Rule of law

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2016

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 three-fifths of each chamber of Congress authorizes the excess with a rollcall vote. The authorization must include an adequate increase in the debt limit for the specific excess of outlays. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The President must submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Total outlays for the Social Security trust funds over 75 years must not exceed total receipts for 75 years, unless three-fifths of each chamber of Congress authorizes the specific excess by a rollcall vote. Congress may waive the requirements by a rollcall vote for any year in which a declaration of war is in effect. The waiver must: (1) identify and be limited to the outlays necessary for the war, and (2) include an adequate increase in the debt limit for the specific excess of outlays.

Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2016

Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016 This bill amends the Federal Arbitration Act to invalidate arbitration agreements between parties in certain commercial contracts or transactions if they require arbitration of a claim for damages or injunctive relief brought by an individual or small business arising from the alleged violation of a federal or state statute, the U.S. Constitution, or a state constitution, unless the written agreement to arbitrate is entered into by both parties after the claim has arisen and pertains solely to an existing claim. The grounds upon which a contract with an arbitration agreement is revocable shall include federal or state statutes or court findings that prohibit an agreement to arbitrate if the agreement is unconscionable, invalid because there was no meeting of the minds, or otherwise unenforceable as a matter of contract law or public policy. A court, rather than an arbitrator, shall determine whether an arbitration agreement is enforceable.

To prohibit the use of funds by the Internal Revenue Service to target citizens of the United States for exercising any right guaranteed under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2016

This bill prohibits the Internal Revenue Service from using funds to target U.S. citizens for exercising any right guaranteed under the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Iran Terrorism and Human Rights Sanctions Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2016

Iran Terrorism and Human Rights Sanctions Act of 2016 This bill prescribes requirements for mandatory sanctions with respect to: Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and entities it owns in whole or in part, Mahan Air, Iran's support of terrorism, Iran's human rights abuses, certain Iranian individuals, persons who conduct transactions with or on behalf of certain Iranian individuals, and financial institutions that engage in certain transactions on behalf of persons involved in human rights abuses or that export sensitive technology to Iran. The Department of the Treasury shall establish and publish in the Federal Register an IRGC watch list. The bill prescribes prohibitions against Iran's direct and indirect access to the U.S. financial system. The Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 is amended to authorize a state or local government to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment in, any person that engages in investment or business activities with the IRGC or a person on the Treasury's list of designated nationals and blocked persons. The bill specifies additional requirements for removal of a person's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The Department of State may assist individuals and entities working in Iran for the purpose of supporting and promoting the rule of law, civil society, and economic opportunity. The President shall: (1) designate within the State Department a Special Coordinator on Human Rights and Democracy in Iran; and (2) report to Congress on U.S. citizens, including dual citizens, detained by Iran or Iranian-supported groups. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America shall increase programming to Iran.

A resolution designating Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the site of the centennial commemoration of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, in coordination with Vision 2020.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2016

Recognizes the crucial role that the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution played in advancing women's rights and in promoting the democratic values at the core of the United States. Designates Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the site of the national centennial commemoration of ratification of the 19th Amendment. Commends the efforts of Vision 2020 to orchestrate, lead, and coordinate that occasion in Philadelphia and to continue the fight for equality for women.

Authorizing the Speaker to appear as amicus curiae on behalf of the House of Representatives in the matter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al., No. 15-674.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2016

Authorizes the Speaker to appear as amicus curiae on behalf of the House of Representatives in the Supreme Court in the matter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al. , No. 15-674, and to file a brief in support of the position that the petitioners have acted in a manner that is not consistent with their duties under the Constitution and laws of the United States. Requires the House Office of General Counsel, at the Speaker's direction, to represent the House in connection with the filing of any amicus curiae brief pursuant to this resolution, including supervision of any outside counsel providing services to the Speaker on a pro bono basis for such purpose.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring that the Federal budget be balanced.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year or 18% of the U.S. gross domestic product unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to levy a new tax, increase the rate of any tax, or increase the debt limit. The amendment provides any Member of Congress with standing and a cause of action to seek judicial enforcement of this amendment if authorized by a petition signed by one-third of the Members of either house of Congress. Courts are prohibited from ordering any increase in revenue to enforce this amendment.

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

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

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, receipts derived from borrowing, and receipts or outlays of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. The resolution requires the President to annually submit to Congress a budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. The balanced budget requirement does not apply if: a declaration of war is in effect or if the United States is engaged in military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security, or during the fiscal year or preceding fiscal year, the U.S. economy grew by less than 0% in real gross domestic product during two or more consecutive quarters or the unemployment rate was more than 7% during two or more consecutive months. The resolution prohibits a court from enforcing the requirements by ordering cuts to Social Security or Medicare payments unless the funds available to the trust fund for a program are not sufficient to cover the outlays that would occur during the year if the fund were fully solvent.

Nepal Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

Nepal Recovery Act This bill authorizes the President to provide technical and financial assistance for programs that: (1) improve Nepal's basic infrastructure following the earthquakes in affected communities; (2) support economic growth, including through agriculture and small-scale enterprise opportunities; (3) promote health and basic education programs; and (4) support democracy programs that promote political reforms, including strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency may provide accelerated response in Nepal for: project identification and investment analyses; trade capacity building and sector development activities, including technical assistance and feasibility studies that support investments in infrastructure that contribute to overseas development; and trade capacity building and sector development assistance supporting the establishment of industry standards, market liberalization, and other policy reform, with a particular focus on engineering and construction. The U.S Agency for International Development shall report to Congress regarding: the effectiveness of U.S. investment in Nepal in disaster risk reduction and recovery program improvement; and the effectiveness of international humanitarian and reconstruction assistance provided to Nepal, and a related assessment of U.S. anti-corruption efforts. The Department of State shall report to Congress regarding impediments to Nepal's recovery efforts.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the courageous work and life of Russian opposition leader Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov and renewing the call for a full and transparent investigation into the tragic murder of Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov in Moscow on February 27, 2015.

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2016

Recognizes the legacy of Russian opposition leader Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov, who dedicated his life to fighting corruption and promoting the principles of democracy, rule of law, and the inherent dignity of human beings. Urges the U.S. government, in official contacts with representatives of the Russian government, to emphasize the importance of bringing to justice all of the conspirators in the murder of Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov. Calls on the President to increase significantly U.S. support for the causes for which Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov gave his life.

Muscogee Nation of Florida Federal Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

Muscogee Nation of Florida Federal Recognition Act This bill extends federal recognition to the Muscogee Nation of Florida, which makes its members eligible for the services and benefits provided to members of federally recognized Indian tribes. The service area of the tribe, for the purpose of delivering federal services to members, is the community of Bruce in Walton County, Florida, and an area in Florida in which members reside that is bordered on the west by the Escambia River and on the east by the St. Marks River. The constitution and bylaws of the tribe must be the constitution and bylaws of the tribe's Tribal Council dated January 21, 2001, including amendments. The Department of the Interior, upon receipt of a written request of the Tribal Council, must hold a referendum for members to adopt a new constitution and bylaws. The role and duties of the Tribal Council are specified. The membership roll of the tribe must be determined in accordance with the membership criteria established by the ordinance of the tribe numbered 04-01-100 and dated February 7, 2004. Interior may take land into trust on behalf of the tribe.

A bill to amend the Military Selective Service Act to provide that any modification to the duty to register for purposes of the Military Selective Service Act may be made only through an Act of Congress, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

This bill amends the Military Selective Service Act to declare that any modification or change to the persons subject to the duty to register may be made only through an Act of Congress. No court created by Act of Congress shall have any jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide any question or claim, whether filed before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, pertaining to the interpretation of, or the validity under the Constitution of, the class of persons subject to the duty to register.

Expressing support for the Senate regarding the importance of selecting a Supreme Court Justice, and urging the Senate to only consider a nominee who will uphold the integrity of the Constitution in judicial decisions.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the Senate in its constitutional duty to vet and approve any nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court put forward by the President. Urges that the Senate consider only a nominee who has demonstrated a faithful adherence to the limits placed on judicial power by the Constitution.

Providing for authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States with respect to the unlawful transfer of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives to initiate or intervene in civil actions on behalf of the House of Representatives in a federal court of competent jurisdiction to seek any appropriate relief regarding the failure of the President, the head of any department or agency, or any other executive branch officer or employee to act in a manner consistent with that official's duties under the Constitution and laws of the United States regarding the transfer of any individual detained at Guantanamo. Directs the Speaker to notify the House of a decision to initiate or intervene in any such civil action. States that the Office of the General Counsel of the House shall represent the House in any such civil action, and may employ outside counsel and other experts. Defines "individual detained at Guantanamo" as any individual located at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as of October 1, 2009, who: is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the Armed Forces; and is in the custody or under the control of the Department of Defense, or otherwise under detention at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

UPDATE ON THE OSCE: RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, ANTI-SEMITISM, AND THE RULE OF LAW

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the restoration of authority of the American people and the separation of powers.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to recovering all powers of the American people expressly delegated to the legislative branch in Article I of the Constitution. Reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the separation of powers through proper and thorough oversight of the executive branch and its departments and agencies. Declares its intent to reclaim legislative powers from executive departments and agencies, whether improperly claimed or previously granted. Reaffirms Congress's authority as delegated by the people to lay and collect taxes, pay debts, and provide for the common defense and general welfare. Reaffirms its authority on behalf of the people to make rules for the government and regulation of the armed forces.

DPRK Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Distribution and Promotion of Rights and Knowledge Act of 2016 or the DPRK Act of 2016 This bill amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to authorize the President, through the Department of State, to: (1) distribute or provide grants to distribute information receiving devices, electronically readable devices, and other informational sources into North Korea; and (2) establish a grant program, which may involve public-private partnerships, to develop and/or distribute new products or methods to allow North Koreans easier access to outside information. The Broadcasting Board of Governors may broadcast American, Korean, Chinese, and other popular music, television, movies, and popular cultural references as part of its programming. The Board shall broadcast to North Korea in the Korean language information on rights, laws, and freedoms afforded through the North Korean Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and any other applicable treaties or international agreements to which North Korea is bound.

Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016 This bill amends the Federal Arbitration Act to invalidate arbitration agreements between parties in certain commercial contracts or transactions if they require arbitration of a claim for damages or injunctive relief brought by an individual or small business arising from the alleged violation of a federal or state statute, the U.S. Constitution, or a state constitution, unless the written agreement to arbitrate is entered into by both parties after the claim has arisen and pertains solely to an existing claim. The grounds upon which a contract with an arbitration agreement is revocable shall include federal or state statutes or court findings that prohibit an agreement to arbitrate if the agreement is unconscionable, invalid because there was no meeting of the minds, or otherwise unenforceable as a matter of contract law or public policy. A court, rather than an arbitrator, shall determine whether an arbitration agreement is enforceable.

Recognizing the 146th anniversary of the ratification of the 15th amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Recognizes the 146th anniversary of the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, which prohibits the government from denying a citizen the right to vote on the basis of race. Acknowledges the significance of the Fifteenth Amendment and continues to support its goals and ideals.

Recognizing the 146th anniversary of the ratification of the 15th amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Recognizes the 146th anniversary of the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, which prohibits the government from denying a citizen the right to vote on the basis of race. Acknowledges the significance of the Fifteenth Amendment and continues to support its goals and ideals.

Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act This bill 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. Redistricting must 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. The bill 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 website); (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.

Life at Conception Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2016

Life at Conception Act of 2016 This bill 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. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child, a prohibition on in vitro fertilization, or a prohibition on use of birth control or another means of preventing fertilization.

A concurrent resolution affirming the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right that is essential to a free society and is protected for all Americans by the text of the Constitution, and recognizing the 230th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2016

Honors the 230th anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on Religious Freedom Day, January 16, 2016. Affirms that: religious freedom includes the right to live, work, associate, and worship in accordance with one's beliefs for people of any faith or of no faith; all Americans can be unified in supporting religious freedom because it is a fundamental human right; and the American people will remain forever unshackled in matters of faith.

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

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2016

Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for the year, excluding outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The President must submit an annual budget in which total outlays for the fiscal year do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive the requirements for any fiscal year in which: a declaration of war is in effect, the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution, or a national emergency has been declared by a joint resolution. Any waiver must identify and be limited to the specific increase for the year that is necessary for the military conflict or emergency. Any increase in spending pursuant to a waiver must be offset by a budget surplus within 10 years of the end of the waiver.

Affirming the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right that is essential to a free society and is protected for all Americans by the text of the Constitution, and recognizing the 230th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2016

Honors the 230th anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on Religious Freedom Day. Affirms that: religious freedom includes the right to live, work, associate, and worship in accordance with one's beliefs for people of any faith or of no faith; all Americans can be unified in supporting religious freedom because it is a fundamental human right; and the American people will remain forever unshackled in matters of faith.

Condemning and censuring President Barack Obama.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2016

Censures and condemns President Obama for willfully disregarding the legislative powers of the duly elected Congress provided by the U.S. Constitution through his executive actions (with respect to promoting smart gun technology) to deprive American citizens of their constitutionally mandated right to bear arms under the Second Amendment.

Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2016

Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act This bill expresses the sense of Congress that any executive order, memoranda, proclamation, or signing statement issued by the President that infringes on the powers and duties of Congress under article I, section 8 of the Constitution or the Second Amendment, or that would require the expenditure of federal funds not specifically appropriated for such executive action, is advisory only and has no force or effect unless enacted as law. The bill nullifies any such executive action and prohibits the use of appropriated funds to promulgate or enforce any such action. The following persons may bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court to challenge the validity of any such executive action: (1) any Member or either or both chambers of Congress, (2) the highest governmental official of any state or political subdivision if the challenged action infringes on a power of such state under any congressional enactment or relevant treaty, and (3) any person aggrieved of the challenged executive action with respect to a liberty or property interest adversely affected directly by the executive action.