Rule of law

HUMAN RIGHTS AND RULE OF LAW IN CHINA: WHERE ARE WE NOW AND WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2008

A joint resolution ensuring that the compensation and other emoluments attached to the office of Secretary of State are those which were in effect on January 1, 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2008

States that the compensation and other emoluments attached to the office of Secretary of State shall be those in effect January 1, 2007, notwithstanding any increase in such compensation or emoluments after that date under any provision of law or provision which has the force and effect of law, that is enacted or becomes effective during the period beginning at noon of January 3, 2007, and ending at noon of January 3, 2013. States that: (1) any person aggrieved by an action of the Secretary may bring a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (under a three-judge panel) to contest the constitutionality of the appointment and continuance in office of the Secretary on the ground that such appointment and continuance in office is in violation of article I, section 6, clause 2, of the Constitution; (2) the Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such action; and (3) an appeal may be taken directly to the U.S. Supreme Court from any interlocutory or final judgment, decree, or order upon the validity of the appointment and continuance in office of the Secretary under article I, section 6, clause 2, of the Constitution, entered in any action brought under this resolution. Makes this resolution effective at noon of January 20, 2009.

A resolution condemning the tragic and senseless death by stoning of a 13-year old girl from Somalia.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2008

Condemns the tragic and senseless death by stoning of Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow. Urges the international community to join the Senate in speaking out against this brutal act. Urges the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to: (1) undertake efforts to protect women and children in Somalia; (2) work to strengthen the rule of law as part of efforts to establish its authority; (3) promote equal and fair treatment of women; and (4) end the culture of impunity in Somalia.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the next president of the United States should immediately work to reverse damaging and illegal actions taken by the Bush/Cheney Administration and collaborate with Congress to proactively prevent any further abuses of executive branch power.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

States that the next President must: (1) reaffirm the commitment to upholding the Constitution of the United States; (2) fully investigate Bush/Cheney Administration officials' alleged crimes and hold them accountable for any illegal acts; (3) make such officials comply with congressional subpoenas; (4) hold accountable officials who disclose the identity of any covert agent; (5) hold accountable officials who pursue politically motivated prosecutions; (6) ensure that any official guilty of a war crime is prosecuted under the War Crimes Act and the Anti-Torture Act; (7) affirm the sole legal right of Congress to declare war; (8) make criminal an official's lying to Congress and the public about the reasons for going to war; (9) restore the writ of habeas corpus as an essential principle of democracy; (10) ensure that torture and rendition is uniformly prohibited under U.S. law; (11) immediately close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp; (12) require independent judicial review of claims of state secrets privilege by executive officials; (13) reaffirm that the Office of the Vice President is part of the executive branch; (14) publicly review potential abuses of the presidential pardon process; and (15) reform the use of presidential signing statements.

EXTRACTING NATURAL RESOURCES: CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE RULE OF LAW

United States · United States Senate · 24 September 2008

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States concerning the election of the Members of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the House of Representatives to be composed of Members chosen every fourth year. Requires that Members be assembled immediately after the first election and divided as equally as may be into two classes. States that, so one-half may be chosen every second year, the seats of the House of: (1) the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year; and (2) the second class at the expiration of the fourth year. Applies this article to the first election of the House occurring after ratification, but no earlier than 2012.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of times Senators and Representatives may be elected.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Limits Members of the House of Representatives to six terms and Members of the Senate to two terms.

AMERICA Resolution of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2008

A Modest Effort to Read and Instill the Constitution Again Resolution of 2008 or AMERICA Resolution of 2008 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Members of Congress, who swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States and are responsible for writing laws regarding the powers granted to the government and proposing constitutional amendments, should read this important document, including its amendments. Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House to require: (1) the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to provide a copy of the Constitution to each new Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, and employee of the House; and (2) House officers and employees to file a certification with the Committee attesting that such individuals have read the Constitution in its entirety in the previous year.

RESTORING THE RULE OF LAW

United States · United States Senate · 16 September 2008

OLC Reporting Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2008

OLC Reporting Act of 2008 - Amends the federal judicial code to require the Attorney General to report to Congress on any instance in which the Attorney General or any officer of the Department of Justice issues an authoritative legal interpretation of any provision of a federal statute that: (1) concludes that the provision is unconstitutional or would be unconstitutional in a particular application; (2) relies for its conclusion on a determination that any other interpretation would raise constitutional concerns under article II of the Constitution or separation of powers principles; (3) relies for its conclusion on a legal presumption against applying the provision to the executive branch or any member thereof; or (4) concludes the provision has been superseded or deprived of effect by a subsequently enacted statute where there is no express statutory language stating an intent to do so. Provides for the protection of privileged and classified information contained in a report by the Attorney General on the enforcement of laws.

Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Ethiopia Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008

Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Ethiopia Act of 2008 - States that the President should take additional steps to support the implementation of democracy and governance institutions and organizations in Ethiopia consistent with the Ethiopian Constitution of 1994 and related national law, including: (1) support of democracy development; (2) promotion of judicial independence; (3) support of human rights programs, especially regarding women and minorities; (4) expansion of the Voice of America (VOA) and other independent media; (5) support of international efforts to gain full access to the Ogaden and other conflict-affected regions; and (6) support of a United Nations Special Envoy to launch a dialogue to bring about the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea and who works with both governments to address issues of stability both along their border as well as more broadly across the Horn of Africa, including in Somalia. Authorizes appropriations.

Iraq Security Agreement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2008

Iraq Security Agreement Act of 2008 - Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees respecting U.S. security commitments to, and arrangements with, other countries. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to consult with the appropriate congressional committees respecting negotiations pursuant to the Declaration of Principles between the United States and Iraq. Prohibits any agreement (or the obligation of implementing funds) containing a security commitment to, or security arrangement with, the Republic of Iraq, from entering into force except pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2 (relating to treaties) or Article I, section 7, clause 2 (relating to enactment of laws) of the Constitution of the United States.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all public elementary schools and public secondary schools should display a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2008

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all public elementary and secondary schools should display a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, in a clear and conspicuous location.

Iraq Security Agreement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2008

Iraq Security Agreement Act of 2008 - Directs the President to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees respecting U.S. security commitments to, and arrangements with, other countries. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to consult with the appropriate congressional committees respecting negotiations pursuant to the Declaration of Principles between the United States and Iraq. Prohibits any agreement (or the obligation of implementing funds) containing a security commitment to, or security arrangement with, the Republic of Iraq, from entering into force except pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2 (relating to treaties) or Article I, section 7, clause 2 (relating to enactment of laws) of the Constitution of the United States.

Chinook Nation Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Chinook Nation Restoration Act - Extends federal recognition to the Chinook Indian Nation. Makes the Chinook Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the government to federally recognized tribes regardless of the existence of a reservation or the location of residence of any member on or near any Indian reservation. Provides that, for purposes of the delivery of federal services to enrolled members, the Tribe's service area shall consist of specified counties in Washington and Oregon. Requires the Tribe to: (1) submit to the Secretary of the Interior a membership roll; and (2) conduct, by secret ballot, an election to adopt a constitution and bylaws. Provides that if the Tribe transfers all rights to land to the Secretary, the Secretary shall take such land in trust for the Tribe's benefit, subject to specified restrictions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) negotiate with the tribal governing body regarding establishing a reservation; (2) develop a plan for doing so. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify and consult with all appropriate state officials and owners of land adjacent to those considered for the proposed reservation; and (2) provide complete information on the proposed plan to such officials. Provides for the plan's submission to Congress upon approval by the tribal governing body. Requires any real property transferred by the Tribe or any member to the Secretary to be held in the name of the United States for the Tribe's benefit. Prohibits the exercise of eminent domain for purposes of acquiring lands for the Tribe's benefit.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Supreme Court of the United States erroneously decided Kennedy v. Louisiana, No. 07-343 (2008), and that the eighth amendment to the Constitution of the United States allows the imposition of the death penalty for the rape of a child.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2008

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the eighth amendment to the Constitution allows the death penalty for the rape of a child where the crime did not result, and was not intended to result, in death of the victim; (2) the Louisiana statute making child rape punishable by death is constitutional; (3) because Kennedy v. Louisiana was decided under a mistaken view of federal law, the U.S. Supreme Court should grant any petition for rehearing of the case and the portions of the decision regarding the national consensus or evolving standards of decency with respect to the imposition of the death penalty for child rape should not be viewed as binding precedent; and (4) the Supreme Court should reverse its decision on rehearing or in a future case because it was supported by neither commonly held beliefs about cruel and unusual punishment nor by the text, structure, or history of the Constitution.

Authorizing the printing of an additional number of copies of the 23rd edition of the pocket version of the United States Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

Requires the printing of a specified additional number of copies of the 23rd edition of the pocket version of the United States Constitution for the use of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Joint Committee on Printing.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that an independent commission is the best vehicle for ensuring that Congressional redistricting conducted by a State is done in a manner that respects the principles of transparency, effective and diverse public participation, and accountability.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2008

Declares that an independent redistricting commission is the best vehicle for ensuring that congressional redistricting conducted by a state is done in a manner that respects the principles of transparency, effective and diverse public participation, and accountability, so long as the redistricting is conducted in accordance with a plan developed by such a commission using criteria and procedures that will discourage gerrymandering and promote competition, and to the extent that such criteria and procedures are consistent with the applicable requirements of the Constitution of the United States and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Declares that a state should not be redistricted until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless a court requires it to conduct such subsequent redistricting to comply with the Constitution or to enforce such Act.

Celebrating the 221st anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Celebrates the 221st 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.

Recognizing the significance of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and the greatness of America in her ability to admit and remedy past mistakes and to recognize that there are other communities who may have suffered the mistakes of our government but have not received an apology and reparations.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2008

Reaffirms the nation's commitment to equal justice under the law for all people in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Continues to support the congressional goal embodied in the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 that all persons living under protection of the U.S. Constitution have a right to enjoy freedom and equality without the constraint of prejudice and discrimination or the lack of due process.

Calling on the United States Government and the international community to support a transition to sustainable peace in Sri Lanka by encouraging an international human rights monitoring presence, protecting the work of civil society and media, facilitating access of humanitarian operations, and retaining democratic principles in which rule of law and justice pervades.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

Recognizes the 25th anniversary of "Black July" and mourns its victims and the victims of the ongoing violence in Sri Lanka. Condemns attacks on civilian populations by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and urges the cessation of violence and the recruitment of child soldiers. Urges the government of Sri Lanka to pursue a political resolution, rather than a military solution, to the conflict. Calls upon the President to urge Sri Lanka to accept an international human rights monitoring presence. Supports U.S. efforts to work with the government of Sri Lanka, other relevant stakeholders to the conflict, and the international community to facilitate humanitarian operations, hold accountable violators of human rights and international humanitarian law, and promote conditions for a lasting peace.

Commending the recent decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in District of Columbia v. Heller for upholding the right of the individual to keep and bear arms under the second amendment of the Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2008

Commends the recent decision of the Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller for upholding the right of the individual to keep and bear arms under the second amendment of the Constitution.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Security and Prosperity Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Afghanistan-Pakistan Security and Prosperity Enhancement Act - Authorizes the President to designate Reconstruction Opportunity Zones within Afghanistan or Pakistan, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, including that: (1) such countries establish, or make progress toward establishing, a market-based economy, instituting rule of law, protecting core labor standards, and eliminating barriers to trade and investment; (2) such countries can be designated as a beneficiary developing country; and (3) the designation of a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone is appropriate taking into account certain qualifying factors. Provides for the duty-free treatment of certain textile and apparel products, as well as nontextile and nonapparel products, from a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone through September 30, 2023. Sets forth requirements to prevent the unlawful transshipment of such products. Continues the duty-free treatment of such products from a Reconstruction Opportunity Zone in Afghanistan or Pakistan only if the President certifies to Congress that such countries have met certain requirements, including: (1) designation of a labor official; and (2) have agreed to require textile or apparel exporting enterprises to participate in a technical assistance, capacity building, compliance assessment, and remediation program. Authorizes the President to withdraw, suspend, or limit the application of duty-free treatment under this Act.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to permit the penalty of death for the rape of a child.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the death penalty for the forcible rape of a child under age 12 does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

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

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

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

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Marriage Protection Amendment - Declares that: (1) marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman; and (2) neither the U.S. Constitution nor the constitution of any state shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon any other union.

Calling on the Egyptian Government to respect human rights and freedoms of religion and expression in Egypt.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2008

Recognizes that respect for human rights is a fundamental value and that the bilateral relationship between the United States and Egypt should be a platform for promoting the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. Calls on the Egyptian government to: (1) respect human rights, minority rights, and freedoms of religion and expression; and (2) release Ayman Nour and all political activists. Welcomes Egypt's efforts to secure the border with Gaza and fight smuggling. Urges the President and the Secretary of State to put human rights and religious freedom developments in Egypt very high on the U.S. government's agenda during meetings with Egyptian officials.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress and the States to prohibit the act of desecration of the flag of the United States and to set criminal penalties for that act.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that Congress and the states shall have power to prohibit desecration of the U.S. flag and to set criminal penalties for such act.

Commending the efforts of those who sought to block an international arms transfer destined for Zimbabwe, where the government has unleashed a campaign of violence and intimidation against members of the political opposition, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Recognizes the efforts of: (1) southern African trade unions, religious leaders, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about a possible weapons transfer to Zimbabwe as part of a campaign to address Zimbabwe's worsening political, economic, and humanitarian crisis; and (2) southern African governments which denied access through their territories for a weapons shipment destined for a regime that continues to perpetuate gross human rights violations against its own citizens. Urges the United States to continue to work with African governments and multilateral institutions to compel Robert Mugabe's regime to respect the will of its citizens and find a peaceful solution to the current political standoff. Urges the U.S. Permanent Representative at the United Nations to advocate for an international moratorium on arms shipments to Zimbabwe until democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are respected by the government of Zimbabwe.

Life at Conception Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2008

Life at Conception Act - Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, and other moment at which an individual comes into being.

Expressing support for the private property rights protections guaranteed by the 5th Amendment to the Constitution on the 3rd anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision on Kelo v. City of New London.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2008

Expresses the sense of Congress that state and local governments: (1) should only execute the power of eminent domain for the public good; (2) must always justly compensate affected individuals in accordance with the Fifth Amendment; (3) should never use eminent domain to advantage one private party over another; and (4) should not construe Kelo v. City of New London ( Kelo) as justification to abuse the power of eminent domain. Reserves to Congress the right to address through legislation any abuses of eminent domain by state and local government in light of Kelo .

Congratulating East High School in Denver, Colorado, on winning the 2008 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" national competition.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2008

Congratulates East High School of Denver, Colorado, on winning the 2008 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" national competition.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and the Vice President. (Abolishes the Electoral College.)

To amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit recognition and enforcement of foreign defamation judgments.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit a domestic court from recognizing or enforcing a foreign judgment concerning defamation unless the domestic court determines that the foreign judgment is consistent with the First Amendment to the Constitution.

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

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

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.

Condemning sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and calling on the international community to take immediate actions to respond to the violence.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Condemns all forms of sexual violence, including rape, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Calls on the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to address the large-scale sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Urges an increased U.S. and donor country effort to provide greater assistance for police and military human rights training in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Calls on the Secretary of State to: (1) appoint a special envoy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to sustain U.S. engagement in a peace process and stabilization programs; and (2) encourage the Congolese government to refer individuals or armed groups found guilty of rape and sexual violence consistent in magnitude to crimes against humanity to an international criminal court system. Encourages: (1) the international community to ensure greater coordination in its response to sexual violence and to provide further humanitarian assistance in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo; (2) full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 and related law and policy on the protection of women and girls; and (3) U.S. companies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to exert oversight concerning where their products are coming from and who is benefiting from the trade. Reaffirms support for constitutional government, the rule of law, human rights, and democratic processes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM: CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE RULE OF LAW

United States · United States Senate · 20 May 2008

Expressing the grave concern of the House of Representatives for Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran's continued actions to undermine the legitimate Lebanese Government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, and their systematic violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701, and 1747.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Demands that U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701, and 1747 concerning Lebanon be implemented. Calls for the immediate election of a Lebanese president in accordance with the Lebanese constitution. Expresses: (1) support for the legitimate government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and the extension of its authority throughout Lebanon; (2) support for a democratic Lebanon; (3) support for United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops; (4) concern that the international community's failure to live up to its commitments to stop Hezbollah's rearmament could once again lead to war; and (5) commitment to the release of the abducted Israeli soldiers. Condemns Iran and Syria for sponsoring and arming terrorist organizations internationally and within Lebanon.

Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Mexico and to the countries of Central America for: (1) law enforcement and security assistance, including combating gangs and illegal drug and arms trafficking; and (2) the enhancement of the rule of law and the strengthening of civilian institutions, including the promotion of human rights. Sets forth additional supported activities and limitations on assistance. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting measures taken to: (1) address U.S. demand-related aspects of the drug-trafficking phenomenon; (2) combat the southbound flow of illegal precursor chemicals and bulk cash transfers into Mexico; and (3) implement and measure the success of activities taken under this Act. Directs the Attorney General to expand the resources provided for the Project Gunrunner initiative of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to prosecute individuals involved in firearms trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border. Directs the President to designate within the Department of State a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Implement the Merida Initiative. Terminates the authority of this Act after September 30, 2010.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the Constitution does not preclude a penalty of death, including when it is imposed for the rape of a child under 16 years of age.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the death penalty is permitted under the Constitution and does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment, including when imposed for the rape of a child under 16 years old.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States allowing castration after conviction for the rape of a child under 16 years of age.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that surgical or chemical castration is permitted under the Constitution upon conviction of the rape of a child under 16 years old and does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

Free Speech Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2008

Free Speech Protection Act of 2008 - Allows any U.S. person against whom a lawsuit for defamation is brought in a foreign country on the basis of the content of any speech by that person that has been published, uttered, or otherwise disseminated in the United States to bring an action in a U.S. district court against any person who, or entity which, brought the suit, if the speech at issue in the foreign lawsuit does not constitute defamation under U.S. law. Allows the award of treble damages if it is determined by a preponderance of the evidence that the person or entity bringing the foreign lawsuit intentionally engaged in a scheme to suppress rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution by discouraging publishers or other media from publishing, or by discouraging financial supporters from employing, retaining, or supporting the research, writing, or other speech of an individual.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2009, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the Director of National Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2009 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification of the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2009, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. States that appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for federal employees may be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

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

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for any fiscal year (except for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding an amount that would cause outlays to have increased by a rate that exceeds growth in the U.S. economy over the period since 2007, unless Congress, by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific increase of outlays above this amount. Directs the President, before each fiscal year, to transmit to Congress a proposed budget for such fiscal year and all ensuing fiscal years covered by it, in which total outlays do not exceed the outlays from the previous year after taking into account an increase to reflect such average growth. Authorizes a waiver of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect.

Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2008

Recognizes: (1) on its 60th anniversary year the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a singular achievement of the community of nations; and (2) the contribution in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution to the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Urges all U.N. member states to uphold the principles of human dignity enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially on behalf of the world's most vulnerable persons.

Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Enforcement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2008

Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum-Griffin Act) to make a labor organization liable to any of its members for a civil money penalty of up to $250 for each day that it fails to provide such member information regarding the organization's constitution, bylaws, organization report, and annual financial report, including any books, records, and accounts necessary to verify such reports. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to bring an action in U.S. district court for injunctive relief and enforcement of administrative penalties against any person who has violated or is about to violate any reporting requirements of such Act, including those applying to a labor organization which has or assumes trusteeship over any subordinate labor organization. Requires a district court, upon a complaint by the Secretary that demonstrates failure to file timely and complete reports, to enjoin continued violation of the related reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary, upon finding a violation of specified reporting and disclosure requirements, to impose an administrative money penalty of up to $250 a day, or $10,000 in aggregate, adjusted for inflation, against the person, labor organization, or employer responsible for such violation.

Free Speech Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008

Free Speech Protection Act of 2008 - Allows any U.S. person against whom a lawsuit for defamation is brought in a foreign country on the basis of the content of any speech by that person that has been published, uttered, or otherwise disseminated in the United States to bring an action in a U.S. district court against any person who, or entity which, brought the suit, if the speech at issue in the foreign lawsuit does not constitute defamation under U.S. law. Allows the award of treble damages if it is determined by a preponderance of the evidence that the person or entity bringing the foreign lawsuit intentionally engaged in a scheme to suppress rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution by discouraging publishers or other media from publishing, or by discouraging financial supporters from employing, retaining, or supporting the research, writing, or other speech of an individual.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the penalty of death.

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2008

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the United States or any state from imposing or carrying out the death penalty.

A resolution recognizing that John Sidney McCain, III, is a natural born citizen.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008

States that John Sidney McCain, III, is a "natural born Citizen'' under Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution of the United States.

Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Enforcement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008

Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum-Griffin Act) to make a labor organization liable to any of its members for a civil money penalty of up to $250 for each day that it fails to provide such member information regarding the organization's constitution, bylaws, organization report, and annual financial report, including any books, records, and accounts necessary to verify such reports. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to bring an action in U.S. district court for injunctive relief and enforcement of administrative penalties against any person who has violated or is about to violate any reporting requirements of such Act, including those applying to a labor organization which has or assumes trusteeship over any subordinate labor organization. Requires a district court, upon a complaint by the Secretary that demonstrates failure to file timely and complete reports, to enjoin continued violation of the related reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary, upon finding a violation of specified reporting and disclosure requirements, to impose an administrative money penalty of up to $250 a day, or $10,000 in aggregate, adjusted for inflation, against the person, labor organization, or employer responsible for such violation.