Rule of law

Liberty Bill Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Liberty Bill Act - Amends federal law to require that the design of the reverse side of all federal reserve notes incorporate: (1) the preamble to the Constitution; (2) a list describing the Articles of the Constitution; and (3) a list describing the Articles of Amendment. Sets forth the design format. States that such requirements do not limit the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) include other inscriptions or material on the reverse side of such notes; or (2) adopt other design features to deter counterfeiting of currency.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Defines marriage in the United States as consisting only of a legal union of one man and one woman.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the process by which the House of Representatives selects the President in the event no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007

Constitutional Amendment - States that whenever the right to choose the President devolves upon the House of Representatives, the Members of the House shall cast votes on an individual basis, and the candidate receiving votes cast by a majority of the Members of the House shall be the President.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the process by which the House of Representatives chooses the President of the United States in the event no candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Constitutional Amendment - States that whenever the right to choose the President devolves upon the House of Representatives, the Members of the House shall cast votes on an individual basis, and the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes cast by the Members shall be the President so long as such number is a majority of the votes cast.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of years Representatives and Senators may serve.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Constitutional Amendment -- Amends the Constitution of the United States to limit to 18 the number of years U.S. Representatives and Senators may serve, excluding service to fill a vacancy.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the line item veto.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President to make a line item veto of any appropriation in any bill, order, resolution, or vote presented for signature into law. Declares that any legislation the President approves and signs, after being amended with a line item veto, shall become law as so modified. Requires the President to return those portions of the legislation that contain reduced or disapproved appropriations, with objections, to the House where such legislation originated. Authorizes Congress to separately consider any reduced or disapproved appropriations in the manner prescribed under section 7 of Article I for vetoed bills.

Congressional Oversight of Iraq Agreements Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2007

Congressional Oversight of Iraq Agreements Act of 2007 - Directs the Legal Advisor to the Secretary of State to provide Congress with the justification (including the constitutional authority) for the President's decision to deny Congress its constitutionally protected role by concluding an agreement on the future of the security relationship between the United States and Iraq as an executive agreement. Expresses the sense of Congress that any bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq involving "commitments or risks affecting the nation as a whole," including a status of forces agreement (SOFA), that is not a treaty approved by two-thirds of the Senate under Article II of the Constitution or authorized by legislation does not have the force of law. Prohibits the use of funds to carry out such an agreement.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish and protect the rights of victims of violent crimes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crime the rights: (1) to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime and of any release or escape of the accused; (2) to not be excluded from such public proceeding and reasonably to be heard at public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings; and (3) to adjudicative decisions that consider the victim's safety, interest in avoiding unreasonable delay, and just and timely claims to restitution from the offender. Prohibits any restriction of such rights except as dictated by a substantial interest in public safety or the administration of criminal justice, or by other compelling necessity.

Calling for the protection of human rights and restoration of rule of law in Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2007

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the government of Pakistan should: (1) restore the rule of law by reinstating the constitution and members of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; (2) end the charges against human rights defenders and release those in detention or under house arrest, in particular Ms. Asma Jahangir; (3) restore media independence and ensure freedom of speech; and (4) ensure respect for human rights.

To establish the Congressional-Executive Commission on the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

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

To allow United States citizens to bring civil actions against persons who fail to perform an act or duty under the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

Amends the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act to allow a U.S. citizen to commence a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against any person (including the United States or any other governmental instrumentality or agency to the extent permitted by the 11th amendment to the Constitution) who is alleged to have knowingly failed to perform an act or duty under the Agreement. (Currently, only the United States can bring actions with respect to the Agreement.)

Condemning the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

Condemns the imposition of a state of emergency in Pakistan by General Pervez Musharraf. Calls on General Musharraf to restore the Constitution, restore the removed judges to their positions, and release arrested opposition members. Commends members of the legal profession in Pakistan, opposition politicians, human rights activists, and independent journalists for their opposition to the state of emergency. Expects General Musharraf to step down as Chief of Army Staff. Urges that free elections be held before January 15, 2008, as previously scheduled. Urges President George W. Bush to suspend all military assistance to Pakistan until such conditions have been met.

Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act of 2007 - 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; (2) development of a redistricting plan; (3) its submission to the state legislature; (4) 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; (5) special rules for redistricting conducted under a federal court order; and (6) Election Assistance Commission payments to states for carrying out redistricting.

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

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

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 of each chamber for 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.

Sanctity of Human Life Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Sanctity of Human Life Act - Declares that: (1) the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human and is the person's paramount and most fundamental right; (2) each human life begins with fertilization, cloning, or its functional equivalent, at which time every human has all legal and constitutional attributes and privileges of personhood; and (3) Congress, each state, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories have the authority to protect all human lives.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the President to disapprove or reduce items of appropriation.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the President to reduce or disapprove any item of appropriation in any Act or joint resolution, except any item of appropriation for the legislative branch. Declares that if legislation is approved by the President, any item of appropriation contained therein which is not reduced or disapproved shall become law. Requires the President to return with his or her objections any item of appropriation reduced or disapproved to the chamber in which the legislation containing such item originated. Allows Congress, in the manner prescribed under the U.S. Constitution, to reconsider such item. Provides that only a majority vote of each chamber shall be required to approve an item which has been disapproved or to restore an item which has been reduced by the President to the original amount contained in the legislation.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007

Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) condemning the decision by President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to declare a state of emergency in Pakistan and calling on President Musharraf to revoke the state of emergency; (2) calling upon President Musharraf to honor his commitment to relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan and allow free parliamentary elections in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan; (3) that the U.S. government should provide assistance to facilitate such elections; (4) calling upon the government of Pakistan to conduct a full investigation into the attempted assassination of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto; and (5) that U.S. military assistance to Pakistan should be subjected to careful review, and that assistance for certain weapons systems not directly related to the fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban should be suspended if President Musharraf does not revoke the state of emergency and restore the Constitution of Pakistan, relinquish his position as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, and allow for free elections.

A resolution commemorating the 40th anniversary of the mass movement for Soviet Jewish freedom and the 20th anniversary of the Freedom Sunday rally for Soviet Jewry on the National Mall.

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Recognizes the contributions of American citizens of Jewish descent who emigrated from the Soviet Union. Commemorates: (1) the 40th anniversary of the mass movement for freedom by and on behalf of Soviet Jewry; and (2) the 20th anniversary of the December 6, 1987, Freedom Sunday rally for Soviet Jews. Condemns incidents of anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and religious persecution in the independent states of the former Soviet Union and encourages the development of democracy, religious freedom, rule of law, and human rights in those states.

FISA AMENDMENTS: HOW TO PROTECT AMERICANS' SECURITY AND PRIVACY AND PRESERVE THE RULE OF LAW AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY

United States · United States Senate · 31 October 2007

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007

Constitutional Amendment - States that Congress shall have the power to regulate the raising and spending of money, including through setting limits, for campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, federal office. Gives a state the power to regulate the raising and spending of money for state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, plebiscites, or other similar ballot measures and campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, state or local office. Gives Congress the power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for Representatives to be chosen every four years, and to limit the number of times Senators and Representatives may be elected.

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Requires Members of the House of Representatives to be chosen every four years. Limits Members of the House to three terms and Members of the Senate to two terms.

GENOCIDE AND THE RULE OF LAW

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 October 2007

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 · 18 October 2007

Constitutional Amendment - States that Congress shall have the power to regulate the raising and spending of money, including through setting limits, for campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, federal office. Gives a state the power to regulate the raising and spending of money for state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, plebiscites, or other similar ballot measures and campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, state or local office. Gives Congress the power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

New Partnership for Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

New Partnership for Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to provide for the duty-free treatment of articles (without quantitative limitation) from qualified beneficiary countries that have been designated: (1) a least developed country (except Myanmar and Sudan); and (2) a sub-Saharan African country. (Effectively, providing an additional trade preference program for least developed countries.) Prohibits designation of a country as a qualified beneficiary country, and terminates such country's eligibility for preferential treatment, if it has: (1) not adopted and enforced certain human rights and fair labor practices; (2) failed to make progress to eliminate trade barriers and to establish a market-based economy and the rule of law; and (3) engaged in gross violations of internationally-recognized human rights. Prescribes requirements regarding: (1) rules of origin; (2) significant apparel suppliers; and (3) safeguards against the transshipment of textiles and apparels. Imposes additional duties, under specified conditions, on certain agricultural safeguard goods. Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) concerning the importance of the Generalized System of Preferences program; and (2) that preferential treatment provided under this Act can be improved if India, the People's Republic of China, and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries provide market access similar to that provided under this Act. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish: (1) an Office of Trade and Competitiveness for Least Developed Countries within the U.S. Agency for International Development; and (2) a workforce competitiveness program for least developed countries. Establishes an Aid for Trade Fund.

Urging Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is also Chairman of his Fatah party, to officially abrogate the 10 articles in the Fatah Constitution that call for Israel's destruction and terrorism against Israel, oppose any political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and label Zionism as racism.

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

Urges Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is also Chairman of his Fatah party, to officially abrogate the 10 articles in the Fatah Constitution that call for Israel's destruction and terrorism against Israel, oppose any political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and label Zionism as racism. Condemns the continuing existence of these articles as part of the Fatah Constitution.

Requiring the House of Representatives to take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment as part of the Constitution when the legislatures of an additional three States ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

Requires the House of Representatives, when the legislatures of an additional three states ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution, to take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of such Amendment.

Homeland Security Open Source Information Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Homeland Security Open Source Information Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components responsible for information sharing and infrastructure protection make full and efficient use of open source information to develop and disseminate open source products. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that DHS makes full and efficient use of such information to analyze U.S. critical infrastructure nodes from the perspective of terrorists and other activities with a nexus to terrorism using publicly available information; and (2) share the unclassified results with appropriate federal, state, local, tribal, and private-sector officials. Directs: (1) the Secretary to ensure that the manner in which open source information is gathered and disseminated complies with the Constitution, the Privacy Act of 1974, the E-Government Act of 2002, and all other relevant federal laws; (2) the Chief Privacy Officer of DHS to include in such Officer's annual report a description of the types of personally identifiable information collected by DHS intelligence components; and (3) the Inspector General of DHS to audit the use and dissemination of such information to evaluate the effectiveness of DHS activities and to ensure consistency with existing federal open source information guidelines.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to temporarily fill mass vacancies in the House of Representatives and the Senate and to preserve the right of the people to elect their Representatives and Senators in Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Requires an individual elected to serve as a Senator or Representative in Congress, immediately after taking the oath of office, to provide the applicable chamber a list of at least three qualified designees (ranked in order of preference) to take the individual's place in the event the individual dies, becomes incapacitated, or disappears before the individual's term of office expires. Allows the individual to revise the list at any time during a Congress. Requires: (1) the Speaker of the House, in the event a catastrophe resulting in the death, incapacity, or disappearance of a significant number of Representatives, to fill the vacancies immediately with individuals from the most recent lists of designees presented by the Representatives whose seats are now vacant; and (2) the Vice President or President Pro Tempore of the Senate to fill such vacancies regarding Senators in the same manner. Declares that an individual designated to take the place of a Senator or Representative shall serve until the Senator or Representative regains capacity, is located, or until another Member is elected to fill the vacancy. Provides that, during the period of such individual's service, he or she shall be treated as a Senator or Representative in Congress for purposes of all laws, rules, and regulations, except for providing such list. Requires the Vice President or President Pro Tempore of the Senate or the Speaker of the House to designate another individual from the same list (in the order so provided on that list) if a designated individual is unwilling to carry out the duties of a Senator or Representative during such period, or is unable to do so because of death, incapacity, or disappearance. Prohibits any designated individual from providing such a list. Requires: (1) the executive authority of the state involved to issue a writ of election to elect another Member to such office; and (2) the special election to be held as soon as possible after an individual is designated to fill the vacancy. Declares that Congress shall: (1) by law establish the criteria for determining whether a Senator or Representative in Congress is dead, incapacitated, or has disappeared; and (2) have the power to enforce this article through appropriate legislation.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to Congressional succession.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the election of an Alternate Representative along with a Representative, selected by him or her, as well as an Alternate Senator along with a Senator, selected by the latter. Provides that upon the death, resignation, expulsion, failure to qualify, or inability to discharge the appropriate powers and duties of a person elected as Representative or Senator, such duties and powers shall be discharged by his or her designated successor as Acting Representative or Acting Senator until the Representative-elect or Senator-elect qualifies or a new Representative or Senator is elected. Authorizes each chamber, in the absence of a quorum for three days or more, to declare all of its members who have not recorded their presence during such period to be unable to discharge the powers and duties of their offices. Requires such powers and duties, in that circumstance, to be discharged by the member's Alternate until such member records his or her presence.

Congratulating the Ukrainian people for the holding of free, fair, open and transparent parliamentary elections on September 30, 2007, in a peaceful manner consistent with Ukraine's democratic values and national interest, in keeping with its commitments as a participating State of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Congratulates the people of Ukraine for holding free parliamentary elections on September 30, 2007. Welcomes the strong relationship formed between the United States and Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991. Expresses support for the Ukrainian people's efforts to build upon the democratic gains of the Orange Revolution by strengthening respect for human rights and the rule of law, including an independent judiciary. Calls for the timely formation of a government that reflects the will of Ukrainian voters and advances political stability and democratic development, with a special focus on the constitutional framework. Pledges continued assistance to the further development of a free and democratic system in Ukraine based on the rule of law, a free market economy, and consolidation of Ukraine's security and sovereignty.

PRESERVING THE RULE OF LAW IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

United States · United States Senate · 2 October 2007

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States which requires (except during time of war and subject to suspension by Congress) that the total amount of money expended by the United States during any fiscal year not exceed the amount of certain revenue received by the United States during such fiscal year and not exceed 20 per centum of the gross national product of the United States during the previous calendar year.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, except in time of a congressionally declared war, federal fiscal year expenditures from exceeding: (1) federal revenues for that fiscal year, except revenue received from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other obligations of the United States; and (2) 20% of the gross national product for the preceding calendar year. Authorizes suspension of these prohibitions by concurrent resolution approved by a three-fifths vote of each chamber.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the creation of federal regions in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Expresses the sense of House of Representatives that: (1) the United States should support a political settlement in Iraq based on the final provisions of the Constitution of Iraq that create a federal system of government and allow for the creation of federal regions, consistent with the wishes of the Iraqi people and their elected leaders; (2) the United States should urge the government of Iraq to quickly agree upon and implement a law providing for the equitable distribution of oil revenues, which is a critical component of a comprehensive political settlement based upon federalism; and (3) nothing in this resolution should be construed in any way to infringe on the sovereign rights of the nation of Iraq.

Calling on the Governor of the State of Illinois to defend the right of employers to employee verification.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Supports: (1) the basic right of every employer in the United States to verify a potential employee's legal status; and (2) the bipartisan Basic Pilot Program as an effective tool giving employers the ability to verify potential employees' legal status. Calls on: (1) the Illinois legislature to repeal Illinois Public Act 095-0138, which violates federal law by denying employers the right to verify potential employees' legal status; and (2) the Governor of Illinois to file an amicus brief in the case of United States v. Illinois supporting the plaintiff's conclusion that Illinois Public Act 095-0138 violates the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the continuing effects of the genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives: (1) regarding the continuing effects of the genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and (2) that Bosnia and Herzegovina should begin the process of adopting a new constitution that is based on democracy and civic representation and that fully eliminates ethno-territorial arrangements.

A resolution recognizing the achievements of the people of Ukraine in pursuit of freedom and democracy, and expressing the hope that the parliamentary elections on September 30, 2007, preserve and extend these gains and provide for a stable and representative government.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2007

Acknowledges the cooperation and friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991. Expresses the admiration of the American people for the ongoing success of the Ukranian people at removing violence from politics, in particular the 2004 presidential elections and the 2006 parliamentary elections. Encourages the people of Ukraine to maintain the democratic successes of the Orange Revolution of 2004. Pledges continued U.S. assistance to the further development of a free and representative democratic government in Ukraine based on the rule of law and the principle of human rights.

AMERICA Act of 2007: A Modest Effort to Read and Instill the Constitution Again

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2007

AMERICA Act of 2007: A Modest Effort to Read and Instill the Constitution Again - Expresses the sense of Congress that since Members of Congress swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States, write laws regarding the powers granted to the government, and propose constitutional amendments, they should be required to read this important document, including its amendments. Directs every Senator and Representative to obtain copies of the Constitution, distribute them to their staff, and require the staff to read it at least once during each session of Congress.

Celebrating the 220th Anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2007

Celebrates the 220th Anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Honors the efforts of the 42 delegates who attended the majority of the Constitutional Convention meetings and the 39 signers. Acknowledges the significance of the ideals established by the Constitution, including the principle of a limited federal government with a system of checks and balances. Recognizes the Constitution as the source responsible for our nation's ability to withstand calamity and preserve stability.

Censuring the President and Attorney General.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2007

Censures President George W. Bush and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and condemns them for: (1) undermining the rule of law and the separation of powers; (2) disregarding statutes, treaties, and the Constitution; and (3) repeatedly misleading the American people.

A resolution censuring the President and the Attorney General.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Censures President George W. Bush and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and condemns them for: (1) undermining the rule of law and the separation of powers; (2) disregarding statutes, treaties, and the Constitution; and (3) repeatedly misleading the American people.

Improving Foreign Intelligence Surveillance to Defend the Nation and the Constitution Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Improving Foreign Intelligence Surveillance to Defend the Nation and the Constitution Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to provide that a court order is not required for the acquisition of communication between non-U.S. persons who are not located within the United States for collecting foreign intelligence information, whether or not the communication passes through the United States or the surveillance device is located within the United States. Allows the Attorney General (AG), upon authorization of the President, to apply to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court) for an order, or the extension of an order, authorizing for up to one year the acquisition of communications of persons outside the United States who are non-U.S. persons. Allows the AG to authorize such surveillance without a court order for up to 15 days if the AG determines that an emergency situation exists with respect to obtaining such information before an order authorizing the surveillance can be obtained. Authorizes the AG, in either case, to direct a communications service provider, custodian, or other person who has access to such information to furnish the AG with the required information and to maintain appropriate records concerning acquisition of the information.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the requirement of the approval of a two-thirds majority of the Supreme Court for any pardon or reprieve granted by the President.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2007

Constitutional Amendment - Provides that a presidential pardon or reprieve shall become effective only on the review and consent of two-thirds of the Justices of the Supreme Court pursuant to finding that such pardon or reprieve is consistent with the interests of justice and does not undermine the effectiveness, integrity, and impartiality of the federal criminal justice system.

United States-China Diplomatic Expansion Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007

United States-China Diplomatic Expansion Act of 2007 - Authorizes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) public diplomacy programming, hiring of additional local public diplomacy personnel, and public diplomacy information technology infrastructure in the People's Republic of China (PRC); (2) construction of one additional U.S. consulate in the PRC (in addition to the number in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act); (3) 10 additional U.S. diplomatic posts in the PRC (in addition to the number in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act); (4) a U.S. financial contribution to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; (5) rule of law initiatives in the PRC; and (6) specified Chinese language exchanges. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should retain possession of the U.S. Embassy compound in Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, after the opening of the new U.S. Embassy compound in Liang Ma He, Beijing, China.

Congratulating East High School of Denver, Colorado, on winning the 2007 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" national competition.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2007

Congratulates East High School of Denver, Colorado, on winning the 2007 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" competition.

National Security Letters Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007

National Security Letters Reform Act of 2007 - Prohibits a national security letter (letter) (a request for information sought by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with a criminal investigation) from being issued unless the issuing official certifies specific facts providing reason to believe that the information or records sought pertain to a foreign power or agent thereof. Prohibits a letter from being issued in connection with an investigation of a U.S. person solely upon the basis of activities protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Prohibits: (1) a letter from containing unreasonable requirements or requiring privileged matter; or (2) disclosing to a person that the FBI has sought or obtained access to information under a letter for 30 days after receipt of the FBI's request for such information. Authorizes judicial review for the modification or revocation of a letter. Provides limited uses of information acquired through a letter. Allows persons against whom evidence obtained from a letter is to be used to file a motion to suppress. Provides a civil cause of action for the misuse of letters. Requires the authority to issue letters to revert, five years after the enactment of this Act, to that provided by law on October 25, 2001. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) undertake minimization and destruction procedures with respect to information acquired through letters; and (2) report semiannually on the number and use of letters. Requires the disposal of wrongly acquired information. Revises requirements relating to claims of emergency in connection with certain letters.

Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2007

Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution. Declares that nothing in such Act shall be construed as affecting the authority of the Secretary of the Army or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act related to discharges: (1) composed entirely of return flows from irrigated agriculture; (2) of stormwater runoff from certain oil, gas, and mining operations composed entirely of flows from precipitation runoff conveyances, which are not contaminated by or in contact with specified materials; or (3) of dredged or fill materials resulting from normal farming, silviculture, and ranching activities or from activities with respect to which a state has an approved program, or for the purposes of maintenance of currently serviceable structures, construction or maintenance of farm or stock ponds, irrigation ditches and maintenance of drainage ditches, or farm, forest, or temporary roads for moving mining equipment in accordance with best management practices, or construction of temporary sedimentation basins on construction sites for which discharges do not include placement of fill material into the waters of the United States.

Authorizing printing of the brochure entitled "How Our Laws Are Made", the document-sized, annotated version of the United States Constitution, and the pocket version of the United States Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2007

Authorizes the printing of the following as House documents: (1) the edition of the brochure entitled "How Our Laws Are Made"; (2) the 2007 edition of the document-sized, annotated version of the U.S. Constitution; and (3) the 23rd edition of the pocket version of the U.S. Constitution.

Urging all sides to the political crisis in Ukraine to abide by the May 27, 2007, agreement which calls for a new round of parliamentary elections on September 30, 2007, and to ensure a free and fair, transparent democratic system in Ukraine based on the rule of law.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2007

Welcomes the strong relationship formed between the United States and Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991 and especially following the Orange Revolution of 2004. Applauds Ukraine for holding free presidential elections. Urges the leadership and political parties of Ukraine to conduct elections as scheduled on September 30, 2007. Expresses support for the efforts of the Ukrainian people to consolidate the democratic gains of the Orange Revolution of 2004. Pledges assistance to the further development of a democratic system in Ukraine based on the rule of law, a free market economy, and consolidation of Ukraine's security and sovereignty.

Dunlap Band of Mono Indians Reaffirmation Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2007

Dunlap Band of Mono Indians Reaffirmation Act - Reaffirms federal recognition of the Dunlap Band of Mono Indians (the Tribe). Makes all federal laws of general application to Indians and Indian tribes applicable with respect to the Tribe. Reaffirms all rights and privileges of the Tribe and members of the Tribe which may have been abrogated or diminished or lost as a result of administrative oversight or neglect, or as a result of implementation of the termination policy of the federal government in California to the Tribe and its members. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all programs, benefits, and services provided by the United States to Indians and Indian tribes. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take into trust specified real property for the benefit of the Tribe. Makes any real property taken into trust become part of the Tribe's reservation. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) the initial membership of the Tribe; (2) the interim government of the Tribe; and (3) a constitution for the Tribe.

Calling on the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan to immediately release Farhad Aliyev and Rafiq Aliyev from detention during trial, to assure that their right to a fair and open trial before an independent and impartial tribunal will be carried out, and to comply with all its international human rights agreements and commitments respecting the rule of law, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007

Calls on the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan to: (1) release Farhad Aliyev and Rafiq Aliyev from detention during trial and to assure their right to a fair and open trial; (2) implement visitation rights for family and medical and international legal advisers for Farhad and Rafiq Aliyev; and (3) fulfill its international obligations, including obligations relating to its membership in the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Convention on Human Rights, and the Energy Charter Treaty. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should use all available means, including diplomatic channels, to encourage the government of Azerbaijan to release Farhad and Rafiq Aliyev from detention during trial and prosecute those individuals who beat and attack journalists; (2) the U.S. government should coordinate actions with appropriate international organizations; and (3) the OSCE should monitor such legal proceedings for compliance with the Helsinki Final Act.