow and for the United States to work with other nations to achieve the goals and ideals of a decade of action for road safety.

Law· HRH.R. 1454 (111th)enacted

Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2009 - Requires the United States Postal Service to issue and sell, at a premium, a Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp. Requires proceeds from the sale of such stamp to be: (1) transferred to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to help fund the operations supported by the Multinational Species Conservation Funds; and (2) divided equally among the African Elephant Conservation Fund, the Asian Elephant Conservation Fund, the Great Ape Conservation Fund, the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund, and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund. Prohibits such proceeds from being taken into account in any decision relating to the level of appropriations or other federal funding to be furnished to the USFWS or such Funds. Requires the stamp to: (1) be made available to the public for at least five years; and (2) depict images of flagship multinational species.

Bill· HRH.R. 1505 (111th)referred

Birth Parent Assistance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Birth Parent Assistance Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide certain services for birth parents who have placed a child for adoption, either directly or by grant to or contract with state or local governmental entities or public or private agencies or organizations, including licensed child welfare or adoption agencies or adoptive family groups and faith-based organizations. Specifies such services for birth parents as: (1) post-legal adoption services; (2) individual, group, and family counseling; and (3) training of mental health professionals, social workers, and staff at hospitals and other appropriate birth care facilities relating to their interaction with birth parents and adoptive families.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 236 (111th)referred

Urging Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Calls on Turkey to: (1) eliminate all forms of discrimination, particularly those based on race or religion, and grant the Ecumenical Patriarch appropriate international recognition and ecclesiastic succession; (2) safeguard religious and human rights; (3) continue the advancement of processes and programs to modernize and democratize its own society; (4) respect international law, European Union laws, and the basic tenets of human rights; and (5) prove that it is ready to meet the criteria set forth by the Copenhagen European Council prior to its accession into the European Union.