Rule of law

A resolution congratulating the Republic of Serbia's application for European Union membership and recognizing Serbia's active efforts to integrate into Europe and the global community.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010

Applauds the people of Serbia for their commitment to democracy, free markets, tolerance, and the rule of law. Urges the European Council to adopt a clear position on Serbia's qualifications as a candidate country. Recognizes Serbia's cooperation with the United States on issues such as democratization, anti-drug trafficking, anti-terrorism, human rights, regional cooperation, and trade. Urges the government of Serbia to intensify efforts to capture and transfer at-large indictees Goran Hadzic and Ratko Mladic to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Proposing the "Doris 'Granny D' Haddock Amendment of 2010" to the Constitution of the United States regarding the authority of Congress and the States to regulate the spending and activities of corporations with regard to political campaigns and campaigns for election for public office.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Doris "Granny D". Haddock Amendment of 2010 - Prohibits the Constitution from being construed to limit the authority of Congress or the states to regulate, with regard to the impact on any political campaign or campaign for election for public office, the spending and activities of any corporation, limited liability partnership, business trust, or other corporate entity created by state or federal law or the law of another nation.

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to increase openness and transparency in the annual appropriations process as it relates to earmarks.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2010

Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order to consider in the House any legislation (or any accompanying report or joint explanatory statement) that contains a congressional earmark for an organization other than a non-profit tax-exempt organization or a governmental entity. (Thus prohibits earmarks to for-profit entities.) Makes it out of order to consider in the House any conference report (not just, as currently, a conference report accompanying a regular general appropriation bill) if it (or the accompanying joint explanatory statement) contains any congressional earmark or limited tax or tariff benefit that was not committed to the conference committee by either chamber, or in a committee report of either chamber, on such measure or on a companion measure. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) to require a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner (Member) requesting a congressional earmark in any legislation (or an accompanying report) or any conference report (or accompanying joint explanatory statement) to provide, in the required written statement to the chair and ranking minority member of the committee of jurisdiction, the federal nexus or specific power granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact such earmark and the previous authorization by law that supports it (federal nexus). Amends Rule XXI to make it out of order to consider in the House any legislation, amendment, or conference report unless any accompanying report or joint explanatory statement containing any congressional earmark sets forth for each congressional earmark the same federal nexus. Makes it out of order in the House to consider any general appropriation bill or any other measure making or continuing appropriations (or an amendment or conference report) if it includes any congressional earmark requested by any member of the Committee on Appropriations or inserted at the behest of the chair of that committee or of any of its subcommittees. Amends Rule XXIII to require each Member to maintain an official website and include on it a comprehensive, sortable, and searchable database comprising all congressional earmark requests for the current fiscal year and for the budget year, including for each such request: (1) the name and address of any recipient; (2) the purpose of the earmark; and (3) the federal nexus and the amount requested.

THE PROPOSED VIRGIN ISLANDS CONSTITUTION FROM THE FIFTH CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 March 2010

A resolution to provide for issuance of a summons and for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against G. Thomas Porteous, Jr.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010

Requires a summons to be issued which commands G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. to file with the Secretary of the Senate an answer to the articles of impeachment by July 2, 2009, and thereafter to abide by, obey, and perform such orders, directions, and judgments as the Senate shall make in the premises, according to the U.S. Constitution and federal laws. Prescribes procedures for implementing such articles of impeachment.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to control spending.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits annual federal outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding one-fifth of economic output of the United States of America, unless two-thirds of each chamber provides for a specific increase of outlays above this amount. Authorizes waiver of this article when a declaration of war is in effect.

GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM AND THE RULE OF LAW, PART II

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2010

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to report implementing legislation to achieve a balanced budget without reducing the disbursements of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to achieve that goal.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that Congress shall have the power to regulate the raising and spending of money with respect to federal elections, including through limits on the amount of contributions and expenditures. Grants a state the power to regulate the raising and spending of money with respect to state elections. Gives Congress the power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the recovery, rehabilitation, and rebuilding of Haiti following the humanitarian crisis caused by the January 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2010

Urges the U.S. government and the international community to provide resources to support the government of Haiti's leadership of international assistance efforts and to conduct a post-disaster needs assessment that will focus on: (1) social sector services; (2) population resettlement; (3) stable and democratic governance; (4) economic sustainability; and (5) public order and rule of law. Encourages the U.S. government and the international community to support the leadership of the government of Haiti and key nongovernmental and private sector Haitian stakeholders to create a national recovery and development strategy. Applauds the international community's response to the preliminary appeal for assistance. Encourages: (1) international financial institutions and international organizations to continue their engagement in support of critical economic and security priorities; and (2) the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank to relieve Haiti of its external debt obligations and seek new resources without adding to Haiti's existing debt obligations. Urges the U.S. government to assign a single person to coordinate U.S. assistance to Haiti.

A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a two-thirds rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Requires a two-thirds rollcall vote in each chamber before final adoption of any bill to increase the internal revenue. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to balance the Federal budget.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (including those for debt service and other debt functions) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Prohibits outlays for the total budget from exceeding the previous fiscal years' outlays plus population growth and inflation, unless a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, provides for such increase. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect only by a vote of a majority of both chambers. Requires all: (1) outlays above revenues from the previous fiscal year to be accounted for in the outlays and budgets of the following fiscal year; and (2) surplus revenues at the end of a fiscal year to be allocated to a fund to be returned to the taxpayers, determined by legislation before the end of the subsequent fiscal year.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States permitting Congress and the States to regulate the expenditure of funds by corporations engaging in political speech.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Permits Congress and the states to regulate the expenditure of funds for political speech by any corporation, limited liability company, or other corporate entity.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab should be tried by a military tribunal rather than by a civilian court.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2010

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) foreign terrorists should not be afforded the same rights as U.S. citizens under the Constitution; (2) foreign terrorist enemy combatants should be tried in military tribunals; (3) to the extent that foreign terrorists are prosecuted in civilian courts, they should be thoroughly interrogated for information necessary to protect the United States before they are provided with a lawyer and informed of their right to remain silent; and (4) the Attorney General should consult with specified intelligence officials, congressional leaders, or the President before unilaterally deciding to terminate the interrogation of a key intelligence source and provide a terrorist enemy with the rights of U.S. citizens under the Constitution. Expresses the sense of the Senate with respect to the interrogation and prosecution of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to balance the Federal budget.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (including those for debt service and other debt functions) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Prohibits outlays for the total budget from exceeding the previous fiscal years' outlays plus population growth and inflation, unless a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, provides for such increase. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect only by a vote of a majority of both chambers. Requires all: (1) outlays above revenues from the previous fiscal year to be accounted for in the outlays and budgets of the following fiscal year; and (2) surplus revenues at the end of a fiscal year to be allocated to a fund to be returned to the taxpayers, determined by legislation before the end of the subsequent fiscal year.

A resolution to enable each newly constituted Senate to carry out its responsibility to determine the Rules of its Proceedings at the beginning of each Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2010

Resolves that upon the expiration of the Standing Rules of the Senate at the sine die adjournment of the 111th Congress, the Senate shall proceed in accordance with article I, section 5 of the Constitution to determine the Rules of its Proceedings by a simple majority vote.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of consecutive terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a person from serving more than six full consecutive terms as a Representative.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to give citizens of the United States the right to recall elected officials.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Gives U.S. citizens the right to recall elected federal officials through a petition process provided under this Amendment.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to give citizens of the United States the right to enact and repeal laws by voting on legislation in a national election.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010

Constitutional Amendment - States that the people shall have the right to enact and repeal any law which the Congress may pass, except for the right to declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, make rules concerning captures on land and water, or call forth the militia.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting corporations and labor organizations from using operating funds for advertisements in connection with any campaign for election for Federal office.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits corporations or labor organizations from using any of their operating funds or any other funds from their general treasuries to make any payment for any advertisement in connection with a campaign for election for federal office, without regard to whether or not the advertisement expressly advocates the election or defeat of a specified candidate in the election.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to give citizens of the United States the right to propose amendments to the Constitution by an initiative process.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010

Constitutional Amendment - Gives U.S. citizens the right to propose amendments to the Constitution through an initiative process provided by this Amendment.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the continued peace, prosperity, liberty, and national security of the United States and its people depend upon the rule of law and credible and effective immigration enforcement policies which both welcome lawful immigrants and non-immigrants and also prevent the unlawful entry or unlawful continuing presence of foreign persons.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the use of a basic pilot program (E-verify program) by employers of workers within the United States should be mandatory and that enforcement policies should hold both employers and employees responsible for violations; (2) sustaining the necessary border infrastructure and manpower to secure U.S. borders to prevent the unauthorized passage of persons or contraband is a critical responsibility of the federal government; and (3) immigration reform should not legalize, grant amnesty for, or confer any other legal status condoning the unlawful U.S. entry or presence of any individual.

Requesting the Senate to adjust its rules to reflect the intent of the framers of the Constitution by amending the Senate's filibuster rule, Rule 22, to facilitate the consideration of bills and amendments.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010

Requests the Senate to adjust its rules to reflect the intent of the framers of the Constitution by amending the Senate's filibuster rule, Rule 22, to facilitate the consideration of bills and amendments.

Condemning the violent suppression of legitimate political dissent and gross human rights abuses in the Republic of Guinea.

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010

Condemns the violent suppression of legitimate political dissent and gross human rights abuses perpetrated by forces under the command of the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) in Guinea and demands that these perpetrators be brought to justice. Expresses concern about the further deterioration of security and rule of law in Guinea. Calls on China to cease its material support for the CNDD. Urges all member states of the United Nations to join the United States, the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to impose sanctions against the regime until constitutional order and rule of law has been restored in Guinea.

Reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives to safeguard and uphold the 10th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010

Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to safeguard and uphold the Tenth Amendment (which reserves to the states powers not delegated to the United States or prohibited to the states by the Constitution).