Summary:
Baseball Diplomacy Act

 Waives certain foreign assistance and trade and travel prohibitions against Cuba under specified federal law regarding Cuban nationals who: (1) enter the United States on a visa to play organized professional baseball, and (2) return to Cuba with their baseball earnings. States that such visa shall be valid only for the duration of the season and need not be renewed as long as the player remains with the same team.

Prohibits the President from denying visas to such nationals based upon authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict any entry of aliens or class of aliens that would be detrimental to U.S. interests.

Declares that this Act shall not be affected by the economic embargo requirements against Cuba under the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996.

baseball diplomacy act waives certain foreign assistance trade travel prohibitions cuba specified federal law cuban nationals enter united_states visa play organized professional baseball return cuba baseball earnings states visa shall valid duration season need renewed long player remains team prohibits president denying visas nationals based authority immigration nationality act restrict entry aliens class aliens detrimental interests declares act shall affected economic embargo requirements cuba cuban_liberty democratic_solidarity libertad act


Summary:
North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016

 TITLE I--INVESTIGATIONS, PROHIBITED CONDUCT, AND PENALTIES

(Sec. 102) This bill requires the President to investigate any credible information of sanctionable activities by a person (individual or entity) involving North Korea.

(Sec. 103) The President shall periodically brief Congress on efforts to implement this Act.

 The Department of State shall report on U.S. policy towards North Korea that: (1) is based on a complete interagency review of current policies and possible alternatives, including with respect to North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, human rights atrocities, and significant activities undermining cyber security; and (2) includes appropriate legislative or administrative recommendations.

(Sec. 104) The President shall designate any person (or subsidiary or agent) that knowingly:

 imports, exports, or reexports to or from North Korea any goods, services, or technology controlled for export by the United States due to their use for weapons of mass destruction and materially contributes to the use, development, or acquisition of a nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological weapon or delivery device or system; provides training or other services or assistance or engages in significant financial transactions relating to the manufacture or use of any such weapon or system to be imported, exported, or reexported to or from North Korea; imports, exports, or reexports luxury goods to or into North Korea; engages in money laundering, counterfeiting of goods or currency, bulk cash smuggling, or narcotics trafficking that supports the government of North Korea or its senior officials; engages in or was responsible for North Korean censorship or human rights abuses; engages in significant activities undermining cyber security; sells, supplies, or transfers to or from North Korea a precious metal, graphite, or raw or semi-finished metals or aluminum, steel, coal, or software for integrating industrial processes directly related to weapons of mass destruction, the Korean Workers' Party, armed forces, internal security, or intelligence activities, or the operation and maintenance of political prison camps or forced labor camps; imports, exports, or reexports to, into, or from North Korea any arms or related materiel; or attempts to engage in such conduct. The President may designate any person (or subsidiary or agent) that knowingly:

 engages in, contributes to, or provides financial, material or technological support for, or goods and services in support of, any person designated pursuant to an applicable U.N. Security Council resolution; contributed to the bribery of a North Korean government official; contributed to the misappropriation or embezzlement of public funds by, or for the benefit of, such an official; contributed to the use of any proceeds from such bribery or theft; or provided significant financial, material, or technological support for such activities. With respect to a designated person (or subsidiary or agent), the President may:

 apply the procurement sanctions under this Act; apply certain financial special measures for jurisdictions, financial institutions, international transactions, or types of accounts of primary money laundering concern; prohibit foreign exchange transactions that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction; prohibit transfers of credit or payments between financial institutions or by, through, or to financial institutions that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction; and exercise the authorities of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to block property and property interests of a designated person, the government of North Korea, or the Workers' Party of Korea that are in or come within the United States or that are or come within the possession or control of any U.S. person. The President shall deny or revoke a license for any transaction that lacks sufficient financial controls to ensure that it will not facilitate a prohibited activity.

The bill prescribes civil and criminal penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

(Sec. 105) Any property, real or personal, involved in an actual or attempted violation of this Act, or that constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to a violation of it, is subject to U.S. forfeiture.

TITLE II--SANCTIONS AGAINST NORTH KOREAN PROLIFERATION, HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, AND ILLICIT ACTIVITIES

(Sec. 201) The bill: (1) acknowledges Security Council efforts to impose limitations on, and require enhanced monitoring of, transactions involving North Korean financial institutions that could contribute to sanctioned activities; and (2) urges the President to designate North Korea as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern, adopt measures to safeguard the financial system against North Korea's evasion of sanctions and its illicit activities, and seek the prompt implementation by other states of enhanced monitoring to prevent North Korea's misuse of the international financial system.

The Department of the Treasury shall: (1) determine whether reasonable grounds exist for concluding that North Korea is a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern; and (2) if so, impose specified financial-related special measures and submit a related report to Congress.

(Sec. 202) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the President should intensify diplomatic efforts to develop a multilateral strategy for protecting the global financial system against risks emanating from North Korea.

The President shall direct the State Department to: (1) develop a strategy to improve international implementation and enforcement of U.N. North Korea-specific sanctions, and (2) report annually on actions undertaken to implement the strategy.

(Sec. 203) A validated license is required for exports to North Korea of goods or technology that could make a significant contribution to the military potential of such country or could enhance the ability of such country to support acts of international terrorism. No defense exports may be approved for the government of North Korea.

 The President shall withhold assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 from the governments of countries providing lethal military equipment to North Korea.

The State Department may waive such prohibitions in the U.S. national interest.

 These prohibitions shall not apply to assistance for human rights, democracy, rule of law, or emergency humanitarian purposes.

(Sec. 204) An executive agency, except as provided for by this section, may not procure or contract to procure goods or services from a designated person.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation is amended to require each prospective contractor to certify that it does not engage in any activity sanctionable under this Act.

 An executive agency shall: (1) terminate any contract with a person who has submitted a false certification, and (2) debar or suspend such person from federal contract eligibility for up to two years.

 A person that is debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment or suspension by an executive agency because of a false certification shall be included on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs.

The remedies of contract termination and suspension and debarment shall not apply with respect to federal procurement of the eligible products of certain foreign countries or instrumentalities under the Trade Agreements Act of 1979.

(Sec. 205) The President shall report on foreign seaports and airports whose inspections of ships, aircraft, and conveyances originating in North Korea, carrying North Korean property, or operated by the North Korean government are deficient to effectively prevent the facilitation of any of the activities sanctionable under this Act.

 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may require enhanced inspections of any goods entering the United States that have been transported through such a port or airport.

Any vessel, aircraft, or conveyance used to facilitate sanctionable activity that comes within U.S. jurisdiction may be seized and forfeited.

(Sec. 206) The State Department may deny a visa to, and DHS may deny entry into the United States of, any alien who is: (1) a designated person, (2) a corporate officer of a designated person, or (3) a principal shareholder with a controlling interest in a designated person.

(Sec. 207) The State Department shall expand the scope and frequency of travel warnings for all U.S. citizens to North Korea. Such warnings should include:

 information regarding North Korea's detention of U.S. citizens; information on North Korea's past and present detention and abduction of citizens of the United States, South Korea, or Japan; information about the nature of the North Korean regime; and any other information that the State Department deems useful to provide U.S. citizens with a comprehensive picture of the North Korean regime. (Sec. 208) The following are exempt from sanctions under this Act: (1) authorized U.S. intelligence activities, (2) transactions necessary to comply with U.S. obligations under the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations or the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and (3) activities incidental to the POW/MIA accounting mission in North Korea.

 The President may waive sanctions for renewable periods of between 30 days and 1 year for: (1) humanitarian purposes, and (2) U.S. national security or law enforcement interests.

 An internationally recognized humanitarian organization shall not be subject to sanctions for: (1) engaging in a financial transaction or transporting goods or services relating to humanitarian purposes, or (2) having incidental contact in the course of providing humanitarian assistance with individuals who are under the control of a foreign person subject to sanctions.

(Sec. 209) The President shall report on significant activities undermining cyber security conducted, or otherwise ordered or controlled, by the government of North Korea.

(Sec. 210) U.S. sanctions on the government of North Korea, persons acting for or on behalf of that government, or persons located in North Korea that undermine cyber security provided for in Executive Orders 13687 or 13694, shall remain in effect until 30 days after the President certifies that the government of North Korea, or persons acting for or on its behalf, are no longer engaged in the illicit activities described in such Executive Orders.

(Sec. 211) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the President should strengthen high-level trilateral mechanisms for policy coordination toward North Korea between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

TITLE III--PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

(Sec. 301) The bill amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to require the President to report a plan for making unrestricted and inexpensive electronic mass communications available to the people of North Korea.

(Sec. 302) The State Department shall submit a report that details a U.S. strategy to address the human rights situation in North Korea. Such report should include a list of countries: (1) that forcibly repatriate refugees from North Korea, and (2) where North Korean laborers work.

(Sec. 303) The State Department shall submit a report that describes each political prison camp in North Korea, including: (1) the estimated prisoner population; (2) reasons for prisoner confinement; and (3) conditions of confinement and the responsible individuals and agencies.

(Sec. 304) The State Department shall submit a report that: (1) identifies each person responsible for serious human rights abuses or censorship in North Korea, and (2) describes serious human rights abuses or censorship undertaken by North Korea.

 The President shall designate for sanctions any person listed in the report that knowingly engages in, or facilitates censorship or human rights abuses, by North Korea.

 The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the President should:

 seek Security Council adoption of a resolution calling for the blocking of the assets of all persons responsible for severe human rights abuses or censorship in North Korea, and cooperate with the prosecution of any listed individual by any international tribunal that may be established to prosecute such persons. TITLE IV--GENERAL AUTHORITIES

(Sec. 401) Any sanction or other measure provided for in title I, II, or III may be suspended for up to 1 year and renewed for additional 180-day periods if the President certifies that North Korea has:

 ceased counterfeiting U.S. currency and taken significant steps to cease and prevent the laundering of monetary instruments, taken steps toward verification of its compliance with specified Security Council resolutions, taken steps toward accounting for and repatriating abducted or unlawfully held citizens of other countries, begun to abide by international standards for humanitarian aid distribution and monitoring, and taken verified steps to improve living conditions in its political prison camps. (Sec. 402) Any sanction or other measure provided for in title I, II, or III shall terminate when the President certifies that North Korea has met such requirements and has also made progress toward:

 dismantling nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological weapons programs; releasing all political prisoners, including detained North Korean citizens; ending censorship of peaceful political activity; establishing an open and representative society; and accounting for and repatriating both alive and deceased U.S. citizens who were abducted or unlawfully held captive by the North Korea or detained in violation of the Korean War Armistice Agreement. (Sec. 403) The bill authorizes appropriations for FY2017-FY2021 for:

 radio programming to North Korea, promotion of freedom of information inside North Korea, a plan for making electronic mass communications available to the people of North Korea, and provision of humanitarian assistance to North Koreans who are outside of North Korea without the government's permission.

enhancement act title investigations prohibited conduct penalties sec bill requires president investigate credible information sanctionable activities person individual entity involving north_korea sec president shall periodically brief congress efforts implement act department_of_state shall report policy north_korea based complete interagency review current policies possible alternatives including respect north_korea weapons mass destruction missile programs human rights atrocities significant activities undermining cyber security includes appropriate legislative administrative recommendations sec president shall designate person subsidiary agent knowingly imports exports north_korea goods services technology controlled export united_states use weapons mass destruction materially contributes use development acquisition nuclear radiological chemical biological weapon delivery device system provides training services assistance engages significant financial transactions relating manufacture use weapon system imported exported reexported north_korea imports exports luxury goods north_korea engages money laundering counterfeiting goods currency bulk cash smuggling narcotics trafficking supports government north_korea senior officials engages responsible north korean censorship human rights abuses engages significant activities undermining cyber security sells supplies transfers north_korea precious metal raw semi finished metals aluminum steel coal software integrating industrial processes directly related weapons mass destruction armed forces internal security intelligence activities operation maintenance political prison camps forced labor camps imports exports north_korea arms related materiel attempts engage conduct president designate person subsidiary agent knowingly engages contributes provides financial material technological support goods services support person designated pursuant applicable resolution contributed bribery north korean government official contributed misappropriation embezzlement public funds benefit official contributed use proceeds bribery theft provided significant financial material technological support activities respect designated person subsidiary agent president apply procurement sanctions act apply certain financial special measures jurisdictions financial institutions international transactions types accounts primary money laundering concern prohibit foreign exchange transactions subject jurisdiction prohibit transfers credit payments financial institutions financial institutions subject jurisdiction exercise authorities international_emergency_economic_powers_act block property property interests designated person government north_korea come united_states come possession control person president shall deny revoke license transaction lacks sufficient financial controls ensure facilitate prohibited activity bill prescribes civil criminal penalties international_emergency_economic_powers_act sec property real personal involved actual attempted violation act constitutes derived proceeds traceable violation subject forfeiture title sanctions north korean proliferation human rights abuses illicit activities sec bill acknowledges security_council efforts impose limitations require enhanced monitoring transactions involving north korean financial institutions contribute sanctioned activities urges president designate north_korea jurisdiction primary money laundering concern adopt measures safeguard financial system north_korea evasion sanctions illicit activities seek prompt implementation states enhanced monitoring prevent north_korea misuse international financial system department_of_the_treasury shall determine reasonable grounds exist concluding north_korea jurisdiction primary money laundering concern impose specified financial related special measures submit related report congress sec bill expresses sense congress president intensify diplomatic efforts develop multilateral strategy protecting global financial system risks emanating north_korea president shall direct state_department develop strategy improve international implementation enforcement north_korea specific sanctions report annually actions undertaken implement strategy sec validated license required exports north_korea goods technology significant contribution military potential country enhance ability country support acts international terrorism defense exports approved government north_korea president shall withhold assistance foreign assistance act governments countries providing lethal military equipment north_korea state_department waive prohibitions national interest prohibitions shall apply assistance human rights democracy rule law emergency humanitarian purposes sec executive agency provided section procure contract procure goods services designated person federal_acquisition_regulation amended require prospective contractor certify engage activity sanctionable act executive agency shall terminate contract person submitted false certification suspend person federal contract eligibility years person debarred suspended proposed debarment suspension executive agency false certification shall included list parties excluded federal procurement programs remedies contract termination suspension debarment shall apply respect federal procurement eligible products certain foreign countries instrumentalities trade agreements act sec president shall report foreign seaports airports inspections ships aircraft conveyances originating north_korea carrying north korean property operated north korean government deficient effectively prevent facilitation activities sanctionable act department_of_homeland_security dhs require enhanced inspections goods entering united_states transported port airport vessel aircraft conveyance facilitate sanctionable activity comes jurisdiction seized forfeited sec state_department deny visa dhs deny entry united_states alien designated person corporate officer designated person principal shareholder controlling interest designated person sec state_department shall expand scope frequency travel warnings citizens north_korea warnings include information north_korea detention citizens information north_korea past present detention abduction citizens united_states south_korea japan information nature north korean regime information state_department deems useful provide citizens comprehensive picture north korean regime sec following exempt sanctions act authorized intelligence activities transactions necessary comply obligations agreement headquarters united_nations vienna convention consular relations activities incidental pow mia accounting mission north_korea president waive sanctions renewable periods days year humanitarian purposes national security law enforcement interests internationally recognized humanitarian organization shall subject sanctions engaging financial transaction transporting goods services relating humanitarian purposes having incidental contact course providing humanitarian assistance individuals control foreign person subject sanctions sec president shall report significant activities undermining cyber security conducted ordered controlled government north_korea sec sanctions government north_korea persons acting behalf government persons located north_korea undermine cyber security provided executive orders shall remain effect days president certifies government north_korea persons acting behalf longer engaged illicit activities described executive orders sec bill expresses sense congress president strengthen high level mechanisms policy coordination north_korea united_states republic_of_korea japan title iii promotion human rights sec bill amends north_korean_human_rights_act require president report plan making unrestricted inexpensive electronic mass communications available people north_korea sec state_department shall submit report details strategy address human rights situation north_korea report include list countries forcibly repatriate refugees north_korea north korean laborers work sec state_department shall submit report describes political prison camp north_korea including estimated prisoner population reasons prisoner confinement conditions confinement responsible individuals agencies sec state_department shall submit report identifies person responsible human rights abuses censorship north_korea describes human rights abuses censorship undertaken north_korea president shall designate sanctions person listed report knowingly engages facilitates censorship human rights abuses north_korea bill expresses sense congress president seek security_council adoption resolution calling blocking assets persons responsible severe human rights abuses censorship north_korea cooperate prosecution listed individual international tribunal established prosecute persons title general authorities sec sanction measure provided title iii suspended year renewed additional day periods president certifies north_korea ceased counterfeiting currency taken significant steps cease prevent laundering monetary instruments taken steps verification compliance specified security_council resolutions taken steps accounting abducted unlawfully held citizens countries begun abide international standards humanitarian aid distribution monitoring taken verified steps improve living conditions political prison camps sec sanction measure provided title iii shall terminate president certifies north_korea met requirements progress dismantling nuclear chemical biological radiological weapons programs releasing political prisoners including detained north korean citizens ending censorship peaceful political activity establishing open representative society accounting alive deceased citizens abducted unlawfully held captive north_korea detained violation korean war armistice agreement sec bill authorizes appropriations fy2017-fy2021 radio programming north_korea promotion freedom information inside north_korea plan making electronic mass communications available people north_korea provision humanitarian assistance north outside north_korea government permission


Summary:
United States-Israel Trade and Commercial Enhancement Act

This bill states that among the principal U.S. trade negotiating objectives for trade agreements with foreign countries regarding commercial partnerships are to:

 discourage actions by potential trading partners that discourage commercial activity solely between the United States and Israel; discourage politically motivated actions to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel and to seek the elimination of politically motivated non-tariff barriers on Israeli commerce; and seek the elimination of state-sponsored unsanctioned foreign boycotts against Israel or compliance with the Arab League Boycott of Israel. The President is directed to report annually to Congress on politically motivated acts of boycott, divestment from, and sanctions against Israel.

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is amended to require a foreign issuer traded on the U.S. stock market to disclose in its quarterly or annual report:

 whether the issuer has discriminated against doing business with Israel in the last calendar year; whether the issuer has been advised by a foreign government or a non-member state of the United Nations (U.N.) to discriminate against doing business with Israel, entities owned or controlled by Israel, or entities operating in Israel or Israeli-controlled territory; and any instances where the issuer has learned that a person, foreign government, or a non-member state of the U.N. is boycotting the issuer, divesting itself of an ownership interest in the issuer, or placing sanctions on the issuer because of the issuer's relationship with Israel. No U.S. court may recognize or enforce any judgment by a foreign court against a U.S. person carrying out business operations in Israel or in any territory controlled by Israel, and on which is based a determination by the foreign court that the location in Israel, or in any territory controlled by Israel, of the facilities at which the business operations are carried out is sufficient to constitute a violation of law.

commercial enhancement act bill states principal trade negotiating objectives trade agreements foreign countries commercial partnerships discourage actions potential trading partners discourage commercial activity solely united_states israel discourage politically motivated actions boycott divest sanction israel seek elimination politically motivated non tariff barriers israeli commerce seek elimination state sponsored foreign boycotts israel compliance israel president directed report annually congress politically motivated acts boycott divestment sanctions israel securities_exchange_act amended require foreign issuer traded stock market disclose quarterly annual report issuer discriminated business israel calendar year issuer advised foreign government non member state united_nations discriminate business israel entities owned controlled israel entities operating israel israeli controlled territory instances issuer learned person foreign government non member state issuer divesting ownership interest issuer placing sanctions issuer issuer relationship israel court recognize enforce judgment foreign court person carrying business operations israel territory controlled israel based determination foreign court location israel territory controlled israel facilities business operations carried sufficient constitute violation law


Summary:
Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

Amends the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of State to report to Congress on conditions in Hong Kong that are of U.S. interest by March 31, 2015, and annually thereafter for 10 years or until the Secretary certifies that Hong Kong has held free and fair elections for 2 consecutive Chief Executive and 2 consecutive Legislative Council periods.

 Directs the Secretary to certify to Congress annually whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify separate treatment different from that accorded to China in any new laws, agreements, treaties, or arrangements entered into between the United States and Hong Kong.

Authorizes the President to waive this certification requirement if: (1) waiver is in the U.S. national interest, and (2) Congress is given a justification of the waiver on or before the date it takes effect.

amends united_states-hong_kong policy act direct secretary state report congress conditions hong_kong interest march annually years secretary certifies hong_kong held free fair elections consecutive chief executive consecutive periods directs secretary certify congress annually hong_kong sufficiently autonomous justify separate treatment different accorded china new laws agreements treaties arrangements entered united_states hong_kong authorizes president waive certification requirement waiver national interest congress given justification waiver date takes effect


Summary:
Montenegro Border Integrity Act

This bill prohibits, subject to a waiver in the national interest, any funds available to the Department of Defense, the Department of State, or any other federal department or agency from being provided to the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has agreed to and is in compliance with the state borders established by the Conference on Yugoslavia Arbitration Commission on January 11, 1992.

bill prohibits subject waiver national interest funds available department_of_defense department_of_state federal department agency provided government bosnia_and_herzegovina secretary defense certifies congress government bosnia_and_herzegovina agreed compliance state borders established january


Summary:
International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Authorization Act of 2015

 Urges the President to make every effort, in conjunction with the government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the international community to establish an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace.

Authorizes appropriations for U.S. contributions to the Fund.

israeli palestinian peace authorization act urges president effort conjunction government israel palestinian_authority international community establish israeli palestinian peace authorizes appropriations contributions fund


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 13, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act

(Sec. 2) This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the President should establish an interagency coordinating committee to coordinate and advance executive branch efforts to protect and preserve international cultural property at risk from political instability, armed conflict, or natural or other disasters.

(Sec. 3) The President shall apply specified import restrictions with respect to any archaeological or ethnological material of Syria:

 within 90 days; without regard to whether Syria is a state party to the convention on the means of prohibiting and preventing the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property (adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization); and notwithstanding the requirement that an emergency condition applies. The President shall at least once a year determine whether at least one of the following conditions is met: (1) Syria is incapable of fulfilling the requirements to request an agreement pursuant to the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act, and (2) it would be against the U.S. national interest to enter into such an agreement.

The President may waive such import restrictions for specified cultural property if the President certifies to Congress that: (1) the foreign owner or custodian of the specified cultural property has requested that the property be temporarily located in the United States for protection purposes, (2) the property shall be returned upon request to the foreign owner or custodian, and (3) the grant of a waiver will not contribute to illegal trafficking in cultural property or financing of criminal or terrorist activities.

Any archaeological or ethnological material that enters the United States pursuant to a waiver shall have immunity from seizure under P.L. 89-259 (which provides immunity from seizure for cultural items imported for temporary exhibition.)

(Sec. 4) The President shall report annually to Congress on executive branch efforts to protect and preserve international cultural property.

measure amended passed senate april summary version repeated protect preserve international cultural property act sec bill expresses sense congress president establish interagency coordinating committee coordinate advance executive branch efforts protect preserve international cultural property risk political instability armed conflict natural disasters sec president shall apply specified import restrictions respect archaeological material syria days regard syria state party convention means prohibiting preventing illicit import export transfer ownership cultural property adopted notwithstanding requirement emergency condition applies president shall year determine following conditions met syria incapable fulfilling requirements request agreement pursuant national interest enter agreement president waive import restrictions specified cultural property president certifies congress foreign owner custodian specified cultural property requested property temporarily located united_states protection purposes property shall returned request foreign owner custodian grant waiver contribute illegal trafficking cultural property financing criminal terrorist activities archaeological material enters united_states pursuant waiver shall immunity seizure provides immunity seizure cultural items imported temporary exhibition sec president shall report annually congress executive branch efforts protect preserve international cultural property


Summary:
Sanction Iran, Safeguard America Act of 2015 or the SISA Act

Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, and the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 to eliminate authority to waive sanctions relating to:

 transportation of crude oil from Iran; financial institutions that engage in certain transactions; the financial sector of Iran; persons that support or conduct certain transactions with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and other sanctioned persons; the sale, supply, or transfer of certain materials to or from Iran; the provision of underwriting services or insurance or reinsurance for activities or persons with respect to which sanctions have been imposed; and foreign financial institutions that facilitate financial transactions on behalf of specially designated nationals. Amends the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to direct the President to prohibit any correspondent account or a payable-through account opened and maintained in the United States by a foreign financial institution that has knowingly conducted or facilitated any significant financial transaction, on or after July 31, 2012, for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum, petroleum products, or petrochemical products from Iran. Requires the imposition on violators of specified sanctions under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.

 Directs the President to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property in or that enter the United States (or the possession or control of a U.S. person) of any person that has, on or after July 31, 2012, materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial support or related goods or services for the National Iranian Oil Company, the Naftiran Intertrade Company, or the Central Bank of Iran.

 Directs the President also to block and prohibit similar transactions involving the purchase or acquisition of U.S. bank notes or precious metals by the government of Iran.

Amends the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 to direct the President to block and prohibit similar transactions involving any Iranian person included on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury.

Directs the President to impose specified sanctions with respect to: (1) a person that has, on or after June 1, 2013, knowingly engaged in a significant financial transaction in connection with the automotive sector of Iran; (2) any related correspondent account or a payable-through account held by a foreign financial institution that has knowingly facilitated such a transaction; and (3) any foreign financial institution that has knowingly facilitated a significant financial transaction on behalf of any blocked person or specially designated Iranian national.

Requires revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require a certification from each prospective federal contractor that is part of the automotive sector of any foreign country, that the prospective contractor (and any person owned or controlled by it): (1) does not have a business relationship with the government of Iran; and (2) has not, in the previous 90 days, conducted any transaction with an Iranian person or any entity owned or controlled by one.

Amends the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 to prohibit importation into the United States of refined petroleum products made using Iranian origin crude oil regardless of whether the crude oil was commingled with crude oil not of Iranian origin. Prohibits any regulatory exception to the prohibition on direct or indirect imports from Iran.

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 with respect to sanctions on petroleum transactions.

Directs the President to block and prohibit all activities or transactions that contribute materially, or pose a risk of material contribution, to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or the means to deliver them.

Prohibits any obligation or expenditure of authorized appropriations for negotiations with Iran until a join resolution has been enacted making specified certifications.

 Prohibits the President from terminating Iran's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism unless:

 the President submits to Congress a notice of intent to terminate such designation and a required certification, and there is enacted into law a joint resolution approving the termination of the designation. Extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.

sanction iran safeguard america act act amends iran sanctions act comprehensive iran sanctions accountability divestment_act national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year iran threat reduction syria human rights act iran freedom counter-proliferation_act eliminate authority waive sanctions relating transportation crude oil iran financial institutions engage certain transactions financial sector iran persons support conduct certain transactions iran revolutionary_guard_corps sanctioned persons sale supply transfer certain materials iran provision underwriting services insurance reinsurance activities persons respect sanctions imposed foreign financial institutions facilitate financial transactions behalf specially designated nationals amends iran threat reduction syria human rights act direct president prohibit correspondent account payable account opened maintained united_states foreign financial institution knowingly conducted facilitated significant financial transaction july purchase acquisition sale transport marketing petroleum petroleum products petrochemical products iran requires imposition violators specified sanctions iran sanctions act directs president block prohibit transactions property interests property enter united_states possession control person person july materially assisted sponsored provided financial support related goods services national_iranian_oil_company central_bank iran directs president block prohibit similar transactions involving purchase acquisition bank notes precious metals government iran amends iran freedom counter-proliferation_act direct president block prohibit similar transactions involving iranian person included list specially designated nationals blocked persons maintained office_of_foreign_assets_control_of_the_department_of_the_treasury directs president impose specified sanctions respect person june knowingly engaged significant financial transaction connection automotive sector iran related correspondent account payable account held foreign financial institution knowingly facilitated transaction foreign financial institution knowingly facilitated significant financial transaction behalf blocked person specially designated iranian national requires revision federal_acquisition_regulation require certification prospective federal contractor automotive sector foreign country prospective contractor person owned controlled business relationship government iran previous days conducted transaction iranian person entity owned controlled amends comprehensive iran sanctions accountability divestment_act prohibit importation united_states refined petroleum products iranian origin crude oil regardless crude oil commingled crude oil iranian origin prohibits regulatory exception prohibition direct indirect imports iran amends national defense authorization act fiscal year respect sanctions petroleum transactions directs president block prohibit activities transactions contribute materially pose risk material contribution proliferation weapons mass destruction means deliver prohibits obligation expenditure authorized appropriations negotiations iran join resolution enacted making specified certifications prohibits president terminating iran designation state sponsor terrorism president submits congress notice intent terminate designation required certification enacted law joint resolution approving termination designation extends iran sanctions act


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

(Sec. 1) This bill directs the President to: (1) develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and at other related activities, and (2) instruct INTERPOL Washington to request observer status for Taiwan in INTERPOL and urge INTERPOL members to support Taiwan's observer status and participation.

 The President shall report to Congress regarding the U.S. strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in INTERPOL and at other related meetings, activities, and mechanisms.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure sec bill directs president develop strategy obtain observer status taiwan related activities instruct request observer status taiwan interpol urge interpol members support taiwan observer status participation president shall report congress strategy obtain observer status taiwan interpol related meetings activities mechanisms


Summary:
United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act

This bill authorizes the President to expand U.S.-Mexico academic exchange programs at the secondary, post-secondary, and post-graduate levels.

It is the sense of Congress that such programs should reflect the goals of the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative and should seek to double the number of students studying in each other's country within five years.

Priority should be given to strengthening ties between communities and academic institutions in those portions of the United States and Mexico that are within 100 kilometers of the international boundary between those countries (covered region).

The President is authorized to establish programs to support cooperation, training, and mentoring of entrepreneurs in the covered region.

It is the sense of Congress that such programs should seek to provide not less than 100 grants of not more than $25,000 each for program participants.

The President is authorized to promote U.S.-Mexico energy infrastructure coordination and cooperation through programs to support vocational-level education, internships, and exchanges between the two countries, particularly in the region in which the Eagle Ford Shale is located and in proximity to the covered region.

It is the sense of Congress that such programs should seek to provide education, internships, and exchanges for at least 1,000 program participants.

act bill authorizes president expand academic exchange programs secondary post secondary post graduate levels sense congress programs reflect goals strong seek double number students studying country years priority given strengthening ties communities academic institutions portions united_states mexico international boundary countries covered region president authorized establish programs support cooperation training mentoring entrepreneurs covered region sense congress programs seek provide grants program participants president authorized promote energy infrastructure coordination cooperation programs support vocational level education internships exchanges countries particularly region located proximity covered region sense congress programs seek provide education internships exchanges program participants


Summary:
Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2015

 This bill prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam in excess of FY2014 amounts unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting political, civil, media, Internet, and religious freedoms, minority rights, access to U.S. refugee programs, and actions to end trafficking in persons and the release of religious and political prisoners.

The President may waive such requirements:

 if increased U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance would promote the purposes of this Act or is otherwise in the U.S. national interest, with respect to all U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam, or to one or more programs or projects. It is the sense of Congress that:

 it shall be U.S. policy that further easing of the prohibition on the sale of lethal military equipment to Vietnam shall require Vietnam to take additional and sustained steps to advance human rights protections; the United States should take measures to overcome the jamming of Radio Free Asia by Vietnam and that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should not cut staffing, funding, or broadcast hours for the Vietnamese language services of the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia; U.S.-Vietnam educational and cultural exchange programs should promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam; Vietnam should be designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom; and Vietnam does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance.

vietnam human rights act bill prohibits nonhumanitarian assistance government vietnam excess fy2014 amounts president certifies congress government vietnam substantial progress respecting political civil media internet religious freedoms minority rights access refugee programs actions end trafficking persons release religious political prisoners president waive requirements increased nonhumanitarian assistance promote purposes act national interest respect nonhumanitarian assistance vietnam programs projects sense congress shall policy easing prohibition sale lethal military equipment vietnam shall require vietnam additional sustained steps advance human rights protections united_states measures overcome jamming radio_free_asia vietnam broadcasting_board_of_governors cut staffing funding broadcast hours vietnamese language services voice_of_america radio_free_asia educational cultural exchange programs promote freedom democracy vietnam vietnam designated country particular concern religious freedom vietnam fully comply minimum standards elimination trafficking making significant efforts bring compliance


Summary:
Cuba Normalization Accountability Act of 2015

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should not pursue efforts to ease restrictions on travel to or trade with Cuba, or otherwise normalize relations with Cuba further, until: (1) the President submits to Congress the plan for resolving confiscated property claims, (2) all property taken by the Cuban government from U.S. nationals on or after January 1, 1959, has been returned or full compensation for that property has been provided to them, and (3) the government of Cuba provides secure protection for the internationally recognized human rights of the people of Cuba.

The President may not take any action to ease restrictions on travel to or trade with Cuba under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, the Export Administration Regulations, or any other regulations relating to the economic embargo of Cuba before submitting to Congress the plan for resolving outstanding claims for confiscated property to ensure that:

 all property taken by the government of Cuba from U.S. nationals on or after January 1, 1959, has been returned to them; or full compensation for such property has been provided to them. The President shall include in the plan an assessment of the effect of planned actions to ease the restrictions on claims relating to confiscated property considered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States before the date of the enactment of this Act.

cuba normalization accountability act bill expresses sense congress united_states pursue efforts ease restrictions travel trade cuba normalize relations cuba president submits congress plan resolving confiscated property claims property taken cuban government nationals january returned compensation property provided government cuba provides secure protection internationally recognized human rights people cuba president action ease restrictions travel trade cuba cuban assets control regulations export administration regulations regulations relating economic embargo cuba submitting congress plan resolving outstanding claims confiscated property ensure property taken government cuba nationals january returned compensation property provided president shall include plan assessment effect planned actions ease restrictions claims relating confiscated property considered foreign_claims_settlement_commission united_states date enactment act


Summary:
Cuban Military Transparency Act

This bill prohibits a U.S. person from engaging in any financial transaction with or transfer of funds to:

 the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba or the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba (or any of their subdivisions); a senior member of such Ministries; any agency, instrumentality, or other entity that is more than 25% owned, or that is operated or controlled by, such a Ministry; or any individual or entity for the purpose of avoiding a prohibited financial transaction or transfer of funds that is for the benefit of that individual or entity. Such prohibitions shall not apply to:

 the sale to Cuba of agricultural commodities, medicines, and medical devices; a remittance to an immediate family member; assistance in furtherance of democracy-building efforts for Cuba; payments in furtherance of the lease agreement or other financial transactions necessary for maintenance and improvements of the military base at Guantanamo Bay; or customary and routine financial transactions necessary for the maintenance or regular duties of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, including outreach to the pro-democracy opposition. A person that violates or attempts to violate such prohibitions shall be subject to specified penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The Department of State rewards program under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 shall include rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual responsible for or aiding in the February 1996 attack on the aircraft of U.S. persons in international waters by the Cuban military.

The Attorney General shall seek to coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to pursue the location and arrest of U.S. fugitives in Cuba, including current and former members of the Cuban military.

cuban military transparency act bill prohibits person engaging financial transaction transfer funds subdivisions senior member ministries agency instrumentality entity owned operated controlled ministry individual entity purpose avoiding prohibited financial transaction transfer funds benefit individual entity prohibitions shall apply sale cuba agricultural commodities medicines medical devices remittance immediate family member assistance furtherance democracy building efforts cuba payments furtherance lease agreement financial transactions necessary maintenance improvements military base guantanamo_bay customary routine financial transactions necessary maintenance regular duties including outreach pro democracy opposition person violates attempts violate prohibitions shall subject specified penalties international_emergency_economic_powers_act department_of_state rewards program state_department basic authorities act shall include rewards information leading arrest conviction country individual responsible aiding february attack aircraft persons international waters cuban military attorney general shall seek coordinate pursue location arrest fugitives cuba including current members cuban military


Summary:
South Sudan Peace Promotion and Accountability Act of 2015

This bill states that Congress: (1) recognizes that there has been a failure of leadership in South Sudan that has left South Sudanese civilians in a protracted state of suffering, and that the United States stands in solidarity with the people of South Sudan as they call for peace; and (2) urges all parties in the conflict to cease all violence and work towards a negotiated settlement through diplomacy and reconciliation.

Specified sanctions imposed on individuals related to South Sudan shall remain in effect until the President certifies to Congress that such sanctions are no longer necessary.

Nothing in this Act may be construed to limit the President's authority to impose additional sanctions.

The President shall transmit to Congress a strategy to guide future U.S. engagement with South Sudan.

south sudan peace promotion accountability act bill states congress recognizes failure leadership south_sudan left south sudanese civilians protracted state suffering united_states stands people south_sudan peace urges parties conflict cease violence work negotiated settlement diplomacy reconciliation specified sanctions imposed individuals related south_sudan shall remain effect president certifies congress sanctions longer necessary act construed limit president authority impose additional sanctions president shall transmit congress strategy guide future engagement south_sudan


Summary:
Belarus Democracy and Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2015

This bill requires that all U.S.-imposed sanctions with respect to Belarus remain in effect until the President certifies to Congress that the government of Belarus has met specified conditions under the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004.

The President shall include the Joint Stock Company Belaruskali and the Joint Stock Company Belarusian Potash Company on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

bill requires sanctions respect belarus remain effect president certifies congress government belarus met specified conditions belarus democracy act president shall include list specially designated nationals blocked persons maintained office_of_foreign_assets_control


Summary:
Cuba Trade Act of 2015

This bill repeals or amends current laws restricting trade with Cuba.

The prohibition on assistance to Cuba, and the President's authority for the embargo on Cuba, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 are eliminated.

The Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 is amended to eliminate:

 presidential authority to impose sanctions against Cuban trading partners, restrictions on transactions between U.S.-owned or controlled firms and Cuba, limitations on direct shipping between Cuban and U.S. ports, and restrictions on remittances. The Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 is amended to eliminate:

 the enforcement of an economic embargo of Cuban provisions, and the prohibition on indirect financing of Cuba. The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 is amended to:

 remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism subject to agricultural and medical export restrictions; eliminate the prohibition on U.S. assistance, including foreign assistance, export assistance, and any credit or guarantees being made available for exports to Cuba; eliminate the prohibition against a U.S. person's providing payment or financing terms for sales of agricultural commodities or products to Cuba; prohibit the United States from providing any foreign assistance to Cuba or any financial assistance, loans, loan guarantees, extension of credit, or other financing for exports to Cuba; and eliminate the prohibition on the U.S. entry of merchandise that is of Cuban origin, is or has been located in or transported from or through Cuba, or is made or derived in whole or in part of any article which is the growth, produce, or manufacture of Cuba. The federal government may not obligate or expend any funds to promote trade with or develop markets in Cuba, except through certain commodity promotion programs.

cuba trade act bill repeals amends current laws restricting trade cuba prohibition assistance cuba president authority embargo cuba foreign assistance act eliminated cuban democracy act amended eliminate presidential authority impose sanctions cuban trading partners restrictions transactions controlled firms cuba limitations direct shipping cuban ports restrictions remittances cuban_liberty democratic_solidarity libertad act amended eliminate enforcement economic embargo cuban provisions prohibition indirect financing cuba trade sanctions reform export enhancement act amended remove cuba list state sponsors terrorism subject agricultural medical export restrictions eliminate prohibition assistance including foreign assistance export assistance credit guarantees available exports cuba eliminate prohibition person providing payment financing terms sales agricultural commodities products cuba prohibit united_states providing foreign assistance cuba financial assistance loans loan guarantees extension credit financing exports cuba eliminate prohibition entry merchandise cuban origin located transported cuba derived article growth produce manufacture cuba federal government obligate expend funds promote trade develop markets cuba certain commodity promotion programs


Summary:
This bill states that Iran is unjustly holding at least three U.S. citizens, Jason Rezaian, Saeed Abedini, and Amir Hekmati, and possibly Robert Levinson, as hostages.

The President is authorized to take necessary action to detain non-diplomatic officials of the government of Iran: (1) in the United States, and (2) in any other country whose government provides the United States with prior authorization to take such actions.

bill states iran holding citizens possibly hostages president authorized necessary action detain non diplomatic officials government iran united_states country government provides united_states prior authorization actions


Summary:
Cuba Agricultural Exports Act

This bill amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to exempt from prohibitions against U.S. assistance to Cuba any exports under the market access program, the export credit guarantee program, and the foreign market development cooperator program, including any federal commodity promotion program obligations or expenditures of funds.

This exemption shall not apply if the U.S. assistance recipient would be an entity controlled by the Cuban government, including the armed forces, the Ministry of the Interior, or any subdivision of either governmental entity.

A person subject to U.S. jurisdiction may invest in the development of an agricultural business in Cuba if the Department of State and the Department of Agriculture jointly determine that the agricultural business:

 is not controlled by the government of Cuba, including the armed forces, the Ministry of the Interior, or any subdivision of either governmental entity; and does not traffic in property of persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction which was confiscated by Cuba on or after January 1, 1959. Certain language limiting financing of agricultural sales to Cuba is repealed.

exports act bill amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement act exempt prohibitions assistance cuba exports market access program export credit guarantee program foreign market development cooperator program including federal commodity promotion program obligations expenditures funds exemption shall apply assistance recipient entity controlled cuban government including armed forces subdivision governmental entity person subject jurisdiction invest development agricultural business cuba department_of_state department_of_agriculture jointly determine agricultural business controlled government cuba including armed forces subdivision governmental entity traffic property persons subject jurisdiction confiscated cuba january certain language limiting financing agricultural sales cuba repealed


Summary:
This bill changes the current discretionary authority to a requirement that the President impose sanctions under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 with respect to the provision of specialized financial messaging services to the Central Bank of Iran and other sanctioned Iranian financial institutions. This requirement may not be waived.

Sanctions are expanded to include, in the case of an alien who is a senior executive or member of the board of directors of a person that provides such messaging services, visa denial and exclusion from the United States, and revocation of any visa or other documentation.

bill changes current discretionary authority requirement president impose sanctions iran threat reduction syria human rights act respect provision specialized financial messaging services central_bank iran sanctioned iranian financial institutions requirement waived sanctions expanded include case alien senior executive member board directors person provides messaging services visa denial exclusion united_states revocation visa documentation


Summary:
Ending Special National Origin-Based Immigration Programs for Cubans Act of 2015

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that Cuban nationals should be treated under the same immigration rules as nationals of other countries with which the United States has diplomatic relations and should not receive preferential treatment.

The bill repeals P.L. 89-732, which provides for the adjustment of Cuban citizens or nationals to lawful permanent resident status in the United States.

No funds, resources, or fees made available to the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, or to any other federal agency, including deposits into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account, may be used to implement or administer any of the policy changes set forth in the 2007 memorandum from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement entitled "Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program."

act bill expresses sense congress cuban nationals treated immigration rules nationals countries united_states diplomatic relations receive preferential treatment bill repeals provides adjustment cuban citizens nationals lawful permanent resident status united_states funds resources fees available department_of_homeland_security department_of_state federal agency including deposits immigration_examinations_fee_account implement administer policy changes set forth memorandum entitled cuban family reunification parole program


Summary:
IRGC Sanctions Act

This bill amends the Arms Export Control Act, the Export Administration Act of 1979, and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require congressional approval of any rescission of a determination that a country is a state sponsor of terrorism.

The Trade Act of 1974 is amended to prohibit a U.S. person from knowingly engaging in any financial transaction with or transfer of funds to:

 Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or any IRGC subdivision; any person that is an agent, alias, front, instrumentality, or affiliate of any such entity; any person owned or controlled by such an entity or such a person; any natural person who is a representative, official, or senior member of any such entity; or any person for the purpose of avoiding a financial transaction with, or transfer of funds to, such an individual or entity, or for the benefit of such an individual or entity. The President shall exercise specified authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to carry out this Act, except that the President shall:

 not issue any general license authorizing, or otherwise authorize, any prohibited activity; or require any U.S. person seeking to engage in a prohibited financial transaction or transfer of funds to submit a written request to the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Congressional approval shall be required to remove any person added to the Office's list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons pursuant to this Act.

A person that violates prohibited activities shall be subject to specified penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The President shall establish and update a watch list of persons that:

 meet certain criteria under this Act and are not included on the Office's list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons, and are Iranian persons that meet specified criteria under this Act and have been removed from the Office's list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons in accordance with the terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The President may remove a person on the watch list under specified conditions.

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is amended to require securities issuers to report to the Securities Exchange Commission any transaction prohibited by this Act.

irgc sanctions act bill amends arms_export_control_act export administration act foreign assistance act require congressional approval rescission determination country state sponsor terrorism trade act amended prohibit person knowingly engaging financial transaction transfer funds iran revolutionary_guard_corps irgc irgc subdivision person agent instrumentality affiliate entity person owned controlled entity person natural person representative official senior member entity person purpose avoiding financial transaction transfer funds individual entity benefit individual entity president shall exercise specified authorities international_emergency_economic_powers_act carry act president shall issue general license authorizing authorize prohibited activity require person seeking engage prohibited financial transaction transfer funds submit written request department_of_the_treasury office_of_foreign_assets_control congressional approval shall required remove person added office list specially designated nationals blocked persons pursuant act person violates prohibited activities shall subject specified penalties international_emergency_economic_powers_act president shall establish update watch list persons meet certain criteria act included office list specially designated nationals blocked persons iranian persons meet specified criteria act removed office list specially designated nationals blocked persons accordance terms joint comprehensive plan action president remove person watch list specified conditions securities_exchange_act amended require securities issuers report transaction prohibited act


Summary:
Quarantining the Ayatollah's State-Sponsored Aggression and Militancy (QASSAM) Act

This bill directs the President to block all property and property interest transactions of an entity that is U.S-located or controlled by a U.S. person if it is at least 20% owned by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), regardless of whether the entity itself is included on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.

 Treasury shall establish and publish in the Federal Register a list of each entity with respect to which the IRGC:

 owns any interest that is less than 20%; or does not own any interest but maintains a presence on the board of directors or otherwise influences the entity's actions, policies, or personnel decisions. The Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 is amended to express the sense of Congress that the United States should support any state or local government that for moral, prudential, or reputational reasons divests from, or prohibits the investment of its assets in, any person that engages in investment or business activities with the IRGC or IRGC-related companies, as long as the IRGC is subject to U.S. economic sanctions.

A state or local government may adopt and enforce specified divestment or investment prohibition measures. It is the sense of Congress that a state or local government should not adopt such a measure against a person unless it has made every effort to avoid erroneously targeting such person.

state sponsored aggression act bill directs president block property property interest transactions entity located controlled person owned iran revolutionary_guard_corps irgc regardless entity included list specially designated nationals blocked persons maintained treasury shall establish publish federal_register list entity respect irgc owns interest interest maintains presence board directors influences entity actions policies personnel decisions iran threat reduction syria human rights act amended express sense congress united_states support state local government moral prudential reputational reasons divests prohibits investment assets person engages investment business activities irgc irgc related companies long irgc subject economic sanctions state local government adopt enforce specified divestment investment prohibition measures sense congress state local government adopt measure person effort avoid erroneously targeting person


Summary:
Azerbaijan Democracy Act of 2015

This bill prohibits the issuance of any visa to, and requires denial of entry to the United States of, any alien who:

 holds a position in the senior leadership of the government of Azerbaijan, or is an immediate family member of such person; through his or her business dealings with such senior leadership derives significant financial benefit from policies or actions, including electoral fraud, human rights abuses, or corruption, that undermine democratic institutions or impede the transition to democracy in Azerbaijan; or is a member of any branch of the security, judicial, or law enforcement services of Azerbaijan and has participated in the persecution or harassment of independent media or journalists, human rights defenders, opposition groups, or religious groups. The Department of State shall revoke any existing visas of such ineligible aliens.

The visa and entry prohibitions shall not apply to a government official of Azerbaijan seeking U.S. entry to participate in talks related to resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

It is the sense of Congress that:

 no loan, credit guarantee, insurance, or financing assistance be extended by any U.S. agency to the government of Azerbaijan, except for the provision of humanitarian goods and agricultural or medical products; and no funds available to the Trade and Development Agency should be available for activities of the Agency in or for Azerbaijan. It is also the sense of Congress that the President should block all property and interests in property that:

 are owned by any member of the senior leadership of the government of Azerbaijan, by any family member, or by any person who through his or her business dealings with such persons derives significant financial benefit from policies or actions that undermine Azerbaijan's democratic institutions; and are or come within the United States, or that are or come within the possession or control of any U.S. person. Activities prohibited by reason of the blocking of property and interests in property should include payments or transfers of any property, or any transactions involving the transfer of anything of economic value by any U.S. person to any person whose assets are blocked.

It is the sense of Congress that the President should continue to seek the support of other countries, particularly European countries, for a multilateral strategy to further the purposes of this Act.

azerbaijan democracy act bill prohibits issuance visa requires denial entry united_states alien holds position senior leadership government azerbaijan immediate family member person business senior leadership derives significant financial benefit policies actions including electoral fraud human rights abuses corruption undermine democratic institutions impede transition democracy azerbaijan member branch security judicial law enforcement services azerbaijan participated persecution harassment independent media journalists human rights defenders opposition groups religious groups department_of_state shall revoke existing visas ineligible aliens visa entry prohibitions shall apply government official azerbaijan seeking entry participate related resolution conflict sense congress loan credit guarantee insurance financing assistance extended agency government azerbaijan provision humanitarian goods agricultural medical products funds available trade_and_development_agency available activities agency azerbaijan sense congress president block property interests property owned member senior leadership government azerbaijan family member person business persons derives significant financial benefit policies actions undermine azerbaijan democratic institutions come united_states come possession control person activities prohibited reason blocking property interests property include payments transfers property transactions involving transfer economic value person person assets blocked sense congress president continue seek support countries particularly european countries multilateral strategy purposes act


Summary:
State Sanctions Against Iranian Terrorism Act

This bill amends the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 to specify that a state may, in addition to limiting investment in Iran's energy sector, prohibit or limit any person from engaging in specified investment activities in Iran. A state may also enter into interstate compacts to prohibit or limit such financial activities.

Enforcement of such measures may include the imposition of disclosure and transparency requirements.

 The description of "investment activities" is revised to: (1) reduce the threshold for financial involvement from $20 million to $10 million; and (2) include, in addition to the energy sector, involvement in a business enterprise in Iran, including an entity owned or controlled by the Iranian government.

The bill declares that a state or local government measure authorized pursuant to the Act is: (1) authorized and not preempted by any federal law or regulation, or any policy, agreement, or exercise of waiver authority of the executive branch; and (2) is consistent with U.S. federal policy, including U.S. foreign policy.

A state or local government may enforce a measure adopted before the enactment of this Act that: (1) provides for the divestment of state or local assets from, or prohibits the investment of those assets in, any person that engages in investment activities in Iran or other business activities in Iran identified in the measure; or (2) prohibits or limits any person from engaging in investment activities in Iran.

state sanctions iranian terrorism act bill amends accountability divestment_act specify state addition limiting investment iran energy sector prohibit limit person engaging specified investment activities iran state enter interstate compacts prohibit limit financial activities enforcement measures include imposition disclosure transparency requirements description investment activities revised reduce threshold financial involvement million million include addition energy sector involvement business enterprise iran including entity owned controlled iranian government bill declares state local government measure authorized pursuant act authorized preempted federal law regulation policy agreement exercise waiver authority executive branch consistent federal policy including foreign policy state local government enforce measure adopted enactment act provides divestment state local assets prohibits investment assets person engages investment activities iran business activities iran identified measure prohibits limits person engaging investment activities iran


Summary:
Combating BDS Act of 2016

This bill authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment of its assets in: (1) an entity that such government determines, using credible information available to the public, engages in a commerce or investment-related boycott, divestment, or sanctions activity targeting Israel; or (2) an entity that owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, such an entity. Such government shall provide written notice to such an entity before applying such a measure.

Such a measure by a state or local government is not preempted by any federal law or regulation. The bill applies to measures adopted by a state or local government before, on, or after the date of this Act's enactment.

The bill amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to prohibit any person from bringing any civil, criminal, or administrative action against any registered investment company, or any officer or employee thereof, based solely upon such company divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by persons that such company determines, using credible information available to the public, engage in commerce or investment-related boycotts, divestments, or sanctions activities targeting Israel.

combating act bill authorizes state local government adopt enforce measures divest assets prohibit investment assets entity government determines credible information available public engages commerce investment related boycott divestment sanctions activity targeting israel entity owns controls owned controlled common ownership control entity government shall provide written notice entity applying measure measure state local government preempted federal law regulation bill applies measures adopted state local government date act enactment bill amends investment company act prohibit person bringing civil criminal administrative action registered investment company officer employee thereof based solely company divesting avoiding investing securities issued persons company determines credible information available public engage commerce investment related boycotts sanctions activities targeting israel


Summary:
Non-Discrimination of Israel in Labeling Act

This bill requires that, for purposes of marking imported articles and containers under the Tariff Act of 1930, every article of origin from the geographical area known as the West Bank (or its container) imported into the United States shall include the words:

 "West Bank" in the case of an article of an area in the West Bank not administered by Israel; and "Israel," "Made in Israel," or "Product of Israel" in the case of an article of an area in the West Bank administered by Israel. Every article of origin from the geographical area known as the Gaza Strip (or its container) imported into the United States shall include the words "Gaza" or "Gaza Strip."

Neither the Department of the Treasury nor any other federal department or agency may prohibit the use of any of such markings for purposes of satisfying the Tariff Act of 1930.

bill requires purposes marking imported articles containers tariff act article origin geographical area known west_bank container imported united_states shall include words west bank case article area west_bank administered israel israel israel product israel case article area west_bank administered israel article origin geographical area known gaza_strip container imported united_states shall include words gaza gaza_strip department treasury federal department agency prohibit use markings purposes satisfying tariff act


Summary:
Displaced Jewish Refugees from Arab Countries and Iran Act

This bill directs the President to report annually to Congress on actions the Department of State and other relevant federal departments and agencies have taken in the preceding year regarding resolution of the issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries and Iran.

The report shall include a description of:

 actions in bilateral and multilateral fora to address the issue of rights for Jewish refugees from Arab countries; and measures to help ensure that the interests of Jews displaced from Arab countries and Iran and of all refugees displaced as a result of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including Arabs, Jews, Christians, and other groups, are considered in any final settlement of the Middle East refugee question that is part of any comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace.

bill directs president report annually congress actions department_of_state relevant federal departments agencies taken preceding year resolution issue jewish refugees arab countries iran report shall include description actions bilateral multilateral fora address issue rights jewish refugees arab countries measures help ensure interests displaced arab countries iran refugees displaced result arab israeli conflict including groups considered final settlement middle_east refugee question comprehensive arab israeli peace


Summary:
Justice Before Commerce Act of 2016

This bill states that it is U.S. policy to expect the Cuban government to extradite all known U.S. fugitives back to the United States.

No federal funds may be used to accept commercial flight plans for travel between the United States and Cuba until Cuba extradites to the United States the last known fugitive from justice from the United States who is in Cuba.

justice commerce act bill states policy expect cuban government known fugitives united_states federal funds accept commercial flight plans travel united_states cuba cuba united_states known fugitive justice united_states cuba


Summary:
Comprehensive Strategy to Destroy ISIL Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Defense and the Department of State to jointly develop and submit to Congress a strategy to destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its affiliates.

The Director of National Intelligence shall assess for Congress:

 the willingness and capabilities of coalition members and allies to defeat ISIL and its affiliates; the presence of ISIL or its affiliates in countries other than Syria, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, and Afghanistan; prevention of radicalization of citizens of regional countries by ISIL and its affiliates; the number of foreign fighters joining ISIL and its affiliates and tactics to prevent further recruitment; and significant U.S. intelligence gaps concerning ISIL and its affiliates and the ability of the United States to carry out a regional strategy to defeat ISIL and its affiliates.

comprehensive strategy destroy isil act bill directs department_of_defense department_of_state jointly develop submit congress strategy destroy islamic_state_of_iraq levant isil affiliates director national_intelligence shall assess congress willingness capabilities coalition members allies defeat isil affiliates presence isil affiliates countries syria iraq libya egypt afghanistan prevention radicalization citizens regional countries isil affiliates number foreign fighters joining isil affiliates tactics prevent recruitment significant intelligence gaps concerning isil affiliates ability united_states carry regional strategy defeat isil affiliates


Summary:
No Dollars for Iran Act

This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from issuing a license under any law, including the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, that would permit a person to conduct offshore dollar clearing outside of the U.S. financial system for transactions that would involve or benefit the government of Iran or any Iranian person.

dollars iran act bill prohibits department_of_the_treasury issuing license law including permit person conduct offshore dollar clearing outside financial system transactions involve benefit government iran iranian person


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

United States-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill declares that it is U.S. policy to increase engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region, including the private sector, and with civil society in both the United States and the Caribbean.

(Sec. 3) The Department of State shall submit to Congress a multi-year strategy for U.S. engagement to support the efforts of interested nations in the Caribbean region that:

 identifies State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) priorities for U.S. policy towards the Caribbean region; outlines an approach to partner with Caribbean governments to improve citizen security, reduce illicit drug trafficking, strengthen the rule of law, and improve the effectiveness and longevity of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI); encourages efforts of the region to implement regional and national strategies that improve Caribbean energy security by increasing access to all available sources of energy, including by taking advantage of the indigenous energy sources of the Caribbean and the ongoing energy revolution in the United States; improves diplomatic engagement with Caribbean governments; describes how the United States can develop an approach to supporting Caribbean countries in efforts they are willing to undertake with their own resources to diversify their economies; and describes ways to ensure the active participation of citizens of the Caribbean in existing program and initiatives administered by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. (Sec. 4) The State Department shall offer to annually brief the appropriate congressional committees on efforts to implement such strategy.

 (Sec. 5) The President shall report within two years on progress made in implementing such strategy.

(Sec. 6) The Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended to eliminate from the State Department's Foreign Service workplace report descriptions of steps taken in furtherance of compatibility and the development of uniform procedures and consolidated personnel functions.

measure amended passed senate summary version repeated strategic engagement act sec bill declares policy increase engagement governments caribbean region including private sector civil society united_states caribbean sec department_of_state shall submit congress multi year strategy engagement support efforts interested nations caribbean region identifies state_department international_development usaid priorities policy caribbean region outlines approach partner caribbean governments improve citizen security reduce illicit drug trafficking strengthen rule law improve effectiveness longevity encourages efforts region implement regional national strategies improve caribbean energy security increasing access available sources energy including taking advantage indigenous energy sources caribbean ongoing energy united_states improves diplomatic engagement caribbean governments describes united_states develop approach supporting caribbean countries efforts willing undertake resources diversify economies describes ways ensure active participation citizens caribbean existing program initiatives administered state_department sec state_department shall offer annually brief appropriate congressional committees efforts implement strategy sec president shall report years progress implementing strategy sec foreign service act amended eliminate state_department foreign_service workplace report descriptions steps taken furtherance compatibility development uniform procedures consolidated personnel functions


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

United States Financial System Protection Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill applies to transfers of funds to or from Iran, or for the direct or indirect benefit of an Iranian person or the government of Iran, for a specified period only, the existing authorization for U.S. depository institutions and registered brokers or dealers in securities to process such a funds transfer if the transfer arises from, and is ordinarily incident and necessary to give effect to, an underlying transaction that has been authorized by a specific or general license and does not involve debiting or crediting an Iranian account.

The period of application shall be from on or after January 1, 2016, until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the government of Iran has ceased:

 supporting acts of international terrorism; and developing nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and ballistic missiles and ballistic missile launch technology (and has dismantled existing ones). The requirements of this bill shall also apply to foreign financial institutions and registered brokers or dealers in securities if the funds to be transferred are denominated in U.S. dollars.

The President may not, except for certain humanitarian purposes, issue any license under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or take other action that permits a domestic or foreign depository institution or registered broker or dealer in securities to conduct an offshore U.S. dollar clearing system, or supply U.S. dollars for any such system conducted or overseen by a foreign government or financial institution, for transactions (including funds transfers) involving or for the benefit of the government of Iran or an Iranian person.

 (Sec. 4) The President may not rescind a preliminary draft rule or final rule authorizing designation of Iran as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern without first certifying to Congress that the government of Iran is no longer engaged in support for terrorism, pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, and any illicit and deceptive financial activities.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure act sec bill applies transfers funds iran direct indirect benefit iranian person government iran specified period existing authorization depository institutions registered brokers dealers securities process funds transfer transfer arises ordinarily incident necessary effect underlying transaction authorized specific general license involve crediting iranian account period application shall january president certifies appropriate congressional committees government iran ceased supporting acts international terrorism developing nuclear biological chemical weapons ballistic missiles ballistic missile launch technology dismantled existing ones requirements bill shall apply foreign financial institutions registered brokers dealers securities funds transferred denominated dollars president certain humanitarian purposes issue license international_emergency_economic_powers_act action permits domestic foreign depository institution registered broker dealer securities conduct offshore dollar clearing system supply dollars system conducted overseen foreign government financial institution transactions including funds transfers involving benefit government iran iranian person sec president rescind preliminary draft rule final rule authorizing designation iran jurisdiction primary money laundering concern certifying congress government iran longer engaged support terrorism pursuit weapons mass destruction illicit deceptive financial activities


Summary:
Preventing Iran's Access to United States Dollars Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the President from issuing a license that permits a person to:

 conduct an offshore U.S. dollar clearing system for transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person, or provide U.S. dollars for any offshore U.S. dollar clearing system conducted by a foreign government or a foreign financial institution for transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person. The Department of the Treasury shall report to Congress:

 a list of financial institutions operating or participating in an offshore U.S. dollar clearing system that conducts transactions involving the government of Iran or an Iranian person, and an assessment of Treasury efforts to prevent such transactions. The President shall block and prohibit all transactions in property and property interests of any listed institution if the property and interests: (1) are in the United States, (2) come within the United States, or (3) are or come within the possession or control of a U.S. person. The President may impose additional sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 is amended to subject to sanctions: (1) u-turn transactions (fund transfers from a foreign bank that pass through a U.S. financial institution and are then transferred to a second foreign bank), and (2) book transfers (fund transfers for the benefit of an Iranian financial institution made between accounts of the same financial institution).

preventing iran access united states dollars act bill prohibits president issuing license permits person conduct offshore dollar clearing system transactions involving government iran iranian person provide dollars offshore dollar clearing system conducted foreign government foreign financial institution transactions involving government iran iranian person department treasury shall report congress list financial institutions operating participating offshore dollar clearing system conducts transactions involving government iran iranian person assessment treasury efforts prevent transactions president shall block prohibit transactions property property interests listed institution property interests united_states come united_states come possession control person president impose additional sanctions pursuant international_emergency_economic_powers_act national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year amended subject sanctions turn transactions fund transfers foreign bank pass financial institution transferred second foreign bank book transfers fund transfers benefit iranian financial institution accounts financial institution


Summary:
United States-Israel Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the President to provide assistance to Israel to protect Israel's coastline and natural gas fields located in its exclusive economic zone.

Activities that may be supported by such assistance include:

 procurement and sustainment of the David's Sling Weapon System, payment of incremental expenses incurred by Israel resulting from participation in a bilateral or multilateral military exercise of the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard, conduct of increased U.S. naval vessel visits at Israeli ports, and conduct of joint research and development for advanced maritime domain awareness capabilities.

united_states-israel maritime security partnership act bill authorizes president provide assistance israel protect israel coastline natural gas fields located exclusive economic zone activities supported assistance include procurement sustainment david weapon system payment incremental expenses incurred israel resulting participation bilateral multilateral military exercise conduct increased naval vessel visits israeli ports conduct joint research development advanced maritime domain awareness capabilities