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Bill· HRH.R. 2454 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2015
Requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publicly disclose, in a manner consistent with national security, any decision of a court established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) that surveillance activities conducted by the U.S. government have violated a particular U.S. law or constitutional provision. Requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to provide information on surveillance activities to Congress, including information regarding: (1) whether the National Security Agency (NSA) or any other element of the intelligence community has ever collected, or made plans to collect, the cell-site location information of a large number of U.S. persons with no known connection to suspicious activity; (2) the type and amount of evidence the DNI believes is required to permit the collection of cell-site information for intelligence purposes; (3) whether NSA or any other element of the intelligence community has ever conducted a warrantless search of a collection of communications in an effort to find the communications of a particular U.S. person (other than a corporation) and, if so, the number of such searches or an estimate of such number; (4) when the U.S. government first began relying on authorities under FISA to justify the collection of records with no known connection to suspicious activity; (5) whether representations made by DOJ to the Supreme Court in the case of Clapper v. Amnesty International USA accurately described the use of authorities under FISA by the government, which of such representations, if any, were inaccurate, and how such representations have been corrected; and (6) FISA court opinions that identified violations of the law, the Constitution, or FISA court orders relating to the collection of information under FISA. Directs the Government Accountability Office, in consultation with the U.S. International Trade Commission, to conduct an assessment of the economic impact, including the impact on the ability of U.S. communication service providers to compete in foreign markets, of bulk collection and surveillance programs conducted under FISA, and to report to Congress on such assessment.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 54 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2015
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total federal expenditures for a year from exceeding the average annual federal revenue collected in the three prior years, adjusted for changes in population and inflation. Expenditures for payment of debt and revenues derived from borrowing are excluded. Congress may authorize specific expenditures in excess of the limit for up to one year by declaring an emergency with a roll call vote of two-thirds of each chamber. The requirements take effect in the first year beginning at least 90 days following ratification, except that expenditures are permitted to exceed the limit by specified amounts during each of the first nine years that the requirements are in effect.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 53 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2015
Constitutional Amendment Denies as protected speech any financial expenditures, or in kind equivalents, with respect to a candidate for federal office, without regard to whether or not a communication expressly advocates the election or defeat of a specified candidate in the election. Gives Congress the power to enact a mandatory public financing system to provide funds to qualified candidates in federal elections, which shall be the sole source of funds raised or spent with respect to federal elections.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 52 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2015
Constitutional Amendment Declares that women shall have equal rights in the United States and every place subject to its jurisdiction. Prohibits the United States or any state from denying or abridging equal rights under the law on account of sex.
Bill· HRH.R. 2302 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2015
Police Training and Independent Review Act of 2015 Requires states receiving funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Program, the Local Government Law Enforcement Block Grants Program, or the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to: (1) require all individuals enrolled in an academy of a law enforcement agency and all law enforcement officers of the state to fulfill a training session on sensitivity each fiscal year, including training on ethnic and racial bias, cultural diversity, and police interaction with the disabled, mentally ill, and new immigrants; and (2) certify to the Attorney General that such training sessions have been completed. Subjects a state that fails to comply to a reduction of up to 20% of such funds that would otherwise be allocated to the state. Authorizes the Attorney General to waive such requirements if compliance would violate a state's Constitution. Directs the Attorney General to reduce by 20% the amount that would otherwise be awarded to a state or local government under such grant programs for a fiscal year if it fails to enact or have in effect by the end of the previous fiscal year a statute requiring the appointment of an independent prosecutor to conduct any criminal investigation and prosecution in which: (1) one or more of the possible defendants is a law enforcement officer, (2) one or more of the alleged offenses involves the law enforcement officer's use of deadly force in the course of carrying out that officer's duty, and (3) the law enforcement officer's use of deadly force resulted in a death or injury.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 51 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2015
Eliminates the time limit for ratification of the equal rights amendment (prohibits discrimination on account of sex) proposed to the states in House Joint Resolution 208 of the 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972. Declares that such amendment shall be part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states.
Bill· HRH.R. 2251 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2015
Defending Internet Freedom Act of 2015 Prohibits the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information from relinquishing the responsibilities of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) with respect to Internet domain name functions, including Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, unless the Assistant Secretary certifies to Congress that a final proposal has been received that ensures: control over the management of the Internet domain name system will not be exercised by a governmental or intergovernmental body; standards for freedoms of speech, of the press, of assembly, and of association are at least as protective as the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has an external, independent process for reviewing and resolving disputes between ICANN and external parties, including the ability to reverse decisions of the board of directors; ICANN remains subject to U.S. law; ICANN has adopted disclosure procedures that are at least as protective of public access as the Freedom of Information Act; the U.S. government has been granted ownership of the ".gov" and ".mil" top-level domains; and ICANN has adopted additional measures recommended by the multistakeholder community. Requires such certification to ensure amendments to ICANN bylaws to prohibit ICANN from: (1) engaging in activities unrelated to ICANN's core mission of managing the IANA functions and proposing and overseeing policy decisions central to coordinating the global interoperability and uniqueness of Internet domain names; or (2) agreeing to impose on a registrar or registry any condition, such as a regulation of content, that is unrelated to ICANN's core mission. Requires such a certification to also ensure amendments to bylaws concerning: (1) Governmental Advisory Committee advice and policy proposals, and (2) a required supermajority of the board of directors for votes regarding changes to bylaws. Directs the Assistant Secretary, if such a certification is not submitted to Congress by a specified deadline, to extend through September 30, 2017, the existing IANA functions contract under which ICANN is required to perform IANA functions.
Bill· SS. 1267 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2015
Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to extend through FY2025 the duty-free treatment of the products of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under those Acts. The extended period also applies to: the preferential treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or components knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, in one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries from yarns originating in the United States or one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries or former beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, or both; and the third-country fabric program granting duty-free treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such articles. This bill amends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to revise rules of origin for duty-free treatment of articles of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries. The President must not terminate the designation of a country as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country unless, at least 60 days before termination, the President notifies Congress and the country of that intention. The President, instead of terminating the designation, may withdraw, suspend, or limit the duty-free treatment for any article that is the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country if that would be more effective in promoting the country's compliance with certain requirements, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism. The President shall: publish annually in the Federal Register a notice of review and request for public comments on whether beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries are meeting the eligibility requirements for preferential treatment under AGOA and the Trade Act of 1974, and establish a process for interested persons to file a petition with the United States Trade Representative regarding the compliance of sub-Saharan African countries with such requirements. To be eligible for preferential treatment a sub-Saharan African country must make progress toward establishing a market-based economy that protects the private property rights of women as well as those of men. It is the sense of Congress that beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries should develop strategies biennially for more effective utilization of AGOA trade benefits. It is U.S. policy to continue to seek to deepen and expand trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan African and the United States through specified actions. This bill amends the AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004 to direct the President, now through the Secretary of Agriculture, to identify any eligible sub-Saharan African country (currently only 10) having the greatest potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States and the greatest need for agricultural technical assistance, particularly with respect to developing food safety standards. The President must also assign 30 (currently 20) fulltime personnel to provide this assistance to these countries to ensure that their exports of agricultural products, particularly from businesses and sectors that engage women farmers and entrepreneurs, meet U.S. requirements. This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the GSP through December 31, 2017. The President may designate certain cotton articles as eligible for duty-free treatment only for least-developed beneficiary developing countries. The competitive need limitation and waiver requirements under the GSP shall apply to certain import-sensitive articles exported (directly or indirectly) from beneficiary developing countries to the United States during calendar 2014. The President may now designate handbags, luggage, and flat goods as eligible articles from all beneficiary developing countries. This bill amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to extend through December 19, 2025, the duty-free entry of apparel articles, including woven articles and certain knit articles, assembled in Haiti and imported from Haiti or the Dominican Republic to the United States. The special duty-free rules for Haiti shall now extend through September 30, 2025. This bill amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for the duty-free treatment of certain recreational performance outerwear as well as of certain specialized athletic footwear. The President shall report to Congress on the contribution of U.S. trade preference programs to reducing poverty and eliminating hunger. This bill amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1958 to extend customs user fees for certain customs services performed through July 7, 2025. The required installment of corporate estimated tax payments for a corporation with assets of at least $1 billion which is otherwise due in the third quarter of 2020 shall be increased by 5.25%. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that every person who makes or receives interest payments aggregating $10 or more report it on their income tax returns, and so requires the report of any interest paid or received, no matter how small. Every person holding a reportable deposit (non-interest bearing deposit) during any calendar year must make a tax return about it.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 16 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2015
Constitutional Amendment Prohibits the United States or any state from denying or abridging equal rights under the law on account of sex.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 15 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2015
Eliminates the time limit for ratification of the equal rights amendment (prohibits discrimination on account of sex) proposed to the states in House Joint Resolution 208 of the 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972. Declares that such amendment shall be part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 49 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2015
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting Members of the House of Representatives to three terms and Members of the Senate to two terms.
Bill· HRH.R. 2173 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2015
Redistricting Reform Act of 2015 Prohibits a state that has been redistricted after an apportionment from being redistricted again until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless the state is ordered by a court to conduct a subsequent redistricting in order to comply with the U.S. Constitution or enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Requires such redistricting to be conducted in accordance with the plan developed and enacted into law by the independent redistricting commission established in the state or, if such a plan is not enacted into law, with the redistricting plan developed and enacted into law by a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the establishment by a nonpartisan agency of a state independent redistricting commission (including requirements for holding each of its meetings in public and maintaining a public Internet site); (2) the development and publication of a preliminary redistricting plan and the holding of at least three public hearings on such plan; (3) the enactment of a redistricting plan, under specified conditions, by a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; (4) redistricting conducted under a federal court order; and (5) Election Assistance Commission payments to states for carrying out redistricting. Authorizes the Department of Justice to bring a civil action to enforce this Act, which shall be given expedited consideration.
Bill· HRH.R. 2176 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2015
Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act Extends federal recognition to the Duwamish Tribe. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes without regard to the existence of a reservation for the Tribe or the location of the residence of any member on or near any Indian reservation. Defines the Tribe's service area for purposes of the delivery of federal services. Requires the Tribe to submit to the Department of the Interior a membership roll of all individuals enrolled in the Tribe. Requires the Tribe to conduct an election by secret ballot to adopt a constitution and bylaws for the Tribe. Requires the Tribe to elect a governing body in accordance with the procedures set forth in its constitution and bylaws. Requires Interior to take Tribe service area or aboriginal lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe if the Tribe transfers all interest in and to the land to Interior within ten years. Requires Interior and the Department of Agriculture to identify those lands which shall be considered the aboriginal homelands of the Tribe.
Bill· SS. 1133 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2015
Arbitration Fairness Act of 2015 Declares that no predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute. Declares, further, that the validity and enforceability of an agreement to arbitrate shall be determined by a court, under federal law, rather than an arbitrator, irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement. Exempts from this Act arbitration provisions in a contract between an employer and a labor organization or between labor organizations. Denies to any such arbitration provision, however, the effect of waiving the right of an employee to seek judicial enforcement of a right arising under the U.S. Constitution, a state constitution, a federal or state statute, or related public policy.
Bill· HRH.R. 2087 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2015
Arbitration Fairness Act of 2015 Declares that no predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute. Declares, further, that the validity and enforceability of an agreement to arbitrate shall be determined by a court, under federal law, rather than an arbitrator, irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement. Exempts from this Act arbitration provisions in a contract between an employer and a labor organization or between labor organizations. Denies to any such arbitration provision, however, the effect of waiving the right of an employee to seek judicial enforcement of a right arising under the U.S. Constitution, a state constitution, a federal or state statute, or related public policy.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 227 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2015
Condemns the murder of Boris Nemtsov and the climate of fear, hatred, and impunity that surrounds this and other political murders in Russia. Offers condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Boris Nemtsov. Expresses solidarity with the people of Russia who are struggling against great odds to build a freer, more just, and prosperous future. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to support Russia's democratic opposition. Calls on: the President to make greater use of the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to invoke the Moscow Mechanism and conduct an international investigation into Boris Nemtsov's murder, and the government of Russia to establish a Commission of Inquiry consistent with U.N. guidelines and to cooperate with any international investigation or assessment of Boris Nemtsov's murder.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 48 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2015
Constitutional Amendment Declares that: (1) the rights protected by the Constitution are the rights of natural persons only; (2) artificial entities (such as corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities established by the laws of any state, the United States, or any foreign state) shall have no rights under the Constitution and are subject to regulation by the people, through federal, state, or local law; and (3) the privileges of such artificial entities shall not be construed to be inherent or inalienable. Directs federal, state, and local government to: (1) regulate, limit, or prohibit contributions and expenditures, including a candidate's own contributions and expenditures, to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, have access to the political process and that no person gains, as a result of that person's money, substantially more access or ability to influence the election of any candidate for public office or any ballot measure; and (2) require that any permissible contributions and expenditures be publicly disclosed. Prohibits the judiciary from construing the spending of money to influence elections to be speech under the First Amendment.
Bill· SS. 1080 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2015
Protect Marriage from the Courts Act of 2015 Prohibits federal courts from having jurisdiction to adjudicate or enforce any claim pertaining to the validity, under the U.S. Constitution, of a state law or a state administrative or judicial decision that: (1) defines marriage as limited to the union of one man and one woman, or (2) refuses state recognition of, or allows the state to refuse recognition of, same-sex marriages performed and licensed in other states. Allows final judgments entered by federal courts before the enactment of this Act to remain binding on the parties to the case, but persons who are not a party to such a case are not obligated to comply with such decisions.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 13 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2015
Constitutional Amendment Prohibits Congress from making any law that is applicable to a U.S. citizen but not equally applicable to: (1) Congress; (2) the executive branch, including the President, Vice President, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and all other officers of the United States, including those provided for under the Constitution and by law; and (3) Justices of the Supreme Court and judges of inferior courts.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 12 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2015
Constitutional Amendment Grants the United States and each state, territory, and possession the power to define marriage as limited to the union of one man and one woman. Declares that: (1) nothing in this constitution shall be construed to require that marriage or its legal incidents be conferred upon any union other than the union of one man and one woman or to require that a state recognize a marriage that was licensed in another state; and (2) no decision or order of any court to the contrary, including any decision or order issued before the date of ratification, shall have any force or effect.
Bill· HRH.R. 2027 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2015
Boko Haram Disarmament and Northeast Nigeria Recovery Act of 2015 Directs the President to develop and submit to Congress a regional strategy to guide U.S. support for multilateral efforts to: (1) eliminate the threat to civilians and regional stability from Boko Haram, and (2) enforce the rule of law and ensure full humanitarian access in Boko Haram-affected areas. States that such strategy should include a plan to work with Nigeria and other international partners to liberate Boko Haram's kidnapping victims. Authorizes the President to provide humanitarian and development assistance to the populations in Boko Haram-affected areas. Makes funds available for such assistance pursuant to final judgment of a specified legal case. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should support efforts by the people of Boko Haram-affected areas and the governments of Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger to: assist internally displaced people and returnees; enhance the administrative competency of state and local governance institutions and public agencies in northeast Nigeria; provide all children with a quality basic education while ensuring student and faculty safety; strengthen the operational capacity of the civilian police in Nigeria, and strengthen measures to prevent corruption; and promote programs to address physical harm and psychosocial trauma. Expresses the sense of Congress that: the Secretary of State and Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development should work with Congress to increase future assistance to support reconstruction activities if Nigeria demonstrates a commitment to transparent reconstruction in Boko Haram-affected areas of Nigeria, and the Secretary should withhold assistance if Nigeria is not committed to transparent reconstruction and reconciliation in the Boko Haram-affected areas of Nigeria.
Bill· HRH.R. 1968 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2015
Restrain the Judges on Marriage Act of 2015 Amends the federal judicial code to deny federal courts jurisdiction to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation, or the validity under the Constitution, of: (1) any type of marriage, (2) the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act declaring that no state shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other state, or (3) this Act. Prohibits federal funds from being used for: (1) litigation in federal courts on such questions, or (2) enforcement of federal court orders or judgments on such questions.
Bill· HRH.R. 1935 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2015
Restoring the 10th Amendment Act Authorizes a designated state official to submit to the head of a federal agency proposing a rule, during the period when the proposed rule is open for public comment, a legal brief challenging the constitutionality of the rule under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution. Directs the agency head: (1) to notify the designated official of each state within 15 days after such a brief was submitted; (2) to post prominently on the front page of the agency's website a link to the brief; and (3) within 15 days after posting such link, to certify in writing that such rulemaking does not violate the Tenth Amendment and post the certification prominently on the agency's website next to the briefs pertaining to the rule, unless the agency determines not to finalize such proposed rule. Authorizes a designated state official, at any time after an agency head posts such a certification, to commence a civil action against the agency on the grounds that the rule violates the Tenth Amendment. Permits such state official, in addition to any other venue or jurisdiction provided by law, to bring such action in the U.S. district court for the district in which the official's place of business is located. Directs the appropriate U.S. court of appeals, upon the filing of a notice by a designated state official, to grant expedited review of a decision by the district court in such an action.
Bill· SS. 1045 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2015
Restoring the 10th Amendment Act Authorizes a designated state official to submit to the head of a federal agency proposing a rule, during the period when the proposed rule is open for public comment, a legal brief challenging the constitutionality of the rule under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution. Directs the agency head: (1) to notify the designated official of each state within 15 days after such a brief was submitted; (2) to post prominently on the front page of the agency's website a link to the brief; and (3) within 15 days after posting such link, to certify in writing that such rulemaking does not violate the Tenth Amendment and post the certification prominently on the agency's website next to the briefs pertaining to the rule, unless the agency determines not to finalize such proposed rule. Authorizes a designated state official, at any time after an agency head posts such a certification, to commence a civil action against the agency on the grounds that the rule violates the Tenth Amendment. Permits such state official, in addition to any other venue or jurisdiction provided by law, to bring such action in the U.S. district court for the district in which the official's place of business is located. Directs the appropriate U.S. court of appeals, upon the filing of a notice by a designated state official, to grant expedited review of a decision by the district court in such an action.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 46 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2015
Constitutional Amendment Gives Congress the power to prohibit, limit, and otherwise regulate the contribution of funds or donation of in-kind equivalents: (1) to candidates standing for election to a federal office in the United States, and (2) prohibit, limit, and otherwise regulate the expenditure of funds or donation of in-kind equivalents used to support or purchase media advertisements intended to influence the outcome of any such election. Gives each of the several states the power to prohibit, limit, and otherwise regulate the contribution of funds or donation of in-kind equivalents: (1) to candidates standing for election to public office in the state, and (2) prohibit, limit, and otherwise regulate expenditure of funds or donation of in-kind equivalents used to support or purchase media advertisements intended to influence the outcome of any such election or plebiscite in the state. Prohibits any person who is not a U.S. citizen or is a foreign government, or acts as an agent of one, from: (1) contributing funds or donating in-kind equivalents to candidates standing for election to public office in the United States, or (2) otherwise expending funds or donating in-kind equivalents in a manner intended to influence the outcome of an election for public office or plebiscite in the United States. States that the powers provided by this amendment are limited to the content neutral regulation of political contributions and political expenditures.
Bill· SS. 1009 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2015
AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to extend through FY2025 the duty-free treatment of the products of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under those Acts. The extended period also applies to: the preferential treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or components knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, in one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries from yarns originating in the United States or one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries or former beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, or both; and the third-country fabric program granting duty-free treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such articles. This bill amends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to revise rules of origin for duty-free treatment of articles of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries. The President must not terminate the designation of a country as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country unless, at least 60 days before termination, the President notifies Congress and the country of that intention. The President, instead of terminating the designation, may withdraw, suspend, or limit the duty-free treatment for any article that is the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country if that would be more effective in promoting the country's compliance with certain requirements, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism. The President shall: publish annually in the Federal Register a notice of review and request for public comments on whether beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries are meeting the eligibility requirements for preferential treatment under AGOA and the Trade Act of 1974, and establish a process for interested persons to file a petition with the United States Trade Representative regarding the compliance of sub-Saharan African countries with such requirements. It is the sense of Congress that beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries should develop strategies biennially for more effective utilization of AGOA trade benefits. It is U.S. policy to continue to seek to deepen and expand trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan African and the United States through specified actions. This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the GSP through December 31, 2017. The President may designate certain cotton articles as eligible for duty-free treatment only for least-developed beneficiary developing countries. The competitive need limitation and waiver requirements under the GSP shall apply to certain import-sensitive articles exported (directly or indirectly) from beneficiary developing countries to the United States during calendar 2014. This bill amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to extend through December 19, 2025, the duty-free entry of apparel articles, including woven articles and certain knit articles, assembled in Haiti and imported from Haiti or the Dominican Republic to the United States. The special duty-free rules for Haiti shall now extend through September 30, 2025. This bill amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1958 to extend customs user fees for certain customs services performed through July 7, 2025. The required installment of corporate estimated tax payments for a corporation with assets of at least $1 billion which is otherwise due in the third quarter of 2020 shall be increased by 5.25%.
Bill· HRH.R. 1891 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2015
AGOA Extension and Enhancement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to extend through FY2025 the duty-free treatment of the products of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under those Acts. The extended period also applies to: the preferential treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or components knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, in one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries from yarns originating in the United States or one or more beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries or former beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, or both; and the third-country fabric program granting duty-free treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such articles. This bill amends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to revise rules of origin for duty-free treatment of articles of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries. The President must not terminate the designation of a country as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country unless, at least 60 days before termination, the President notifies Congress and the country of that intention. The President, instead of terminating the designation, may withdraw, suspend, or limit the duty-free treatment for any article that is the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country if that would be more effective in promoting the country's compliance with certain requirements, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism. The President shall: publish annually in the Federal Register a notice of review and request for public comments on whether beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries are meeting the eligibility requirements for preferential treatment under AGOA and the Trade Act of 1974, and establish a process for interested persons to file a petition with the United States Trade Representative regarding the compliance of sub-Saharan African countries with such requirements. It is the sense of Congress that beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries should develop strategies biennially for more effective utilization of AGOA trade benefits. It is U.S. policy to continue to seek to deepen and expand trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan African and the United States through specified actions. This bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment under the GSP through December 31, 2017. The President may designate certain cotton articles as eligible for duty-free treatment only for least-developed beneficiary developing countries. The competitive need limitation and waiver requirements under the GSP shall apply to certain import-sensitive articles exported (directly or indirectly) from beneficiary developing countries to the United States during calendar 2014. This bill amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to extend through December 19, 2025, the duty-free entry of apparel articles, including woven articles and certain knit articles, assembled in Haiti and imported from Haiti or the Dominican Republic to the United States. The special duty-free rules for Haiti shall now extend through September 30, 2025. This bill amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1958 to extend customs user fees for certain customs services performed through July 7, 2025. The required installment of corporate estimated tax payments for a corporation with assets of at least $1 billion which is otherwise due in the third quarter of 2020 shall be increased by 5.25%.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 45 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2015
Constitutional Amendment Prohibits denial or abridgement of a crime victim's rights to: (1) reasonable notice of, and inclusion in, public proceedings relating to the offense; (2) be heard at any release, plea, sentencing, or other proceeding involving any right established under this amendment; (3) proceedings free from unreasonable delay; (4) reasonable notice of the release or escape of the accused; (5) due consideration of the crime victim's safety, dignity, and privacy; and (6) restitution. Grants the crime victim, or the victim's lawful representative, standing to assert and enforce such rights. Subjects review of the denial of any right established by this amendment, which may include interlocutory relief, to the standards of ordinary appellate review.
Bill· SS. 965 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2015
Prohibits the use of any funds by the Internal Revenue Service to target citizens for exercising any right guaranteed under the First Amendment to the Constitution.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 40 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2015
Constitutional Amendment Requires each bill, order, resolution, or vote that must be submitted to the President under the U.S. Constitution to embrace no more than one subject. Requires the subject to be clearly and descriptively expressed in the title of the bill, order, resolution, or vote.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 39 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2015
Constitutional Amendment Prohibits a person from serving more than two full consecutive terms as a Senator or six full consecutive terms as a Representative.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 41 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2015
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States during the previous calendar year, unless two-thirds of each house of Congress approves a higher level of outlays. The amendment requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber of Congress to increase the public debt limit, suspend the public debt limit, or to increase revenue. It also requires the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Each chamber of Congress must approve a balanced budget or Members serving in the chamber may not receive compensation. Congress is authorized to waive these requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 116 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2015
Endorses specified prerequisites for free and fair general elections in Burma. Calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to: support efforts to reform the 2008 Constitution of Burma in a manner that promotes democratic development and safeguards against military interference; support free and fair elections in Burma; express solidarity with the United Nations special mechanisms that are investigating violations of human rights violations in Burma, and concern regarding the government of Burma's refusal to work with such mechanisms; and ensure that ethnic groups in Burma are not coerced into cease fire agreements with the government of Burma. Calls upon the United States, in partnership with other international donors, to ensure that Burma and the Union Election Commission function independently and impartially throughout the election period. Expects the President to: (1) delay further steps toward normalization of relations with the government of Burma should it undermine the prospects for free and fair elections, and (2) sanction individuals in the government of Burma who the President determines undermine free and fair elections. Calls upon the Secretary to publicly condemn human rights abuses committed by the military and to demand credible and independent investigations and prosecutions of all allegations of such abuse.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 26 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2015
Resolves that Congress calls a convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the U.S. Constitution in accordance with the Compact for a Balanced Budget, effective after Congress receives certification that at least three-fourths of the states are members of the Compact and have applied for a convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Resolves that Congress refers the Balanced Budget Amendment to the state legislatures for ratification after Congress receives a certified copy of the Amendment showing that a convention for proposing amendments under Article V has approved and proposed for ratification the Amendment that is defined by the Compact and meets specified criteria, including prohibiting outlays from exceeding receipts unless the excess is financed by debt issued using specified procedures requiring approval by a majority of state legislatures.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 38 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2015
Constitutional Amendment States that the First Amendment to the Constitution does not apply to the political speech of any corporation, partnership, business trust, association, or other business organization with respect to the making of contributions, expenditures, or other disbursements of funds in connection with public elections. Grants Congress the power to set limits on the amounts of contributions and expenditures with respect to candidates in a federal election. Grants states the power to set limits on the amounts of contributions and expenditures with respect to candidates in a state or local election.
Bill· HRH.R. 1347 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2015
John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act Prohibits a state that has been redistricted after an apportionment from being redistricted again until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless the state is ordered by a court to conduct such a subsequent redistricting in order to: (1) comply with the U.S. Constitution, or (2) enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Requires such redistricting to be conducted through a plan developed by the independent redistricting commission established in the state, or if such plan is not enacted into law, the redistricting plan selected by the state's highest court or developed by a U.S. district court. Prescribes requirements for: (1) establishment of a state independent redistricting commission (including provisions for holding each of its meetings in public and maintaining a public Internet site); (2) development of a redistricting plan (including soliciting and considering public comments) and its submission to the state legislature (with public notice of plans at least seven days prior to such submission); (3) selection of a plan, under specified conditions, by the state's highest court or the U.S. district court for the district in which the capital of the state is located; (4) special rules for redistricting conducted under a federal court order; and (5) Election Assistance Commission payments to states for carrying out redistricting.
Bill· SS. 678 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2015
English Language Unity Act of 2015 Establishes English as the official language of the United States. Requires naturalization ceremonies and official functions of the U.S. government, subject to exceptions, to be conducted in English. Declares that all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of U.S. laws. Allows a person injured by a violation of this Act to obtain relief, including a declaratory judgment, in a civil action. Declares that English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with U.S. laws. Requires any ambiguity in U.S. laws to be resolved in accordance with the rights retained by the people and the powers reserved to states under the Bill of Rights. Directs the Department of Homeland Security to issue a proposed rule for uniform testing of the English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 96 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2015
Condemns the murder of Boris Nemtsov, an advocate for reform and human rights in the Russian Federation, and the assassinations of other human rights and democracy activists in the Russian Federation since President Vladimir Putin came to office. Calls on the Government of Russia to: (1) support and facilitate an independent inquiry into the murder; (2) release all political prisoners and end the ongoing harassment of political opponents, human rights activists, and journalists; (3) restore an independent judiciary and the rule of law; and (4) end all restrictions on the media and freedom of speech. Urges the President to: (1) seek a United Nations Security Council resolution that establishes an independent investigation into Mr. Nemtsov's assassination, (2) add the names of persons that Mr. Nemtsov requested be added to the visa ban list as provided for under the Sergei Manitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012, (3) continue to sanction human rights violators in the Russian Federation, and (4) significantly increase U.S. support to like-minded partners and human rights activists in the Russian Federation. Urges the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to obtain, examine, and publish the investigative report Mr. Nemtsov planned to release as part of the OSCE observer role in eastern Ukraine.
Bill· HRH.R. 1303 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2015
Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force States that the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) has been used to justify an open-ended authorization for the use of military force and such an interpretation is inconsistent with the authority of Congress to declare war and make all laws for executing powers vested by the Constitution in the U.S. government. Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force, effective 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 93 (114th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2015
Recognizes the courageous work of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemstov who dedicated his life to the fight against corruption and in support of the rights of the Russian people to freely choose their leaders and live according to democratic standards. Calls for an investigation into his murder using mechanisms from either the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe or the Council of Europe. Urges the President to: (1) add the names of persons that Mr. Nemtsov requested be added to the visa ban list as provided for by the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012, and (2) continue to sanction human rights violators. Encourages the President to send a high level U.S. delegation to Mr. Nemtsov's funeral service. Calls on the President to increase U.S. support for like-minded partners in the Russian Federation and the region to combat the flow of propaganda and the climate of hatred created by President Putin.
Bill· HRH.R. 1144 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2015
Taxpayer Nondiscrimination and Protection Act of 2015 Amends the federal criminal code to establish penalties for misconduct against a taxpayer by an Internal Revenue Service employee during the performance of official duties, specifically including a violation of the protections and guarantees afforded under the First Amendment of the Constitution to political speech and political expression.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 36 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2015
Constitutional Amendment States that nothing in the U.S. Constitution shall prohibit Congress and the states from imposing content-neutral regulations and restrictions on the expenditure of funds for political activity by any corporation, limited liability company, or other corporate entity, including but not limited to contributions in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for public office.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 5 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2015
Supports the goals of the International Decade for People of African Descent. Encourages recognition of the history and achievements made by people of African descent. Reaffirms the importance of the full participation of people of African descent around the world in all aspects of political, economic, social, and cultural life. Recognizes bilateral and multilateral efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Reaffirms the commitment of Congress to address racism, discrimination, and intolerance in the United States and around the globe.
Bill· SS. 534 (114th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2015
Immigration Rule of Law Act of 2015 This bill prohibits the use of any funds made available to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) or to any other federal official, including deposits into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account, to carry out any of the policy changes set forth in the following memoranda dated either November 20 or November 21, 2014 (or any substantially similar policy changes issued or taken on or after January 9, 2015): Southern Border and Approaches Campaign; Policies for the Apprehension, Detention and Removal of Undocumented Immigrants; Secure Communities; Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children and with Respect to Certain Individuals Who Are the Parents of U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents; Expansion of the Provisional Waiver Program; Policies Supporting U.S. High-Skilled Businesses and Workers; Families of U.S. Armed Forces Members and Enlistees; Directive to Provide Consistency Regarding Advance Parole; Policies to Promote and Increase Access to U.S. Citizenship; Modernizing and Streamlining the U.S. Immigrant Visa System for the 21st Century; and Creating Welcoming Communities and Fully Integrating Immigrants and Refugees. Such memoranda or substantially similar policy changes are declared to have no statutory or constitutional basis and therefore no legal effect. No funds or fees made available to the Secretary or to any federal official may be used to grant any federal benefit to any alien pursuant to any of such policy changes. No funds or fees made available to the Secretary may be used to carry out any policy relating to the apprehension, detention, or removal of aliens that does not treat any alien convicted of any offense involving domestic violence, sexual abuse, child molestation, or child exploitation as within the categories of aliens subject to the highest DHS civil immigration enforcement priorities. It is the sense of Congress that: disparate employer/employee health insurance requirements discourage the hiring of U.S. citizens and those in lawful immigration status; and the Executive Branch should refrain from pursuing policies such as granting to unlawfully present individuals any deferred action under the deferred action for childhood arrivals program and work authorization. It is the sense of Congress that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service should: stop putting the interests of aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States ahead of the interests of aliens who are following proper immigration laws and procedures by taking specified actions, and use the funds available under existing law to improve services and increase the efficiency of the immigration benefits application process for aliens abroad or who are lawfully present in the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 997 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2015
English Language Unity Act of 2015 Establishes English as the official language of the United States. Requires naturalization ceremonies and official functions of the U.S. government, subject to exceptions, to be conducted in English. Declares that all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of U.S. laws. Allows a person injured by a violation of this Act to obtain relief, including a declaratory judgment, in a civil action. Declares that English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with U.S. laws. Requires any ambiguity in U.S. laws to be resolved in accordance with the rights retained by the people and the powers reserved to states under the Bill of Rights. Directs the Department of Homeland Security to issue a proposed rule for uniform testing of the English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 34 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2015
Constitutional Amendment Requires Congress, on application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, each of which contains an identical amendment to the Constitution, to call a convention solely to decide whether to propose that specific amendment to the states.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 32 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2015
Constitutional Amendment Marriage Protection Amendment Defines marriage in the United States as consisting only of the union of a man and a woman. Prohibits either the U.S. Constitution or the constitution of any state from being construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon any other union.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 31 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2015
Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment specifying individual citizens or public election financing or voter education systems as the only sources of funding to directly or indirectly support or oppose campaigns for election to public office or state ballot measures. The amendment requires Congress, the states, and local jurisdictions to establish limits on the amount of contributions individuals may make with respect to a single campaign for election to public office. States and local jurisdictions shall establish limits on the amount of contributions individuals may make with respect to a ballot measure. The total of combined contributions to the principal campaign committee of a candidate from citizens who are not eligible to vote for the candidate is limited to the total of combined contributions from citizens who are eligible to vote for the candidate.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 104 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2015
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: only Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war according to article 1, section 8, clause 11 of the Constitution; the President should set clear objectives for the U.S. Armed Forces before committing them to battle; and the President should provide Congress with a clear and definitive deployment and troop commitment plan before engaging in hostilities against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). States that the House should not approve a request for the Use of Military Force against ISIS: unless the President provides Congress with requested information, and if the President commits to defeating ISIS using temporary duty assignment as a main means of troop deployment.
Bill· HRH.R. 816 (114th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2015
Life at Conception Act Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits this Act from being construed to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.