Rule of law

Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2015

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.

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

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2015

Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays from exceeding total receipts for a fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The President must submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. If the President does not submit a balanced budget for a fiscal year, no executive orders may be issued until the earlier of the submission of a balanced budget or the first day of the fiscal year. A three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber of Congress is required to increase the public debt limit. Congress may waive the requirements for any period during which the United States is engaged in military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

Recognizing the 67th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the celebration of "Human Rights Day".

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2015

Recognizes the 67th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the celebration of Human Rights Day. Supports the ideals of human rights and reaffirms the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Encourages all nations to continue working towards freedom, peace, and security which can be achieved only through democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should submit any binding and universal agreement on climate change adopted at the Conference of the Parties ("COP21") of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to the Senate as a treaty under article II, section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2015

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should submit to the Senate as a treaty under article II, section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution any binding and universal agreement on climate change adopted at the Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A resolution congratulating the people of Burma on their commitment to peaceful elections.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

Congratulates the people of Burma for embracing democracy through their participation in the November 8, 2015, general elections and for their efforts in developing a democratic society. Recognizes the National League for Democracy's victory as a reflection of the will of the Burmese people. Calls on the Union Solidarity Development Party to undertake a peaceful transfer of power to a new government. Encourages all parties to pursue national reconciliation talks. Recognizes that important impediments remain to the realization of full democratic and civilian government, including the reservation of unelected seats for the military and the disenfranchisement of groups including the Rohingya. Calls on the government of Burma to support meaningful efforts to reform the 2008 Constitution of Burma. Supports negotiations between the government of Burma and ethnic-based peoples and organizations. Encourages the President to take further steps toward normalization of relations with Burma.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Federal law prohibits the transfer of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2015

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any transfer to the United States of the 107 detainees imprisoned for reasons of national security at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, would violate federal law and the appropriations powers enumerated to Congress in article 1 of the Constitution, and may result in the President's committing illegal actions.

Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2015

Authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center on December 9, 2015, for a ceremony to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States.

THE RULE OF LAW AND CIVIL SOCIETY IN AZERBAIJAN

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2015

Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2015

Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act This bill reaffirms federal recognition and the rights and privileges of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Cheboygan County, Michigan. The band is eligible for all federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized Indian tribes. This bill designates the service area for the delivery of federal services to the band and to other Indians nearby. The Department of the Interior must acquire land in Cheboygan County, Michigan, and other geographic areas and must hold these lands in trust for the benefit of the band. This bill sets forth criteria and evidentiary requirements for determining the initial membership of the band. The band must provide a copy of its base roll to the Bureau of Indian Affairs within one year. The initial constitution of the band shall be the constitution submitted by the band to the Office of Federal Acknowledgment on May 2, 2005.

Sixth Amendment Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2015

Sixth Amendment Preservation Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to limit the detention authority of the United States. Current law prohibits the indefinite detention of a U.S. citizen by the United States unless it is authorized by an act of Congress. This bill prohibits the indefinite detention of any person by the United States unless it is consistent with the Constitution. Additionally, it specifies that a general authorization to use military force or similar measure, on its own, does not authorize the indefinite detention of a person who is arrested in the United States. Finally, the bill amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to repeal a provision that affirms the authority of the Armed Forces to detain individuals captured in connection with hostilities pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force pending the end of hostilities.

RUSSIAN VIOLATIONS OF THE RULE OF LAW:. HOW SHOULD THE U.S. RESPOND?. THREE CASE STUDIES

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2015

Terms of Credit Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2015

Terms of Credit Act This bill establishes expedited legislative procedures for spending reduction legislation, limits regulatory activity, and increases the debt limit. Eleven House committees must submit to the House Budget Committee legislation to reduce direct spending by specified amounts, and Congress must consider the legislation using expedited procedures. The bill restricts legislative activities and adjournment of the House until the spending reduction legislation and appropriations legislation is passed. Congress must vote on a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution by December 31, 2015. Regulatory Freeze for Jobs Act of 2015 Until July 1, 2017, the bill imposes a moratorium on significant regulatory actions that are likely to result in an annual cost to the economy of at least $50 million or adversely affect the economy or a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, small entities, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities. Midnight Rule Relief Act of 2015 Agencies may not propose or finalize certain rules during the final months of a President's term. The bill includes an exception for repealing existing regulations and permits waivers for specified regulations. The bill also increases the debt limit to $19.6 trillion. (Under current law the debt limit is suspended through March 15, 2017, and will be increased on March 16, 2017, to accommodate obligations issued during the suspension period.)

Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2015

Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2015 This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish FY2016 spending limits of $2.832 trillion for new budget authority and $2.884 trillion for outlays. Spending for Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Benefits and Services, Net Interest, and Military Personnel is exempt from the limits. The chairs of the congressional budget committees may make specified adjustments to the limits for legislation that designates amounts for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism. The bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to limit total annual spending for FY2016-FY2025 to a specified percentage of projected annual gross domestic product (GDP), which begins at 19.9% for FY2016 and decreases each year until it reaches 18% for FY2021-FY2025. The bill enforces the spending limits using automatic spending cuts known as sequestration and specifies exemptions. The Department of the Treasury may not exercise additional borrowing authority in subsequent legislation until a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is submitted to the states that: (1) requires that total outlays not exceed total receipts, (2) contains a spending limitation as a percentage of GDP, and (3) requires tax increases be approved by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.

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

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2015

Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays of the operating funds of the United States from exceeding total receipts of those funds for a fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes: outlays for repayment of debt principal, capital investments, and Social Security; and receipts derived from net borrowing or Social Security. The President must submit an annual budget in which total outlays for operating funds do not exceed total receipts for those funds for the fiscal year. Congress may waive the requirements for two years if: (1) a declaration of war is in effect, or (2) the Congressional Budget Office estimates that real economic growth has been or will be less than 1% for two consecutive quarters during the two-year period. Congress may also waive the requirements for any year in which the United States is engaged in military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

Establishing the Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2015

Establishes the House Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention to investigate and report on: the causes of mass shootings, methods to improve the federal firearms purchaser background check system, connections between access to firearms and dangerously mentally ill individuals, strengthening federal penalties for trafficking and straw purchasing of firearms, closing loopholes that allow some domestic abusers continued access to firearms, linkages between firearms and suicide, gun violence's effect on public health, the correlation between state gun violence prevention laws and the incidence of gun violence, the importance of having reliable and accurate information on gun violence and its toll on our nation, the implementation of effective gun violence prevention laws in accordance with the Second Amendment to the Constitution, and rates of gun violence in large metropolitan areas.

A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2015

Authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center on July 8, 2015, for a ceremony to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States.

A resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the peaceful and democratic reunification of Germany.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2015

Celebrates 25 years of a united Germany. Honors the courage of the people of Germany, the United States, and other countries who served in the Cold War to bring freedom to Central and Eastern Europe. Recognizes the importance of the alliance between the United States and Germany in: (1) common defense, (2) a shared commitment to a free and unified Europe, and (3) an expanding economic prosperity under the rule of law throughout Europe. Expresses to the people of Germany an appreciation for their commitment to the promotion of freedom through leadership in providing international assistance, support for peacekeeping efforts, and acceptance of refugees. Reaffirms the friendship between the government and people of the United States and the government and people of Germany.

Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2015

Authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center on December 8, 2015, for a ceremony to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States.

Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2105 [sic]

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2015

Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2105 This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit human cloning for reproductive and research purposes. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime for any public or private person or entity to: perform, attempt to perform, or participate in an attempt to perform human cloning; or ship, receive, or import a product of human cloning for any purpose. It defines "human cloning" as asexual reproduction by replacing a fertilized or unfertilized egg nucleus with a human somatic (body) cell nucleus to produce a living organism with a human or predominantly human genetic constitution. A person or entity convicted of a human cloning offense is subject to a fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both. A person or entity who profits from such offense is also subject to a civil penalty of at least $1,000,000. This bill does not restrict scientific research using nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules, DNA, cells other than human embryos, tissues, organs, plants, or animals other than humans.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the congressional review provision of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 does not apply to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action announced on July 14, 2015, because the President failed to transmit the entire agreement as required by such Act, and that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action would only preempt existing Iran sanctions laws as "the supreme Law of the Land" if ratified by the Senate as a treaty with the concurrence of two thirds of the Senators present pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2, of the Constitution or if Congress were to enact new implementing legislation that supersedes the mandatory statutory sanctions that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action announced on July 14, 2015, purports to supersede.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2015

Declares the sense of the Senate that: the congressional review requirement of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as added by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (Act), does not apply to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) announced on July 14, 2015, because the President failed to comply with the transmission to Congress requirements; because the President did not transmit to Congress all related materials and annexes within five days of reaching agreement with Iran the congressional review period did not occur, at least not in the manner envisioned by the members of Congress who voted for the Act; in light of the President's failure to submit the entire agreement relating to Iran's nuclear program, including side agreements, to Congress within five days the congressional review requirement by its own terms does not apply to the partial agreement (JCPA), and so for the substance of the transmission to become "the supreme Law of the Land'' it would need either to be treated by the Senate as a treaty or Congress would need to enact new implementing legislation that supersedes the mandatory sanctions the JCPA purports to supersede; the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012, and the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 remain "the supreme Law of the Land'' until a Senate-ratified treaty or duly enacted statute repeals or otherwise supersedes them; and the Senate, which has the power to consent to treaties under Article II of the Constitution, has not and does not consent to the JCPA, which is therefore not "the supreme Law of the Land,'' and the President therefore has a constitutional duty to ensure that the Iran sanctions laws continue to be executed faithfully.

Honoring the victims of hate crimes of Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, where individuals were targeted by violence and hatred, because they were Muslim or perceived to be Muslim.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2015

Recognizes the victims who lost their lives due to Islamophobic hate crimes or hate crimes committed against those perceived to be Muslim in the United States. Expresses condolences to their surviving family members. Represents and upholds the human rights and dignity of all citizens and decries the escalation of intimidation, violence, vandalism, and arson which continue to be on the rise against people or institutions perceived to be Muslim. Recognizes the positive contributions which Arabs, Muslims, Sikhs, and South Asians make to United States society as part of the diverse fabric of cultures in the nation, and affirms to uphold the rights of religious freedom enshrined in the Constitution.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 does not apply to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran and submitted to Congress on July 19, 2015, because the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a treaty and, pursuant to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the Senate must give its advice and consent to ratification if the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is to be effective and binding upon the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2015

States that: the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, commonly referred to as the Corker-Cardin bill, does not apply to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding Iran because the JCPOA is fundamentally different from the agreement as represented to Congress by the Administration and the Corker-Cardin bill is only applicable to an agreement that is not a treaty; Article II of the U.S. Constitution declares that the President shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, but only if two-thirds of the Senators present concur; the JCPOA is a treaty and, pursuant to Article II, the Senate must give its advice and consent to ratification if the JCPOA is to be effective and binding upon the United States; and not later than 30 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution, the Senate should schedule and consider a resolution of ratification with respect to the JCPOA.

Sewall-Belmont House Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 2015

Sewall-Belmont House Act of 2015 This bill establishes the Sewall-Belmont House National Historic Site (the former headquarters of the National Woman's Party of the women's suffrage movement) as a unit of the National Park System (NPS). The Site shall not be established as an NPS unit, however, until the Department of the Interior determines that: (1) the National Woman's Party has transferred to Interior the land and any improvements within the boundaries of the Site, and (2) Interior and the National Woman's Party have entered into a management agreement. The national historic site shall consist of the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, located at 144 Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, DC.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2015

Constitutional Amendment Grants Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.

Calling on the Government of Bangladesh to protect the human rights of all its citizens, particularly vulnerable minorities, strengthen democratic institutions and rule of law, and prevent the growth of extremist groups.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Acknowledges the victims of the 1971 Bangladesh war of independence. Calls on the government of Bangladesh to: (1) adhere to internationally recognized norms for elections, rule of law, and for due process in the conduct of the domestic International Crimes Tribunal investigating and prosecuting suspects of crimes committed in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War; (2) stop radical organizations, such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, which pose an ongoing threat to the country's stability and secular democracy; and (3) protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens, particularly vulnerable minorities.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009, Public Law 111-148, violated article I, section 7 of the United States Constitution because it was a bill for raising revenue that did not originate in the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) H.R. 3590 of the 111th Congress, the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009, as passed by the House, was not a "bill for raising revenue" within the meaning of Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution; (2) H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), as passed by the Senate, was a "bill for raising revenue"; and (3) PPACA was not within the power of the Senate to "propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills" within the meaning of Article I, Section 7, clause 2 of the Constitution.

To authorize the use of the Armed Forces of the United States against Iran if Iran commits a serious violation of its commitments or obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2015

This joint resolution expresses the sense of Congress that: the President should be commended for the commitment to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon and the willingness to explore a peaceful path to ensure Iran remains free of nuclear weapons; the President and the administration should be commended for exhausting diplomatic means in working with the P5+1 countries to reach the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) agreement with Iran that will ensure that Iran's civilian nuclear program becomes compliant with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) without jeopardizing the capability of the United States and U.S. allies to intervene militarily if such an option becomes necessary; and if the President determines that Iran's nuclear program becomes noncompliant under the JCPA agreement and poses a threat to U.S. national security, then the President should work with Congress to utilize appropriate measures, not limited to military intervention, to eliminate thath threat. The President is authorized to use the U.S. Armed Forces against Iran to dismantle Iran's nuclear infrastructure if the President: certifies to Congress that IAEA inspectors have determined that Iran has failed to comply with its JCPA obligations and the President determines that such failure is serious and a threat to U.S. national security; certifies to Congress that the provisions of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to the application of sanctions against Iran have been re-imposed as a result of such failure; and provides to Congress a scope and strategy for the use of the Armed Forces. Congress declares that this Act is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution, and that nothing in this joint resolution supersedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution. The President shall report to, and consult with, Congress on matters relevant to this joint resolution. Nothing in this joint resolution shall be construed to interfere or violate the President's inherent right to authorize limited military force in self-defense pursuant to the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution.

Unpaid Intern Protection Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2015

Unpaid Intern Protection Act of 2015 Prohibits employers from discriminating against unpaid interns on the basis of: (1) race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or age; or (2) disability if such intern can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applies procedures from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to claims for a violation of this Act. Authorizes federal courts to grant legal and equitable relief. Prohibits states from being immune under the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution from an action in a federal court for a violation of this Act.

Calling for a formal end of the Korean War.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2015

Pays tribute to the sacrifices of the veterans of the Korean War, and to its victims and divided families. Calls upon the international community to support the vision of a unified Korea and assist efforts to promote international peace and security, denuclearization, economic prosperity, human rights, and the rule of law both on the Korean Peninsula and elsewhere.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE V. THE CONSTITUTION: DODD-FRANK AT FIVE YEARS

United States · United States Senate · 23 July 2015

To prohibit statutory sanctions relief by the United States with respect to Iran unless the Senate provides its advice and consent to ratification of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2015

This bill prohibits action involving any measure of statutory sanctions relief by the United States unless the Senate provides its advice and consent to ratification of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) under article II, section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. (The JCPA is the agreement signed at Vienna July 14, 2015, by Iran, China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and all related implementing materials and agreements.)

To express the sense of the Congress that any Executive order that infringes on the powers and duties of the Congress under article I, section 8 of the Constitution, or that would require the expenditure of Federal funds not specifically appropriated for the purpose of the Executive order, is advisory only and has no force or effect unless enacted as law.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2015

Expresses the sense of Congress that any executive order issued by the President before, on, or after the approval of this resolution that infringes on the powers and duties of Congress under article I, section 8 of the Constitution, or that would require the expenditure of federal funds not specifically appropriated for such executive order, is advisory only and has no force or effect unless enacted as law.

To amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent the misuse of foreign law in Federal courts, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2015

This bill amends the federal judicial code to prohibit federal courts from deciding any issue on the authority of foreign law, except to the extent that the Constitution or an Act of Congress requires the consideration of that foreign law.

Providing that the House of Representatives disagrees with the majority opinion in Obergefell et al. v. Hodges, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2015

Declares that the House of Representatives: (1) disagrees with the Supreme Court's majority opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges and its holdings that the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution requires states to license marriages between same-sex couples and requires states to recognize same-sex marriages performed out-of-state; and (2) agrees with the four dissenting opinions, which uphold the traditional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman and the original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment. Expresses the sense of the House that: the traditional definition of marriage is a union between one man and one woman; the majority opinion in Obergefell unconstitutionally and indefensibly distorts the definition of marriage; states may refuse to be bound by the holding in Obergefell ; states are not required to license same-sex marriage or recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states; and  individuals, businesses, churches, religious groups, and other faith-based organizations are encouraged, empowered, and protected to exercise their faith without fear of legal or government interference.

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

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2015

Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal, 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.

Thirteenth Amendment Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2015

Thirteenth Amendment Commemorative Coin Act Directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue the following coins in commemoration of the sesquicentennial anniversary of the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution: up to 250,000 $50 bi-metallic platinum and gold coins, up to 250,000 $20 gold coins, and up to 500,000 $1 silver coins. Requires such coins to be considered legal tender and numismatic items. Permits Treasury to issue such coins only during the one-year period beginning January 1 of the issuance year, except that sales may be initiated, without issuance, before such date. Requires specified surcharges that Treasury receives from the sale of such coins to be paid to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Directs Treasury to ensure that: (1) the minting and issuing of such coins will not result in any net cost to the U.S. government; and (2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are disbursed to the Museum until the total cost of designing and issuing all such coins is recovered by the Treasury.

New Columbia Admission Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2015

New Columbia Admission Act Sets forth procedures for admission into the United States of the state of New Columbia. Requires the Mayor of the District of Columbia to: (1) submit to the eligible voters propositions for statehood and adoption of a State Constitution, and (2) issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of New Columbia. Requires the President, upon adoption of such propositions and certification of such elections, to issue a proclamation announcing the results and admitting New Columbia into the Union. Provides for conversion of District government offices to state offices. Provides that New Columbia shall consist of all territory of the District as of enactment of this Act, excluding land within specified metes and bounds that shall remain the District of Columbia and that shall include the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, the federal executive, legislative, and judicial office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and the Capitol Building, and certain military property. Prohibits New Columbia from imposing taxes on federal property except as provided by Congress. Maintains the applicability to New Columbia of current District laws and continues pending judicial proceedings. Maintains: (1) the District of Columbia as the seat of the federal government, and (2) the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property. Requires each state that is the last place an individual resided before residing in the District of Columbia to permit such individual to vote in federal elections by absentee ballot. Sets forth a rule for expedited consideration of a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution to repeal the 23rd amendment (which provides for the appointment of electors for President and Vice President for the District).

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to give States the right to repeal Federal laws and regulations when ratified by the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2015

Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the repeal of any federal law or regulation when the legislatures of two-thirds of the states approve resolutions for this purpose that particularly describe the provisions to be repealed.

Returning to the Senate H.R. 1735, a bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2015

Returns to the Senate H.R. 1735 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016) with the Senate amendment because, in the opinion of the House of Representatives, the Senate amendment contravenes the clause of the Constitution requiring bills raising revenue to originate in the House and is an infringement of the privileges of the House.

Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2015

Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to allow a representative official of an Indian tribe, with authorization from the governing body of the tribe, to request one or more polling places to be located on tribal lands. The state or political subdivision shall provide each requested polling place at no expense to the Indian tribe if certain criteria are met. A federal court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce constitutional voting guarantees, but also certain violations of the Act as well as of any federal prohibition against discrimination on the basis of race, color, or membership in a language minority group, for an appropriate period to prevent commencement of new devices to deny or abridge the right to vote. Requirements are revised for determining which states and political subdivisions are or are not covered by criteria for declaratory judgments that they have not used devices to deny or abridge the right to vote. Any state (and all of its political subdivisions) shall be subject to such requirements for a 10-year period if: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years; or 10 or more violations occurred during the previous 25 years, at least one of which was committed by the state itself (as opposed to a political subdivision within it). Any specific political subdivision of a state shall also be subject to those requirements for a 10-year period if 3 or more violations occurred in it during the previous 25 calendar years. A state or political subdivision that obtains a declaratory judgment that it has not used a device to deny or abridge the right to vote shall be exempt from such requirements unless new violations occur after the declaratory judgment was issued. Each state and each political subdivision shall: (1) identify any newly enacted or adopted law, regulation, or policy that includes a voting qualification or prerequisite to voting, or a voting-related standard, practice, or procedure (covered practice); and (2) ensure that no such covered practice is implemented unless or until the state or political subdivision complies with certain preclearance requirements. This bill prescribes transparency requirements, including reasonable public notice, regarding any changes to: (1) voting prerequisites, standards, or procedures; (2) polling place resources; or (3) demographics and electoral districts. Department of Justice authority to assign observers receives new extensions, including authority to assign observers to enforce bilingual election requirements. Courts shall grant preliminary injunctive relief if a complainant raises a serious question whether the challenged covered practice violates the Act or the Constitution and, on balance, the hardship imposed upon the defendant by the relief will be less than the hardship on the plaintiff if the relief were not granted.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the authority of Congress and the States to regulate contributions and expenditures in political campaigns and to enact public financing systems for such campaigns.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2015

Constitutional Amendment Prohibits construction of the Constitution as forbidding Congress or the states from: (1) imposing reasonable content-neutral limitations on private campaign contributions or independent election expenditures; or (2) enacting systems of public campaign financing, including those designed to restrict the influence of private wealth by offsetting campaign spending or independent expenditures with increased public funding.

Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2015

Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to allow a representative official of an Indian tribe, with authorization from the governing body of the tribe, to request one or more polling places to be located on tribal lands. The state or political subdivision shall provide each requested polling place at no expense to the Indian tribe if certain criteria are met. A federal court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce constitutional voting guarantees, but also certain violations of the Act as well as of any federal prohibition against discrimination on the basis of race, color, or membership in a language minority group, for an appropriate period to prevent commencement of new devices to deny or abridge the right to vote. Requirements are revised for determining which states and political subdivisions are or are not covered by criteria for declaratory judgments that they have not used devices to deny or abridge the right to vote. Any state (and all of its political subdivisions) shall be subject to such requirements for a 10-year period if: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years; or 10 or more violations occurred during the previous 25 years, at least one of which was committed by the state itself (as opposed to a political subdivision within it). Any specific political subdivision of a state shall also be subject to those requirements for a 10-year period if 3 or more violations occurred in it during the previous 25 calendar years. A state or political subdivision that obtains a declaratory judgment that it has not used a device to deny or abridge the right to vote shall be exempt from such requirements unless new violations occur after the declaratory judgment was issued. Each state and each political subdivision shall: (1) identify any newly enacted or adopted law, regulation, or policy that includes a voting qualification or prerequisite to voting, or a voting-related standard, practice, or procedure (covered practice); and (2) ensure that no such covered practice is implemented unless or until the state or political subdivision complies with certain preclearance requirements. This bill prescribes transparency requirements, including reasonable public notice, regarding any changes to: (1) voting prerequisites, standards, or procedures; (2) polling place resources; or (3) demographics and electoral districts. Department of Justice authority to assign observers receives new extensions, including authority to assign observers to enforce bilingual election requirements. Courts shall grant preliminary injunctive relief if a complainant raises a serious question whether the challenged covered practice violates the Act or the Constitution and, on balance, the hardship imposed upon the defendant by the relief will be less than the hardship on the plaintiff if the relief were not granted.

Read the Bills Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2015

Read the Bills Act This bill requires any bill or resolution introduced in either chamber of Congress to contain a provision citing the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the proposed measure, including all of its provisions. Any measure introduced in either chamber, intended to amend or modify the effect of, or which would have such an effect, any current provision of law, including its expiration date, must set forth: (1) the current version of the entire section of the current law that the measure proposes to amend, verbatim; (2) the amendments being proposed by the measure; and (3) the section of law as it would read as modified by such amendments. Measures that would strike the text of an entire section of a law are excluded. Neither the Clerk of the House of Representatives nor the Secretary of the Senate may accept legislation noncompliant with these requirements. These requirements shall be applied to any legislation presented for consideration on the floor of either chamber. Noncompliant measures may not be submitted for a vote on final passage. These requirements shall not be waived or modified by either chamber or Congress jointly. A vote on final passage of a measure (except private bills) may not occur in either chamber unless: the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote on an official website of each chamber, public notice of the specific calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted on the respective website within six days before the Monday of such week, and there is a reading of its full text verbatim by the Clerk or the Secretary to the respective chamber. A Member of Congress, before voting in favor of final passage of any measure (except a private bill), must sign an affidavit, executed under penalty of perjury, that the Member either: (1) was present throughout the entire reading of each such measure, and listened attentively to the reading in its entirety; or (2) before such vote, read attentively each such measure in its entirety. This requirement shall not be waived or modified by either chamber of Congress. An Act of Congress noncompliant with this Act shall have no force or effect. No legal, equitable, regulatory, civil, or criminal action may be brought under such Act. The following aggrieved individuals are granted the right to bring an action against the United States to seek appropriate relief, including an injunction against the enforcement of any law whose passage did not conform to this Act: persons aggrieved by an action of any executive officer or employee, Members of Congress, and persons individually aggrieved by the failure of their Senator or Member of the House of Representatives to fulfill their obligation under this Act.

A resolution commemorating the 150th anniversaries of the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, often referred to as the "Second Founding" of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2015

Commemorates the 150th anniversaries of the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution. Designates 2015 as the "Sesquicentennial of Our Nation's Second Founding, New Birth of Freedom: Commemorating the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments."

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Declares that it is an unlawful employment practice for employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and other specified entities to: (1) fail to make reasonable accommodations to known limitations related to the pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions of job applicants or employees, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on such an entity's business operation; (2) require such job applicants or employees to accept an accommodation that they choose not to accept, if such accommodation is unnecessary to perform the job; (3) deny employment opportunities based on the need of the entity to make such reasonable accommodations; (4) require such employees to take paid or unpaid leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided to their known limitations; or (5) take adverse action in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment against an employee requesting or using such reasonable accommodations. Sets forth enforcement procedures and remedies under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and the rights and protections extended to presidential offices. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to issue regulations to carry out this Act, including the identification of reasonable accommodations addressing known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Prohibits state immunity under the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution from an action for a violation of this Act.

Nepal Trade Preferences Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Nepal Trade Preferences Act It is the sense of Congress that it should be an objective of the United States to use trade policies and trade agreements to reduce poverty and eliminate hunger. The President may give preferential treatment to certain articles imported directly from Nepal into the U.S. customs territory if that country meets certain requirements under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, including a market-based economy and the rule of law, the protection of human rights and internationally-recognized worker rights, elimination of trade barriers to the United States, and non-engagement in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests or support acts of international terrorism. Nepal must also meet certain eligibility criteria for designation as a beneficiary developing country under the Trade Act of 1974. Certain leather articles (trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases, briefcases, school satchels and similar containers) and textile or apparel articles imported directly from Nepal may enter the U.S. customs territory duty-free if: the article is the growth, product, or manufacture of Nepal; Nepal is the country of origin of the textile or apparel article; the President determines, after receiving advice from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), that the article is not import-sensitive; and the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in, and the manufacturing costs performed in, Nepal or the U.S. customs territory is at least 35% of the appraised value of the article at the time it is entered. Limits to 15% of the appraised value of an article at the time it is entered the cost or value of the materials produced in, and the manufacturing costs performed in, the U.S. customs territory and attributed to the 35% requirement. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection must verify annually that textile and apparel articles imported duty-free into the United States from Nepal are not being unlawfully transshipped into the United States. The President shall establish a trade facilitation and capacity building program to assist Nepal in the export of goods. The extension of preferential treatment to Nepal shall terminate after December 31, 2025.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2015

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Declares that it is an unlawful employment practice for employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and other specified entities to: (1) fail to make reasonable accommodations to known limitations related to the pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions of job applicants or employees, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on such an entity's business operation; (2) deny employment opportunities based on the need of the entity to make such reasonable accommodations; (3) require such job applicants or employees to accept an accommodation that they choose not to accept, if such accommodation is unnecessary to perform the job; (4) require such employees to take paid or unpaid leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided to their known limitations; or (5) take adverse action in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment against an employee requesting or using such reasonable accommodations. Sets forth enforcement procedures and remedies under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and the rights and protections extended to presidential offices. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to issue regulations to carry out this Act, including the identification of reasonable accommodations addressing known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Prohibits state immunity under the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution from an action for a violation of this Act.

Authorizing the reprinting of the 25th edition of the pocket version of the United States Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2015

Authorizes the printing as a House document of the 25th edition of the pocket version of the U.S. Constitution. Prescribes requirements in each chamber for distribution of copies of the printed document for their respective use.

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

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2015

Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring federal expenditures and receipts to be balanced, excluding expenditures for payment of debt and receipts derived from borrowing. The requirement may be met over more than one year to accommodate economic conditions. In emergency situations, two-thirds of the House of Representatives and the Senate may authorize expenditures to exceed receipts for a limited time. Debts from emergency expenditures must be paid as soon as practicable. Congress may enforce the article with legislation, which must require compliance within 10 years of ratification.

Honoring the Tunisian People for their democratic transition.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2015

Commends the people of Tunisia for their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and free and fair elections. Commends the government of Tunisia for holding successful legislative elections and the peaceful and fair completion of the presidential election. Recognizes Tunisia's legislative and presidential elections as an example of a peaceful, democratic transition of power for other nations throughout the region to follow. Encourages all political parties in Tunisia to work together to realize the standards of transparency, inclusiveness, and equality established in the Tunisian Constitution. Affirms the U.S. commitment to strengthening our bilateral relationship with Tunisia. Calls on the President to advance the U.S.-Tunisia relationship by engaging in a Strategic Partnership.