Rule of law

FOREST Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023

Fostering Overseas Rule of law and Environmentally Sound Trade Act of 2023 or the FOREST Act of 2023 This bill restricts certain commodities produced on illegally deforested land from accessing the U.S. market. Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of any product made wholly or in part of a covered commodity produced on illegally deforested land. The bill outlines requirements for import declarations of covered commodities. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must, within 30 days, publish (1) an initial list of covered commodities that consists of palm oil, soybeans, cocoa, cattle, and rubber; and (2) an initial list of covered products that are defined by the bill in accordance with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. These lists must be updated at least on an annual basis. Further, the USTR must identify foreign countries without adequate and effective protection against illegal deforestation for the production of commodities that are likely to enter the United States. The USTR must develop an action plan that includes benchmarks for each identified country. Additionally, the bill creates an interagency working group to provide advice and recommendations to the USTR, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other relevant agencies. The bill provides funding to assist foreign governments in combating illegal deforestation. The bill also includes illegal deforestation as a specified unlawful activity under a federal financial crime statute. The bill establishes a federal procurement preference for commodities that are not produced on land subject to deforestation.

COCOA Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023 or the COCOA Act of 2023 This bill provides statutory authority for designated congressional election observers. Designated congressional election observe r refers to an employee of the House of Representatives who is designated in writing by the chair or ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration to gather information with respect to an election, including in the event that the election is contested in the House and for other purposes permitted by Article I, Section 5, clause 1 and Article I, Section 4, clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution. The bill requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to clearly observe all elements of administration procedures of federal elections, including access to any area in which a ballot is cast, processed, scanned, tabulated, canvassed, recounted, audited, or certified, including during pre- and post-election procedures. The bill prohibits such an observer from handling ballots or election equipment, advocating for a position or candidate, taking any action to reduce ballot secrecy or voter privacy, taking any action to interfere with the ability of a voter to cast a ballot or an election administrator to carry out the administrator's duties, or otherwise interfering with the election administration process. The bill specifies the conduct for which designated congressional election observers may be removed by election officials. In the event of removal, the election official must provide written notice to the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration.

Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023

This resolution expresses strong support for democracy in Pakistan, including free and fair elections. It calls on the President to work with Pakistan to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution also urges Pakistan to uphold democratic institutions and human rights.

FOREST Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2023

Fostering Overseas Rule of law and Environmentally Sound Trade Act of 2023 or the FOREST Act of 2023 This bill restricts certain commodities produced on illegally deforested land from accessing the U.S. market. Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of any product made wholly or in part of a covered commodity produced on illegally deforested land. The bill outlines requirements for import declarations of covered commodities. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must, within 30 days, publish (1) an initial list of covered commodities that consists of palm oil, soybeans, cocoa, cattle, and rubber; and (2) an initial list of covered products that are defined by the bill in accordance with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. These lists must be updated at least on an annual basis. Further, the USTR must identify foreign countries without adequate and effective protection against illegal deforestation for the production of commodities that are likely to enter the United States. The USTR must develop an action plan that includes benchmarks for each identified country. Additionally, the bill creates an interagency working group to provide advice and recommendations to the USTR, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other relevant agencies. The bill provides funding to assist foreign governments in combating illegal deforestation. The bill also includes illegal deforestation as a specified unlawful activity under a federal financial crime statute. The bill establishes a federal procurement preference for commodities that are not produced on land subject to deforestation.

Proposing a Federal debt limit amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2023

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect.

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2023

Commending the people of Ecuador on holding successful elections, and expressing the sense of Congress that the United States must strengthen its cooperation with the Government of Ecuador.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2023

This resolution commends the people of Ecuador, after recent elections, for their commitment to democracy, civil liberties, and economic prosperity. The resolution also urges the President to deepen bilateral ties between the two countries and to strengthen democracy, security, trade, rule of law, and broad-based economic well-being in the hemisphere.

Condemning the statements of Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2023

This resolution (1) condemns certain statements made by Representative Rashida Tlaib, (2) condemns Members of Congress who advocate for anti-Semitic policies, and (3) reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to support and defend the Constitution.

To restore the ability of the people of American Samoa to approve amendments to the territorial constitution based on majority rule in a democratic act of self-determination, as authorized pursuant to an Act of Congress delegating administration of Federal territorial law in the territory to the President, and to the Secretary of the Interior under Executive Order 10264, dated June 29, 1951, under which the Constitution of American Samoa was approved and may be amended without requirement for further congressional action, subject to the authority of Congress under the Territorial Clause in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2023

This bill repeals the statute that prevents the people of American Samoa from approving amendments or modifications to the constitution of that territory. (Under that statute, an act of Congress is required for such an amendment or modification.)

PRESERVING DUE PROCESS AND THE RULE OF LAW: EXAMINING THE STATUS OF OUR NATION'S IMMIGRATION COURTS

United States · United States Senate · 18 October 2023

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting pay for Members of Congress and requiring legislation to reduce the national debt.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate regarding the constitutional right of State Governors to repel the dangerous ongoing invasion across the United States southern border.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that citizens in all 50 states have been endangered by President Biden's border policies. The resolution finds that violent activity and significant numbers of border crossings constitute invasion under the U.S. Constitution and expresses that state governors possess the authority to repel such invasion.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 684) condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 684) condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 684) condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5525) making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 684) condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5525) making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024.

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

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023

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 three-fourths 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.

Condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

This resolution condemns the actions of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for violating the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections. The amendment grants Congress and the states the power to implement and enforce this amendment by legislation. They are allowed to distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.

CIVICS Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

Constitution education Is Valuable In Community Schools Act of 2023 or the CIVICS Act of 2023 This bill requires national activities supported by American History and Civics Education grants to include programs that educate students about the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of years during which an individual may serve as a Member of Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2023

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish an upper limit on the age of eligibility for service as President, Vice President, or Member of Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2023

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution to prohibit the election as President, Vice President, Senator, or Representative in Congress of a person who, during their term, will be 75 years of age or older.

Declaring unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination and providing for the establishment of a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation charged with eliminating racism and invidious discrimination.

United States · United States Congress · 18 August 2023

This resolution condemns racism and invidious discrimination as evil and antithetical to the U.S. Constitution and declares unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination in America. (Invidious discrimination generally refers to discrimination based on a classification that is arbitrary or irrational and not related to a legitimate purpose.) The resolution also expresses the intention of the House of Representatives to pass legislation establishing a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation. The department shall be charged with developing and coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and invidious discrimination.

Condemning Beijing's destruction of Hong Kong's democracy and rule of law.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2023

This resolution condemns China's Hong Kong national security law (officially called The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ) and related human rights abuses. The resolution also (1) supports the people of Hong Kong as they fight to exercise fundamental rights and freedoms; and (2) calls upon the Hong Kong government to drop all sedition and national security law-related charges and free all defendants immediately, including Jimmy Lai, Cardinal Zen, and at least 47 individuals known collectively as the Hong Kong 47.

A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment without delay.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2023

This joint resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, was ratified by more than three-fourths of the states and is therefore a valid constitutional amendment, effective January 27, 2020 (the date of Virginia's ratification). The Equal Rights Amendment was originally proposed to the states in 1972. The original proposal included a deadline for ratification of March 22, 1979; Congress subsequently extended the deadline to June 30, 1982. Although the requisite 38 states have ratified the amendment, three of these states did so after the deadlines, and five states subsequently rescinded their ratifications. The status of the amendment has been the subject of litigation.

Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2023

Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act This bill imposes visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign persons (i.e., individuals or entities) that are involved in certain actions that threaten the peace, stability, or democracy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The President must impose such sanctions on certain foreign persons, including those that are responsible for or engaged in corruption or certain acts or policies that seek to (1) threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina; (2) undermine democratic processes or institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; or (3) undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement or certain authorities related to the agreement. (The agreement brought an end to the Bosnian War, and Bosnia and Herzegovina's constitution stems in part from the agreement.) The Department of the Treasury may impose certain prohibitions and restrictions on a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates a significant transaction for a foreign person subject to sanctions under this bill. The bill also provides statutory authority for sanctions imposed under Executive Order 13219 and Executive Order 14033 (both orders impose sanctions on persons threatening stability in the Western Balkans).

Expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment without delay.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2023

This joint resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, was ratified by more than three-fourths of the states and is therefore a valid constitutional amendment, effective January 27, 2020 (the date of Virginia's ratification). The Equal Rights Amendment was originally proposed to the states in 1972. The original proposal included a deadline for ratification of March 22, 1979; Congress subsequently extended the deadline to June 30, 1982. Although the requisite 38 states have ratified the amendment, three of these states did so after the deadlines, and five states subsequently rescinded their ratifications. The status of the amendment has been the subject of litigation.

To conform Federal tax law with the Texas Constitution to allow for the continued benefit to the fullest extent possible from the financial leverage of the Permanent University Fund to the State of Texas.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2023

This bill updates the effective date of the arbitrage rules for the Permanent University Fund of the state of Texas.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court be composed of not more than nine justices.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2023

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution requiring the Supreme Court to be composed of not more than nine Justices.

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023 or the COCOA Act of 2023 This bill requires states to provide designated congressional election observers with full access to observe the administration procedures of federal elections. The bill prohibits such an observer from handling ballots or elections equipment, advocating for a position or candidate, taking any action to reduce ballot secrecy, or otherwise interfering with the elections administration process. Designated congressional election observer refers to an individual who is designated in writing by specified congressional committees to gather information with respect to an election, including in the event that the election is contested in the House of Representatives or the Senate and for other purposes permitted by Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution.

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

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that requires federal expenditures and receipts to be balanced, which may occur over more than one year. Under the amendment, expenditures include all federal expenditures except those for payment of debt. Receipts do not include receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires Congress to achieve balance within 10 years of the ratification of the amendment. In an emergency situation, two-thirds of the House of Representatives and the Senate may authorize additional expenditures that are not otherwise permitted by the amendment. The additional expenditures must be for a limited time, and debts incurred from the expenditures must be paid as soon as practicable.

Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2023

Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) 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.)

Original LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2023

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

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set limits on Federal campaign contributions and spending, prohibit corporate spending in the political process, require Congress to develop a system of public campaign financing for all Federal candidates who qualify for the ballot, and allow the States to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending in State and local elections, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment regarding federal campaign contributions and spending. Specifically, the amendment declares that the right of U.S. citizens to vote in elections in which campaign contributions and spending are subject to enforceable limits (as set forth in the amendment) shall not be abridged, sets forth limits on federal campaign contributions and spending, and prohibits corporations (or other entities created by law) from contributing or spending money for the purpose of influencing federal elections. Not later than 60 days after ratification of the amendment, Congress shall enact legislation to limit the amounts that candidates, their campaigns for federal office, and political parties may spend on such candidacies; provide public funding for all federal candidates who qualify for the ballot; require disposition to the Treasury of any unspent campaign funds after each election, without compensation; and enforce, with civil and criminal penalties, the limits and prohibitions of the amendment. States shall have the power to implement and enforce reasonable regulations on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence state or local elections.

CHURCHES VS. CASINOS: THE CONSTITUTION IS NOT SUSPENDED IN TIMES OF CRISIS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 June 2023

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the pardon power of the President.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting the pardon power of the President. The amendment prohibits the President from granting a pardon or reprieve to himself or herself, to family members or members of the administration, to paid campaign employees, to a person or entity for an offense motivated by an interest of any of those people, or to a person or entity for an offense directed by or coordinated with the President. The amendment also invalidates pardons issued for a corrupt purpose.

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

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2023

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

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 · 14 June 2023

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

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.

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 · 14 June 2023

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 authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2023

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.

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

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2023

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

A resolution remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

This resolution expresses respect for and solidarity with the families and friends of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned for participating in prodemocracy demonstrations during the spring of 1989 in Tiananmen Square. It also reaffirms support for those who continue to work for political reform, rule of law, and human rights in China.

Remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

This resolution expresses respect for and solidarity with the families and friends of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned for participating in prodemocracy demonstrations during the spring of 1989 in Tiananmen Square. It also reaffirms support for those who continue to work for political reform, rule of law, and human rights in China.

The Hands Off Our Election Resolution of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Hands Off Our Election Resolution of 2023 This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that federal overreach into election law violates the states' constitutional right to govern aspects of election law under Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution (which includes clause 1, known as the Elections Clause, that provides states with the initial and principal authority to administer elections within their jurisdictions).

Impeaching Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, culminating in his failure to protect the States from foreign invasion as is his duty under the Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

This resolution impeaches President Joseph R. Biden for high crimes and misdemeanors. Specifically, the resolution sets forth articles of impeachment that specify that President Biden violated his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of President by failing to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and by permitting and encouraging the unlawful entry of thousands of migrants across that border.

Combatting Fentanyl Trafficking from China and Mexico Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Combatting Fentanyl Trafficking from China and Mexico Act This bill requires the Department of State to carry out programs and activities to prioritize efforts to combat the international trafficking of certain synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals from Mexico and China. Specifically, the State Department shall strengthen law enforcement and rule of law efforts outlined in certain agreements between the United States and Mexico, strengthen bilateral efforts, and provide Mexico with technical assistance and equipment for anti-drug law enforcement. The President may impose certain sanctions on persons of China determined to have engaged in or benefited from the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production. The President may terminate sanctions on Chinese persons upon determination that China has made substantial efforts in counternarcotics. The bill also authorizes through FY2027 State Department International Narcotics and Law Enforcement for Mexico, Customs and Border Protection interdiction programs, and a Department of Homeland Security transnational criminal investigative unit with Mexico.

ONE CITY, TWO LEGAL SYSTEMS: POLITICAL PRISONERS AND THE EROSION OF THE RULE OF LAW IN HONG KONG

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2023

John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act This bill establishes requirements regarding congressional redistricting, including that redistricting plans must be developed by an independent redistricting commission. A state that has been redistricted after an apportionment of Representatives may not be redistricted again until after the next apportionment, unless the state is ordered by a court to conduct a subsequent redistricting in order to comply with the Constitution or enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Each state must establish an independent redistricting commission to develop redistricting plans that meet specified criteria. If such a plan is not enacted into law, a state's highest court may select a plan developed by the state's commission. If the state court does not select a plan, a U.S. district court must develop a plan. The Election Assistance Commission must make payments to states to carry out redistricting.

Supporting the United States-Thailand alliance and 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 ahead of the 2023 general elections in Thailand, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2023

This resolution urges the government of Thailand to (1) create conditions for fair elections; and (2) protect democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2023

North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 various activities to promote human rights in North Korea. These activities include (1) providing grants to nonprofit organizations to promote human rights, democracy, rule of law, and the development of a market economy in North Korea; (2) increasing the availability of sources of information inside North Korea that are not controlled by North Korea's government; and (3) supporting organizations that provide humanitarian assistance to North Koreans who are outside of North Korea without the permission of North Korea's government.