Rule of law

To amend title 5, United States Code, to modify the oath of office taken by individuals in the civil service or uniformed services, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 December 2020

This bill modifies the oath of office for elected and appointed positions in the federal civil service and uniformed services. Specifically, the bill modifies the oath to include a pledge to place the obligation to support and defend the Constitution above an obligation to any individual, political party, or faction.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing equality before the law.

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total federal expenditures for a year from exceeding the average annual federal revenue collected in the three prior years, adjusted for changes in population and inflation. Expenditures for payment of debt and revenues derived from borrowing are excluded. Congress may authorize specific expenditures in excess of the limit for up to one year by declaring an emergency with a roll call vote of two-thirds of each chamber. The requirements take effect in the first year beginning at least 90 days following ratification, except that expenditures are permitted to exceed the limit by specified amounts during each of the first nine years that the requirements are in effect.

A resolution defending the free exercise of religion.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2020

This resolution affirms the Senate's support for the rights, liberties, and protections enshrined in the Constitution and commits to vigorously defend the right of all people of the United States to engage in the free exercise of religion.

Qualified Immunity Abolition Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2020

Qualified Immunity Abolition Act This bill eliminates the defense of qualified immunity in civil actions for deprivation of rights. Qualified immunity is a judicially created doctrine that protects government employees or those acting with state authority from being held personally liable for constitutional violations. The bill provides that under the statute allowing a civil action alleging deprivation of rights under color of law, it shall not be a defense or immunity to any such action that (1) the defendant was acting in good faith or believed that his or her conduct was lawful at the time it was committed; (2) the rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws were not clearly established at the time of their deprivation; or (3) the state of the law was such that the defendant could not reasonably have been expected to know whether his or her conduct was lawful.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2020

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment.

A resolution urging the Government of Thailand to protect and uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2020

This resolution expresses support for democracy in Thailand and urges against the use of a military coup to resolve Thailand's current political crisis.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2020

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

United States · United States Congress · 2 December 2020

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment.

Advancing Competitiveness, Transparency, and Security in the Americas Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2020

Advancing Competitiveness, Transparency, and Security in the Americas Act of 2020 This bill supports U.S. economic engagement and diplomatic presence in Latin American and Caribbean countries and implements requirements to counter foreign corrupt practices and malign business practices in the region. Specifically, the bill establishes measures to (1) increase U.S. economic competitiveness and promote the rule of law in Latin American and Caribbean countries, (2) promote regional security and digital security, and (3) protect human rights in the Americas and advance the role of civil society in Latin America and the Caribbean.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution to require that the Supreme Court consist of nine justices.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate condemning the politicization of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2020

This resolution disapproves of statements and actions by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Democratic Caucus of the House of Representatives related to invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which provides for the accession of the Vice President to the powers and duties of the presidency upon a specified declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

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

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total federal expenditures for a year from exceeding the average annual federal revenue collected in the three prior years, adjusted for changes in population and inflation. Expenditures for payment of debt and revenues derived from borrowing are excluded. Congress may authorize specific expenditures in excess of the limit for up to one year by declaring an emergency with a roll call vote of two-thirds of each chamber. The requirements take effect in the first year beginning at least 90 days following ratification, except that expenditures are permitted to exceed the limit by specified amounts during each of the first nine years that the requirements are in effect.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-third article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment repealing the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (allowing citizens residing in the District of Columbia to vote for presidential electors, who in turn vote in the electoral college for the President and Vice President).

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that newsgathering activities are protected under the First Amendment, and that the United States should drop all charges against and attempts to extradite Julian Assange.

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2020

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) newsgathering activities, including the publication of leaked classified information, are protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution; (2) freedom of the press is a vital function of a free society; and (3) the federal government should drop all espionage charges against Julian Assange.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the composition of the Senate to Senators from States admitted to the Union prior to the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting the composition of the Senate to Senators from states admitted to the Union before the 116th Congress.

Reaffirming the House of Representatives' commitment to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020

This resolution reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution and expresses the intention of the House that there be no disruptions by the President or any person in power to overturn the will of the people.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to ensure that an Act of Congress that increases the number of judges comprising the Supreme Court may not take effect before the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of such Act.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2020

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution to prevent any act that increases the number of justices on the Supreme Court from taking effect for 10 years following its enactment.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution to require that the Supreme Court consist of nine justices.

A resolution reaffirming the Senate's commitment to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2020

This resolution reaffirms the Senate's commitment to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution and expresses the Senate's intention that there be no disruptions by the President or any person in power to overturn the will of the people.

MAINTAINING JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE AND THE RULE OF LAW: EXAMINING THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF COURT CAPTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 September 2020

Expressing support for the recognition of Constitution Week.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2020

This resolution (1) expresses support for the recognition of Constitution Week; and (2) encourages schools and universities to include, in a grade appropriate manner, lessons explaining the history and importance of the Constitution.

Expressing support for the designation of the month of September as "National Voting Rights Month".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, encourages the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special John Lewis stamp during the month of September, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections.

A resolution designating September 2020 as "National Voting Rights Month".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2020

This resolution designates September 2020 as National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, encourages the U.S. Postal Service to issue a special John R. Lewis stamp during the month of September, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections.

To establish defiance of a congressional subpoena for testimony or documents by the President as an impeachable high crimes and misdemeanor within the meaning of Article II, Section 4 of the United States Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 21 August 2020

This concurrent resolution declares that (1) a President's, Vice-President's, or Civil Officer's deliberate disobedience and defiance of a congressional subpoena may constitute an impeachable high crime and misdemeanor; and (2) if a President refuses to comply with a congressional subpoena by invoking executive privilege, the failure to assert that privilege with factual and legal specificity shall be taken as evidence of such disobedience and defiance.

Recognizing the importance and significance of the Justice Bell in the women's suffrage movement.

United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2020

This resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which provided for women's suffrage. It also recognizes the Justice Bell as a symbol for women's suffrage.

Protect the Youth Vote Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 August 2020

Protect the Youth Vote Act of 2020 This bill outlines specific practices that violate the Twenty-Sixth Amendment to the Constitution and establishes procedures to enforce the amendment. The Twenty-Sixth Amendment established 18 as the legal voting age and prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on age.

Advancing Competitiveness, Transparency, and Security in the Americas Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 August 2020

Advancing Competitiveness, Transparency, and Security in the Americas Act of 2020 This bill supports U.S. economic engagement and diplomatic presence in Latin American and Caribbean countries and implements requirements to counter foreign corrupt practices and malign business practices in the region. Specifically, the bill establishes measures to (1) increase U.S. economic competitiveness and promote the rule of law in Latin American and Caribbean countries, (2) promote regional security and digital security, and (3) protect human rights in the Americas and advance the role of civil society in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Qualified Immunity Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

Qualified Immunity Act of 2020 This bill codifies the defense of qualified immunity for law enforcement officers in any case under provisions regarding civil actions for deprivation of rights under color of law. Specifically, a law enforcement officer subject to such an action in his or her individual capacity shall not be found liable if the officer establishes that the right, privilege, or immunity secured by the Constitution or federal law was not clearly established at the time of the deprivation, or that at this time, the state of the law was not sufficiently clear that every reasonable law enforcement officer would have understood that the conduct alleged constituted a violation of the Constitution or federal law; or a court of competent jurisdiction had issued a final decision on the merits holding, without reversal, vacatur, or preemption, that the specific conduct alleged to be unlawful was consistent with the Constitution and federal laws. A law enforcement agency or unit of local government that employed a law enforcement officer subject to such an action shall not be liable if the officer is found not liable and to have been acting within the scope of his or her employment.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the right to vote.

United States · United States Congress · 7 August 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment related to the fundamental right to vote. Specifically, it grants every U.S. citizen of legal voting age the fundamental right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote.

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment related to the fundamental right to vote. Specifically, it grants every U.S. citizen of legal voting age the fundamental right to vote in any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the citizen resides. Next, it specifies that the fundamental right to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States, a state, or a political subdivision of a state, unless the denial or abridgment is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest by the least restrictive means. Finally, it repeals a specific portion of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which allows for the denial of the right to vote based on crime. (Currently, some states disallow individuals from voting, either temporarily or indefinitely, after incarceration for a felony.)

National Commission on Renaming the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Headquarters Building Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020

National Commission on Renaming the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Headquarters Building Act of 2020 This bill establishes the National Commission on Renaming the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Headquarters Building. The commission must make recommendations for redesignating the building that reflect certain considerations, including the mission of the FBI, the values of the U.S. Constitution, and racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. The Director of the FBI must determine whether to redesignate the building in accordance with the commission's recommendations; if the Director declines to do so, the Director must submit an explanatory report to Congress.

PAUSE Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2020

Preventing Actions Undermining Security without Endorsement Act or the PAUSE Act This bill prohibits the termination or withdrawal of the United States from certain international agreements (e.g., the New START Treaty or the Constitution of the World Health Organization) without (1) a detailed justification for, and specified certifications related to, the termination or withdrawal; and (2) a joint resolution approving the action.

Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2020

Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act This bill authorizes the allocation of certain funds for purposes related to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, requires the Department of State to develop a strategy for prioritizing efforts to increase disaster response and resilience in the Caribbean, and establishes monitoring and reporting requirements. Funds for carrying out the initiative shall be used for purposes that include (1) promoting citizen safety, security, and the rule of law in the Caribbean; (2) prioritizing efforts to combat corruption; and (3) promoting the rule of law in the Caribbean and countering influence from authoritarian regimes. The State Department shall develop a strategy that incorporates specific, measurable benchmarks demonstrating a prioritization of efforts to increase disaster response and resilience through carrying out specified coordination, resilience, and preparedness programs in beneficiary countries. The State Department must also submit an implementation plan that includes a timeline and stated objectives for such actions to be taken.

Sudan Democratic Transition, Accountability, and Fiscal Transparency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2020

Sudan Democratic Transition, Accountability, and Fiscal Transparency Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of State to submit a strategy outlining U.S. support for a transition to civilian-led government in Sudan, and it authorizes certain measures to support and assist such a political transition. Specifically, the bill requires the State Department to submit a strategy that includes (1) an articulation of specific U.S. objectives for the political transition in Sudan and a plan to achieve such objectives; (2) an assessment of reforms necessary to promote human rights, essential freedoms, and accountability, as well as a description of efforts to address such reforms; and (3) an assessment of security sector reforms by the Sudanese government, such as demobilizing militias and fostering civilian control of the armed forces. The bill also authorizes the President to provide certain support for (1) democratic governance, rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms; (2) programs to advance economic growth, private-sector productivity, and market-based solutions to development challenges; (3) conflict mitigation strategies to support long-term peace, stability and oversight of Sudanese security and intelligence services; and (4) accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The President must impose sanctions on individuals who the President determines are committing human rights abuses, exploiting natural resources, or undermining the political transition in Sudan. Upon certification that Sudan has taken steps to improve fiscal transparency, the Department of the Treasury and the State Department must engage with international financial institutions to restructure, reschedule, or cancel the sovereign debt of Sudan. During the transitional period in Sudan, Treasury may also support the use of certain funds to respond to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak in Sudan.

Supporting the designation of August 2020 as National Women's Suffrage Month.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

This resolution supports the designation of National Women's Suffrage Month. It also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which provided for women's suffrage.

Condemning the statements of Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020

This resolution declares that the House of Representatives (1) condemns certain statements made by Representative Ilhan Omar, (2) condemns Members of Congress who advocate for Marxist policies, and (3) reaffirms its commitment to support and defend the Constitution.

National Commission on United States Counterterrorism Policy Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

National Commission on United States Counterterrorism Policy Act of 2020 This bill establishes within the legislative branch the National Commission on United States Counterterrorism Policy. The commission shall (1) review U.S. counterterrorism objectives, priorities, capabilities, policies, programs, and activities; and (2) assess how to adapt and prioritize such policies, programs, and activities to ensure that they employ a mix of available instruments of national power, comply with the rule of law and respect for civil rights and liberties and human rights, focus on terrorism risks, and are balanced relative to the pursuit of other U.S. interests. The commission shall study, among other things the evolution of threats to the United States from September 11, 2001, from international and domestic terrorism and the risks they pose relative to other threats to the United States and U.S. national interests, major lessons learned from U.S. counterterrorism activities since that date, potential new or emerging challenges, and recommendations on how best to adapt U.S. counterterrorism activities to address existing and emerging terrorism risks.

A resolution designating August 2020 as "National Women's Suffrage Month".

United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020

This resolution designates August 2020 as National Women's Suffrage Month. It honors the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which provided for women's suffrage.

Ending Qualified Immunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2020

Ending Qualified Immunity Act This bill eliminates the defense of qualified immunity in civil actions for deprivation of rights. Qualified immunity is a judicially created doctrine that protects government employees or those acting with state authority from being held personally liable for constitutional violations. The bill provides that under the statute allowing a civil action alleging deprivation of rights under color of law, it shall not be a defense or immunity to any such action that (1) the defendant was acting in good faith or believed that his or her conduct was lawful at the time it was committed; (2) the rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws were not clearly established at the time of their deprivation; or (3) the state of the law was such that the defendant could not reasonably have been expected to know whether his or her conduct was lawful.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the use of slavery or involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States protecting the right of citizens to vote.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2020

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that grants U.S. citizens who are 18 years of age or older a right to vote unless they are serving a sentence for a felony in a correctional facility at the time of an election. (Currently, some states disallow individuals from voting, either temporarily or indefinitely, after incarceration for a felony.)

Reforming Qualified Immunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

Reforming Qualified Immunity Act This bill modifies the defense of qualified immunity in civil actions for deprivation of rights. Qualified immunity is a judicially created doctrine that protects government employees or those acting with state authority from being held personally liable for constitutional violations. The bill provides that under the statute allowing a civil action alleging deprivation of rights under color of law, it shall not be a defense or immunity to any such action that (1) the defendant was acting in good faith or believed that his or her conduct was lawful at the time it was committed; (2) the rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws were not clearly established at the time of their deprivation; or (3) the state of the law was such that the defendant could not reasonably have been expected to know whether his or her conduct was lawful. A defendant sued in his or her individual capacity shall not be liable if specified conditions apply (concerning the defendant's belief that conduct was lawful or judicial decisions addressing the validity of laws), such as when the defendant establishes that, at the time the deprivation occurred, the conduct alleged to be unlawful was specifically authorized or required by a federal or state statute or regulation. A municipality or other unit of local government shall be liable for a violation by an agent or employee of the municipality or unit of local government acting within the scope of his or her employment.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that undue restrictions on the right of law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm for self-defense outside of the home violate the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2020

This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that undue restrictions on the right of law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm for self-defense outside of the home violate the Second Amendment to the Constitution.

Strengthening the Posse Comitatus Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

Strengthening the Posse Comitatus Act of 2020 This bill modifies provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act that prohibit the willful use of any part of the Army or Air Force to execute the law unless expressly authorized by the Constitution or an act of Congress. Specifically, the bill expands the applicability of the Posse Comitatus Act to all branches of the Armed Forces. The bill also prohibits the use of evidence obtained by or with the assistance of a member of the Armed Forces in violation of the bill.

Resolving that jurisdictions seeking to dismantle or reduce funding for the jurisdiction's police force should not unduly burden residents who seek to defend themselves.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

This resolution expresses that any jurisdiction that seeks to dismantle or reduce funding for a police force should review its local rules to ensure such rules do not place an undue burden on residents who seek to defend themselves, including through the legal purchase of a firearm and training services; such a review should be based on standards set forth by the Supreme Court that confirmed the Second Amendment to the Constitution to be an individual right and that no law can prohibit an individual from possessing and using a firearm in the home for self-defense; and any jurisdiction that seeks to dismantle or reduce funding for police agencies must remove rules that hinder individual gun ownership or access to firearms.

Encouraging the celebration of the month of June as LGBTQ Pride Month.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2020

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution; (2) LGBTQ Pride Month should be celebrated; and (3) all Americans should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Recognizing the threats to press freedom in the United States in the wake of protests following the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, by police in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020

This resolution expresses support for freedom of the press and opposes the targeting of journalists. Specifically, the resolution calls on law enforcement to protect freedom of the press and refrain from targeting journalists and media workers; calls on government entities to clarify that credentialed press are exempt from curfews enacted in response to protests and public demonstrations; stresses the need for accountability where law enforcement entities or protesters violate the Constitution, laws, or regulations in their treatment of journalists and media crews during protests; and reaffirms the centrality of freedom of the press to supporting democracy, exposing corruption, and promoting good governance.

Bivens Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2020

Bivens Act of 2020 This bill provides statutory authority for individuals to sue and recover damages from federal officials for violations of their constitutional rights. Currently, individuals have a statutory right to bring such suits against state or local officials, commonly known as Section 1983 suits or Bivens actions. Although the statute does not explicitly authorize such suits against federal officials, the Supreme Court has found this right to be inferred from the Constitution.

Twentieth Amendment Section Four Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020

Twentieth Amendment Section Four Study Act This bill establishes the Twentieth Amendment Section Four Panel, which must recommend to Congress model legislation to resolve any vacancy created by the death of a candidate in a contingent presidential or vice-presidential election. Such panel terminates 90 days after submitting its final report. (The Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution requires that presidential and vice-presidential candidates gain a majority of electoral votes to win an election. In the event that no candidate wins a majority of electoral votes, the Twelfth Amendment requires the House of Representatives to elect the President and the Senate to elect the Vice President, which is known as a contingent election. The Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution allows Congress to establish a process in the case of the death of a candidate in a contingent presidential or vice-presidential election.)