International Religious Freedom Act of 1998

Summary

Freedom From Religious Persecution Act of 1997 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Religious Persecution Monitoring, whose Director, appointed by the President, with Senate consent, shall: (1) consider the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom presented in certain annual reports on human rights by the Department of State and by independent human rights groups and nongovernmental organizations; (2) make policy recommendations to the President regarding U.S. policies toward governments engaged in religious persecution; and (3) maintain lists of religious persecution facilitating goods and services, and the responsible entities within countries engaged in religious persecution. (Sec. 3) Distinguishes between category 1 religious persecution (conducted by government officials or agents) and category 2 religious persecution (conducted by non-government entities or persons, but which the government fails to undertake serious and sustained efforts to eliminate). (Sec. 5) Requires the Director to report to specified congressional committees on countries and entities engaged in religious persecution, identifying the category of persecution and listing persecution facilitating products, good, and services. (Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) Federal agencies and U.S. persons from exporting goods, including religious persecution facilitating goods and services, to countries and responsible entities engaged in religious persecution; and (2) U.S. and multilateral assistance to such countries. Declares that no consular officer shall issue a visa to, and the Attorney General shall exclude from the United States, any alien responsible for carrying out acts of religious persecution. (Sec. 8) Provides for the waiver of such sanctions. (Sec. 9) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (as amended by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996), with respect to eligibility for asylum in the United States, to include under the term "credible fear of persecution" aliens who can claim membership in a community found to be subject to religious persecution. Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to provide training on religious persecution to immigration officers who inspect aliens for admission into the United States. Sets forth procedures for the denial of admission based on religious persecution claims. (Sec. 10) Sets forth requirements with respect to certain State Department human rights reports. Directs the Secretary of State to provide training on the right to religious freedom to chiefs of missions as well as certain Department officials. (Sec. 11) Provides for the termination of sanctions. (Sec. 12) Extends certain existing trade and economic sanctions against Sudan for supporting acts of international terrorism until the Director determines that Sudan has substantially eliminated religious persecution, or no longer supports acts of international terrorism, whichever occurs later. Imposes additional trade, economic, and cultural sanctions against Sudan. Sets forth penalties for violations of certain sanctions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President, or, at his discretion, the Secretary of State should convene an international conference of the other industrialized democracies to reach an international agreement to bring about an end to religious persecution in Sudan. Prescribes congressional procedures for implementing such an agreement. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations (UN) to propose that the UN Security Council impose measures against Sudan. Makes it U.S. policy to impose additional measures against Sudan if its policy of religious persecution has not ended on or before December 25, 1997.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

1. 8 September 1997

   Introduced

   Referred to House International Relations

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 8 September 1997

   Introduced

   Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, the Judiciary, Banking and Financial Services, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 8 September 1997

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

4. 8 September 1997

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

5. 9 September 1997

   Committee

   Committee Hearings Held.

   Source: Committee

6. 10 September 1997

   Committee

   Committee Hearings Held.

   Source: Committee

7. 16 September 1997

   Referred

   Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.

   Source: Committee

8. 18 September 1997

   Committee

   Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

   Source: Committee

9. 18 September 1997

   Committee

   Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

   Source: Committee

10. 18 September 1997

    Referred

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa.

    Source: Committee

11. 7 October 1997

    Committee

    Executive Comment Received from State.

    Source: Committee

12. 24 March 1998

    Committee

    Subcommittee Hearings Held.

    Source: Committee

13. 25 March 1998

    Vote

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 31 - 5.

    Source: Committee

14. 25 March 1998

    Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

15. 1 April 1998

    Reported

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on International Relations. H. Rept. 105-480, Part I.

    Source: Committee

16. 1 April 1998

    Reported

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on International Relations. H. Rept. 105-480, Part I.

    Source: Committee

17. 1 April 1998

    Introduced

    House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than May 8, 1998.

    Source: IntroReferral

18. 30 April 1998

    Committee

    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Source: Committee

19. 30 April 1998

    Committee

    Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

20. 6 May 1998

    Reported

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Source: Committee

21. 6 May 1998

    Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

22. 8 May 1998

    Calendars

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 295.

    Source: Calendars

23. 8 May 1998

    Discharge

    Committee on Banking and Financial Services discharged.

    Source: Discharge

24. 8 May 1998

    Committee

    Committee on Banking and Financial Services discharged.

    Source: Committee

25. 8 May 1998

    Reported

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 105-480, Part II.

    Source: Committee

26. 8 May 1998

    Reported

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 105-480, Part II.

    Source: Committee

27. 11 May 1998

    Introduced

    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3018-3019)

    Source: IntroReferral

28. 13 May 1998

    Reported

    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 430 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2431 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. In lieu fo the amendments recommended by the Committees on International Relations, the Judiciary, and Ways and Means now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H.R. 3806, modified by the amendments printed in part 1 of the report accompanying this resolution. No amendment to the substitute shall be in order except thos printed in part 2 of the report accompanying this resolution, to be offered in the order and manner specified. All points of order against the amendments printed in the report shall be waived.

    Source: Floor

29. 14 May 1998

    Passed

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    Source: Floor

30. 14 May 1998

    Introduced

    Received in the Senate.

    Source: IntroReferral

31. 14 May 1998

    Vote

    On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 375 - 41, 1 Present (Roll No. 155).

    Source: Floor

32. 14 May 1998

    Vote

    Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 375 - 41, 1 Present (Roll No. 155).

    Source: Floor

33. 14 May 1998

    Passed

    The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

    Source: Floor

34. 14 May 1998

    Floor

    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

    Source: Floor

35. 14 May 1998

    Floor

    The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2431.

    Source: Floor

36. 14 May 1998

    Floor

    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 430. (consideration: CR H3271-3294)

    Source: Floor

37. 14 May 1998

    Passed

    Rule H. Res. 430 passed House.

    Source: Floor

38. 14 May 1998

    Floor

    The Speaker designated the Honorable Ray LaHood to act as Chairman of the Committee.

    Source: Floor

39. 14 May 1998

    Floor

    House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 430 and Rule XXIII.

    Source: Floor

40. 14 May 1998

    Floor

    Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2431 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. In lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committees on International Relations, the Judiciary, and Ways and Means now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H.R. 3806, modified by the amendments printed in part 1 of the report accompanying this resolution. No amendment to the substitute shall be in order except those printed in part 2 of the report accompanying this resolution, to be offered in the order and manner specified. All points of order against the amendments printed in the report shall be waived.

    Source: Floor

41. 6 July 1998

    Calendars

    Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

    Source: Calendars

42. 7 July 1998

    Calendars

    Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 456.

    Source: Calendars

43. 7 October 1998

    Floor

    Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.

    Source: Floor

44. 8 October 1998

    Floor

    Cloture motion on motion to proceed withdrawn by unanimous consent in Senate. (consideration: CR S11907)

    Source: Floor

45. 9 October 1998

    Floor

    Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S12091-12100)

    Source: Floor

46. 9 October 1998

    Vote

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 98-0. Record Vote No: 310.

    Source: Floor

47. 10 October 1998

    Passed

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

48. 10 October 1998

    Passed

    On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote. (consideration: CR H10434-10447)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

49. 10 October 1998

    Passed

    Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.(consideration: CR H10434-10447)

    Source: NotUsed

50. 10 October 1998

    Floor

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

    Source: Floor

51. 10 October 1998

    ResolvingDifferences

    Mr. Gilman moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

52. 16 October 1998

    President

    Presented to President.

    Source: President

53. 16 October 1998

    Floor

    Presented to President.

    Source: Floor

54. 27 October 1998

    Became law

    Became Public Law No: 105-292.

    Source: President

55. 27 October 1998

    Became law

    Signed by President.

    Source: BecameLaw

56. 27 October 1998

    President

    Signed by President.

    Source: President

Votes

Versions

• Enrolled Bill · undated · Official file
• Public Law · 27 October 1998 · Official file
• Engrossed Amendment Senate · 9 October 1998 · Official file
• Placed on Calendar Senate · 7 July 1998 · Official file
• Engrossed in House · 14 May 1998 · Official file
• Reported in House · 8 May 1998 · Official file
• Introduced in House · 8 September 1997 · Official file

Documents

20 official files

• Enrolled Bill (text)

  Enrolled Bill · EN

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Enrolled Bill (PDF)

  Enrolled Bill · EN

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Public Law (text)

  Public Law · EN · 27 October 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Public Law (PDF)

  Public Law · EN · 27 October 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Engrossed Amendment Senate (text)

  Engrossed Amendment Senate · EN · 9 October 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Engrossed Amendment Senate (PDF)

  Engrossed Amendment Senate · EN · 9 October 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 9 October 1998

  Open at official source

• Placed on Calendar Senate (text)

  Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 7 July 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Placed on Calendar Senate (PDF)

  Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 7 July 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Engrossed in House (text)

  Engrossed in House · EN · 14 May 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Engrossed in House (PDF)

  Engrossed in House · EN · 14 May 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 14 May 1998

  Open at official source

• Reported in House (text)

  Reported in House · EN · 8 May 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Reported in House (PDF)

  Reported in House · EN · 8 May 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Reported to House amended, Part III

  summary · EN · 8 May 1998

  Open at official source

• Reported to House amended, Part II

  summary · EN · 8 May 1998

  Open at official source

• Reported to House amended, Part I

  summary · EN · 1 April 1998

  Open at official source

• Introduced in House (text)

  Introduced in House · EN · 8 September 1997

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in House (PDF)

  Introduced in House · EN · 8 September 1997

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 8 September 1997

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Wolf, Frank R. [R-VA-10] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Watts, J. C., Jr. [R-OK-4] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Hall, Tony P. [D-OH-3] · D · Sponsor
• Robert Aderholt · R · Sponsor
• Christopher Smith · R · Sponsor
• Nancy Pelosi · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Hutchinson, Asa [R-AR-3] · R · Sponsor
• DANA ROHRABACHER · R · Sponsor
• Sen. Blunt, Roy [R-MO] · R · Sponsor
• Sanford Bishop · D · Sponsor
• JOHN DUNCAN · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Manton, Thomas J. [D-NY-9] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Olver, John W. [D-MA-1] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Gilchrest, Wayne T. [R-MD-1] · R · Sponsor
• PETER KING · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Schaffer, Bob [R-CO-4] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Gillmor, Paul E. [R-OH-5] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Cooksey, John [R-LA-5] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Gilman, Benjamin A. [R-NY-26] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Dickey, Jay [R-AR-4] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Lipinski, William O. [D-IL-5] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Ehlers, Vernon J. [R-MI-3] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Wamp, Zach [R-TN-3] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Kelly, Sue W. [R-NY-19] · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-11] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4] · D · Cosponsor
• Mike Crapo · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Baker, Richard H. [R-LA-6] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Barcia, James A. [D-MI-5] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Bartlett, Roscoe G. [R-MD-6] · R · Cosponsor
• JOE BARTON · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Bachus, Spencer [R-AL-6] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Boehlert, Sherwood [R-NY-25] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Bunning, Jim [R-KY-4] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Burton, Dan [R-IN-6] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Canady, Charles T. [R-FL-12] · R · Cosponsor
• Sen. Coburn, Tom [R-OK] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-40] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln [R-FL-21] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Doolittle, John T. [R-CA-4] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Emerson, Jo Ann [R-MO-8] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Etheridge, Bob [D-NC-2] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Evans, Lane [D-IL-17] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Farr, Sam [D-CA-20] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Foley, Mark [R-FL-16] · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Furse, Elizabeth [D-OR-1] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Goode, Virgil H., Jr. [R-VA-5] · D · Cosponsor

Showing 48 of 137 sponsors and actors.

Related records

• related to → Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2431) to establish an Office of Religious Persecution Monitoring, to provide for the imposition of sanctions against countries engaged in a pattern of religious persecution, and for other purposes.
• related to ← Freedom From Religious Persecution Act of 1998