Summary:
Syria Transition Support Act of 2013 - (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) condemns the violence and human rights violations perpetrated against the Syrian people by President Bashar al-Assad's regime; (2) affirms the neutrality of medical professionals providing humanitarian assistance and health care and condemns attacks against such personnel or interference in the provision of medical care; and (3) welcomes the pledges of humanitarian assistance made by Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and members of the European Union (EU), and encourages prompt delivery of those pledges.

Declares the further sense of the Senate that the United States should: (1) support vulnerable civilians and innocent victims of the conflict in Syria, particularly women and children; (2) support efforts by democratically oriented opposition groups to agree upon a political transition plan that protects the rights of Syria's minority groups; (3) help ensure that, once a stable transitional government is established in Syria, it is committed to multiparty democracy, respect for human rights and religious freedom, protection of refugees, promoting peace with its neighbors, and rehabilitating former combatants; and (4) implement fully existing sanctions on Syria.

(Sec. 5) States that the purposes of assistance under this Act are to: (1) support democratic, inclusive transition in Syria; (2) assist the people of Syria, especially internally displaced persons and refugees, in meeting basic needs; (3) provide support to neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees and to international organizations providing humanitarian relief; (4) oppose the unlawful use of violence against civilians by all parties to the conflict in Syria; (5) expedite a negotiated solution to the conflict in Syria, including Bashar al-Assad's departure; (6) recognize the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people; (7) engage with opposition groups that reflect U.S. interests and values; (8) promote Syria's territorial integrity; (9) provide foreign and defense-related assistance to specific members of the Syrian Supreme Military Council, particular units of the Free Syrian Army, and other Syrian entities that have been vetted and share U.S. values and interests; (10) coordinate with key partners on contingency planning, including Turkey, Jordan, Israel, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the EU; (11) support efforts to document and hold accountable those individuals who target civilian and vulnerable populations; (12) support programs that provide scholars, scientists, and students in Syria fellowship and scholarship opportunities outside Syria to ensure that they can assist in Syria's democratic rebuilding; and (13) ensure a stable and appropriate political transition in Syria and limit the threats posed by extremist groups, weapons proliferation, sectarian and ethnic violence, and refugee flows.

(Sec. 6) States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the use of force by the U.S. Armed Forces.

Title I: United States Strategy and Congressional Oversight - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on a U.S. strategy to: (1) ensure an appropriate political transition in Syria and limit the threats posed by extremist groups, weapons proliferation, sectarian and ethnic violence, and refugee flows; (2) assist the people of Syria in meeting basic needs; (3) engage with opposition groups that reflect U.S. interests and values, most notably the Syrian Opposition Coalition; (4) promote Syria's territorial integrity; (5) support efforts to identify individuals who target or lead units or organizations that target civilian and vulnerable populations; and (6) include specified international engagement efforts.

(Sec. 102) Directs the President to: (1) keep Congress fully informed of all U.S. activities regarding Syria, and (2) provide Congress with a classified briefing at least quarterly detailing all U.S. government activities with respect to Syria.

Title II: Humanitarian Assistance - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the President to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act.

(Sec. 202) Urges the President to use U.S. influence with the United Nations (U.N.) voluntary agencies and other international organizations to support humanitarian and development assistance for the people of Syria.

(Sec. 203) Urges the President to support bilateral refugee assistance programs in countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, and Lebanon, which have experienced an influx of Syrian refugees.

(Sec. 204) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should continue to coordinate with other donor nations, the United Nations (U.N.), other multilateral agencies, and nongovernmental organizations to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria; (2) countries hosting Syrian refugees should be commended for their efforts and should be encouraged to maintain an open border policy for fleeing Syrians; (3) the United States should work with these partners to help their national systems accommodate the population influx and also deliver basic services to their own citizens; and (4) assistance should, without restricting the ability of a contractor or grantee to use its own organizational brand or logo, be identified as being "From the American People" if such identification would not jeopardize safety, compromise the program independence or neutrality, undermine the democratically oriented opposition, or render the provision of assistance impracticable.

(Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on a U.S. government strategy to ensure that the people of Syria are made aware of the U.S. assistance provided to Syrians, both inside Syria and those seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

(Sec. 206) States that nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize new or additional funding for humanitarian needs or aid to international organizations.

Title III: Promoting an Effective Transition - (Sec. 301) Establishes a Syria Transition Fund to provide support in the early transition period to: (1) enable an effective political transition to a more democratic and inclusive political structure; and (2) provide for initiatives to improve the security of the United States, U.S. partners and allies, and the people of Syria.

Sets forth the following Fund-supported activities: (1) security sector support, (2) support for regional stability, (3) technical assistance for phased disarmament, (4) transitional justice and conflict resolution, (5) democracy promotion, (6) economic restructuring, (7) technical assistance for basic services, (8) evidence collection on civilian abuses, and (9) post-conflict stabilization.

Authorizes specified fund transfers to the Fund.

Terminates the Fund on September 30, 2015.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually (for the duration of the Fund) regarding U.S. efforts to assist Syria's political transition, with a specific focus on Fund-supported efforts.

(Sec. 302) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should begin a phased removal of sanctions once the government of Syria has ceased its campaign of violence against the Syrian people, begun a representative and inclusive transition, and has been recognized by the United States.

Amends the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 to require, in lieu of current certification requirements that Syria must satisfy in order to avoid specified sanctions and prohibitions on U.S. defense exports, that: (1) Bashar al-Assad is no longer the leader of Syria, and (2) the government of Syria has ceased its campaign of violence against the Syrian people and has begun the transition to a representative and inclusive government.

(Sec. 303) Directs the President to submit to Congress an assessment of the size and security of conventional and non-conventional weapons stockpiles in Syria.

(Sec. 304) Urges the Secretary to establish international consensus on the transition and post-transition period and government in Syria by: (1) working with Russia and the Friends of Syria, and (2) building an international consensus to limit Iranian support for the Syrian regime.

(Sec. 305) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should work with international financial institutions to support the purposes set forth in this Act.

Title IV: Sanctions - (Sec. 402) Directs the President to impose two or more of the sanctions under this Act on any person (other than a foreign financial institution) that knowingly participated in or facilitated a significant transaction related to the sale, transfer, or transportation of defense articles (including surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile systems, including any S300 system and the Yakhont system), defense services, or military training to the al-Assad regime or any successor regime in Syria that is not a legitimate transitional or replacement government.

Authorizes the President to prohibit the opening in the United States, and prohibit or impose conditions on maintenance, of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that has knowingly conducted a significant transaction related to the sale, transfer, or transportation of defense articles (including surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile systems, including any S300 system and the Yakhont system), defense services, or military training to: (1) the al-Assad regime or any successor regime in Syria that is not a legitimate transitional or replacement government; or (2) any person added after April 28, 2011, to the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury in connection with the conflict in Syria.

(Sec. 403) Directs the President to impose three or more of the sanctions under this Act on any person (other than a foreign financial institution) that has knowingly participated in or facilitated a significant transaction related to the sale or transfer of petroleum or petroleum products to the al-Assad regime or any successor regime in Syria that is not a legitimate transitional or replacement government.

 Authorizes the President to prohibit the opening in the United States, and prohibit or impose conditions on maintenance, of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that has knowingly conducted a significant transaction related to the sale or transfer of petroleum or petroleum products to: (1) the al-Assad regime or any successor regime in Syria that is not a legitimate transitional or replacement government; or (2) any person added after April 28, 2011, to the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury in connection with the conflict in Syria.

(Sec. 404) Specifies such sanctions as prohibitions on: (1) Export-Import Bank assistance, (2) procurement of goods or services, (3) arms exports, (4) dual-use exports, (5) property transactions, and (6) U.S. admissions.

(Sec. 405) Authorizes the President to waive, with congressional notification, the application of sanctions for renewable 180-day periods if vital to U.S. national security interests.

(Sec. 406) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should work with U.S. allies to obtain support for countries to impose sanctions on Syria that are equivalent to the sanctions set forth in this title.

Title V: Increased Support for the Opposition - (Sec. 501) Authorizes the President to provide assistance, including defense articles, defense services, and training to vetted elements of the Syrian Supreme Military Council, the Free Syrian Army, and other Syrian entities opposed to the al-Assad regime.

Prohibits the transfer of anti-aircraft defensive systems unless waived by the President for national security reasons and with prior notice to Congress.

Directs the President to provide Congress with specified certifications not later than 15 days before obligating funds or making commitments for such assistance.

Urges the United States to encourage any entity receiving such assistance to commit to: (1) a Syria that is free of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including any chemical, biological, or nuclear WMD-related programs; and (2) a code of conduct that includes respect for laws of armed conflict and the rule of law, commitments to refrain from sectarian violence and revenge killings, and cooperation with transitional authorities.

(Sec. 502) Prohibits assistance to be provided to any unit or entity that has engaged in the use of chemical weapons or that is selling or illegally transferring U.S. defense articles or defense services.

syria transition support act sec expresses sense senate united_states violence human rights violations perpetrated syrian people president bashar_al-assad regime affirms neutrality medical professionals providing humanitarian assistance health care attacks personnel interference provision medical care pledges humanitarian assistance australia brazil canada china india japan republic_of_korea kuwait morocco new_zealand qatar saudi_arabia turkey united_arab_emirates uae members european_union encourages prompt delivery pledges declares sense senate united_states support vulnerable civilians innocent victims conflict syria particularly women children support efforts democratically oriented opposition groups agree political transition plan protects rights syria minority groups help ensure stable transitional government established syria committed multiparty democracy respect human rights religious freedom protection refugees promoting peace neighbors rehabilitating combatants implement fully existing sanctions syria sec states purposes assistance act support democratic inclusive transition syria assist people syria especially internally displaced persons refugees meeting basic needs provide support neighboring countries hosting syrian refugees international organizations providing humanitarian relief oppose unlawful use violence civilians parties conflict syria expedite negotiated solution conflict syria including bashar_al-assad departure recognize legitimate representative syrian people engage opposition groups reflect interests values promote syria territorial integrity provide foreign defense related assistance specific members particular units syrian entities vetted share values interests coordinate key partners contingency planning including turkey jordan israel support efforts document hold accountable individuals target civilian vulnerable populations support programs provide scholars scientists students syria fellowship scholarship opportunities outside syria ensure assist syria democratic rebuilding ensure stable appropriate political transition syria limit threats posed extremist groups weapons proliferation sectarian ethnic violence refugee flows sec states act shall construed authorize use force title united states strategy sec directs secretary state report congress strategy ensure appropriate political transition syria limit threats posed extremist groups weapons proliferation sectarian ethnic violence refugee flows assist people syria meeting basic needs engage opposition groups reflect interests values promote syria territorial integrity support efforts identify individuals target lead units organizations target civilian vulnerable populations include specified international engagement efforts sec directs president congress fully informed activities syria provide congress classified briefing quarterly detailing government activities respect syria title humanitarian assistance sec authorizes president provide humanitarian assistance people syria pursuant foreign assistance act migration_and_refugee_assistance_act sec urges president use influence united_nations voluntary agencies international organizations support humanitarian development assistance people syria sec urges president support bilateral refugee assistance programs countries including iraq jordan turkey egypt lebanon experienced influx syrian refugees sec expresses sense congress united_states continue coordinate donor nations united_nations multilateral agencies nongovernmental organizations enhance effectiveness humanitarian assistance people syria countries hosting syrian refugees commended efforts encouraged maintain open border policy fleeing united_states work partners help national systems accommodate population influx deliver basic services citizens assistance restricting ability contractor grantee use organizational brand logo identified american people identification jeopardize safety compromise program independence neutrality undermine democratically oriented opposition render provision assistance impracticable sec directs secretary report congress government strategy ensure people syria aware assistance provided inside syria seeking refuge neighboring countries sec states title shall construed authorize new additional funding humanitarian needs aid international organizations title iii promoting effective transition sec establishes provide support early transition period enable effective political transition democratic inclusive political structure provide initiatives improve security united_states partners allies people syria sets forth following fund supported activities security sector support support regional stability technical assistance phased disarmament transitional justice conflict resolution democracy promotion economic restructuring technical assistance basic services evidence collection civilian abuses post conflict stabilization authorizes specified fund transfers fund terminates fund september directs secretary report congress annually duration fund efforts assist syria political transition specific focus fund supported efforts sec expresses sense congress united_states begin phased removal sanctions government syria ceased campaign violence syrian people begun representative inclusive transition recognized united_states amends syria_accountability_and_lebanese_sovereignty_restoration_act require lieu current certification requirements syria satisfy order avoid specified sanctions prohibitions defense exports bashar_al-assad longer leader syria government syria ceased campaign violence syrian people begun transition representative inclusive government sec directs president submit congress assessment size security conventional non conventional weapons stockpiles syria sec urges secretary establish international consensus transition post transition period government syria working russia building international consensus limit iranian support syrian regime sec expresses sense congress united_states work international financial institutions support purposes set forth act title sanctions sec directs president impose sanctions act person foreign financial institution knowingly participated facilitated significant transaction related sale transfer transportation defense articles including surface air surface surface missile systems including system system defense services military training regime successor regime syria legitimate transitional replacement government authorizes president prohibit opening united_states prohibit impose conditions maintenance correspondent account payable account foreign financial institution knowingly conducted significant transaction related sale transfer transportation defense articles including surface air surface surface missile systems including system system defense services military training regime successor regime syria legitimate transitional replacement government person added april list specially designated nationals blocked persons maintained office_of_foreign_assets_control_of_the_department_of_the_treasury connection conflict syria sec directs president impose sanctions act person foreign financial institution knowingly participated facilitated significant transaction related sale transfer petroleum petroleum products regime successor regime syria legitimate transitional replacement government authorizes president prohibit opening united_states prohibit impose conditions maintenance correspondent account payable account foreign financial institution knowingly conducted significant transaction related sale transfer petroleum petroleum products regime successor regime syria legitimate transitional replacement government person added april list specially designated nationals blocked persons maintained office_of_foreign_assets_control_of_the_department_of_the_treasury connection conflict syria sec specifies sanctions prohibitions export-import_bank assistance procurement goods services arms exports dual use exports property transactions admissions sec authorizes president waive congressional notification application sanctions renewable day periods vital national security interests sec expresses sense congress president work allies obtain support countries impose sanctions syria equivalent sanctions set forth title title increased support opposition sec authorizes president provide assistance including defense articles defense services training vetted elements syrian entities opposed regime prohibits transfer anti aircraft defensive systems waived president national security reasons prior notice congress directs president provide congress specified certifications later days obligating funds making commitments assistance urges united_states encourage entity receiving assistance commit syria free weapons mass destruction including chemical biological nuclear wmd related programs code conduct includes respect laws armed conflict rule law commitments refrain sectarian violence killings cooperation transitional authorities sec prohibits assistance provided unit entity engaged use chemical weapons selling illegally transferring defense articles defense services


Summary:
Iran Export Embargo Act - Amends the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 to direct the President to prohibit all transactions in property and property interests of a person (as defined in this Act) if such property and property interests are in the United States or within the possession or control of a U.S. individual.

Directs the President to prohibit the opening, and prohibit or impose strict conditions on the maintaining, in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that has knowingly conducted or facilitated a significant transaction with respect to the importation, sale, or transfer of goods or services from Iran on behalf of a described person.

Directs the President to impose sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act with respect to an individual that knowingly: (1) imports, purchases, or transfers goods or services from a described person; and (2) provides underwriting services or insurance or reinsurance to a described person.

Describes a "person" as: (1) the state and the government of Iran, or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of such government, including the Central Bank of Iran; (2) any person owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, such government; or (3) any other person determined by the President to be described in clauses (1) or (2).

iran export embargo act_-_amends iran freedom counter-proliferation_act direct president prohibit transactions property property interests person defined act property property interests united_states possession control individual directs president prohibit opening prohibit impose strict conditions maintaining united_states correspondent account payable account foreign financial institution knowingly conducted facilitated significant transaction respect importation sale transfer goods services iran behalf described person directs president impose sanctions pursuant international_emergency_economic_powers_act respect individual knowingly imports purchases transfers goods services described person provides underwriting services insurance reinsurance described person describes person state government iran political subdivision agency instrumentality government including central_bank iran person owned controlled acting behalf government person determined president described clauses


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on June 26, 2014. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Assessing Progress in Haiti Act of 2014 - Expresses the sense of Congress that transparency, accountability, democracy, and good governance are integral factors in any congressional decision regarding U.S. assistance, including assistance to Haiti.

Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress annually through December 31, 2017, on the status of post-earthquake recovery and development efforts in Haiti. Directs the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, to coordinate and transmit to Congress a three-year Haiti strategy that: (1) identifies constraints to economic growth and to consolidation of democratic government institutions; (2) includes an action plan that outlines policy tools, technical assistance, and resources for addressing the highest-priority constraints; and (3) identifies specific steps and benchmarks to provide direct bilateral assistance to the government of Haiti.

measure amended reported senate june summary version repeated assessing progress haiti act expresses sense congress transparency accountability democracy good governance integral factors congressional decision assistance including assistance haiti directs secretary state report congress annually december status post earthquake recovery development efforts haiti directs secretary assistant secretary state western hemisphere affairs coordinate transmit congress year haiti strategy identifies constraints economic growth consolidation democratic government institutions includes action plan outlines policy tools technical assistance resources addressing highest priority constraints identifies specific steps benchmarks provide direct bilateral assistance government haiti


Summary:
Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013 - Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam in excess of FY2012 amounts unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting political, media, and religious freedoms, minority rights, access to U.S. refugee programs, return of confiscated religious estates and property, and actions to end trafficking in persons and to release political prisoners.

Authorizes the President to 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. Allows the President to waive such authority with respect to: (1) all U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam; or (2) one or more programs, projects, or activities of such assistance.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1)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; (2) U.S.-Vietnam educational and cultural exchange programs should promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam; (3) the Secretary of State should oppose Vietnam's candidacy for membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC); (4) Vietnam should be designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom; and (5) 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 prohibits nonhumanitarian assistance government vietnam excess fy2012 amounts president certifies congress government vietnam substantial progress respecting political media religious freedoms minority rights access refugee programs return confiscated religious estates property actions end trafficking persons release political prisoners authorizes president waive requirements increased nonhumanitarian assistance promote purposes act national interest allows president waive authority respect nonhumanitarian assistance vietnam programs projects activities assistance expresses sense congress 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 secretary state oppose vietnam candidacy membership united_nations_human_rights_council vietnam designated country particular concern religious freedom vietnam fully comply minimum standards elimination trafficking making significant efforts bring compliance


Summary:
Syria Sanctions Enhancement Act of 2013 - Directs the President to submit to Congress every 60 days a list of persons who: (1) are senior officials of the government of Syria, including President Bashar al-Assad; (2) have provided support to or received support from a senior official; (3) have acted for or on behalf of a senior official; or (4) are owned or controlled by a senior official.

Directs the President to block and prohibit any transaction in property and property interests of any listed person if such property and interests are in the United States, come within the United States, or are within the possession or control of a U.S. person.

Provides for: (1) exceptions for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria, and support for dismantling Syria's chemical weapons program; and (2) a national security waiver.

Applies specified penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to a U.S. person that: (1) conducts investment activities in Syria; (2) exports, sells, or supplies a service from the United States to the government of Syria; (3) conducts a transaction involving petroleum or petroleum products of Syrian origin; or (4) approves, finances, or facilitates a transaction by a foreign person that would be prohibited if conducted by a U.S. person.

Applies such property and penalty requirements to contracts or other agreements entered into on or after December 1, 2013.

Amends the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to expand the list of persons: (1) responsible for human rights abuses committed against Syrian citizens, and (2) subject to sanctions for transferring goods or technologies to Syria that are likely to be used to commit human rights abuses.

Urges the President to commence diplomatic efforts to establish a multilateral sanctions regime against Syria.

Directs the President to impose specified sanctions against a person that: (1) exported, transferred, or facilitated the transshipment of, any goods, services, technology, or other items would likely result in another person exporting, transferring, transshipping, or otherwise providing the goods, services, or technology to Syria; and (2) knew or should have known that such action would contribute materially to the government of Syria's ability to acquire or develop chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons or related technologies, or acquire or develop conventional weapons for use against the people of Syria.

Declares that this requirement shall not prohibit the United States from transporting weapons and aid to forces opposing the government of Syria.

Directs the President to impose specified sanctions against a person that: (1) sells or provides defense articles to the government of Syria; or (2) sells, leases, or provides to the government of Syria goods, services, technology, information, or support that could contribute to the government of Syria's ability to import defense articles.

Imposes additional sanctions on the transfer of nuclear technology to the government of the country having primary jurisdiction over a person subject to nuclear weapons-related sanctions under this Act.

Directs the President to impose specified sanctions against a person that knowingly provides training to the government of Syria's military or paramilitary forces.

Directs the President to impose specified sanctions on a person that knowingly sells or provides to Syria certain refined petroleum and infrastructure development-related resources goods, services, technology, or support.

Sets forth categories of sanctionable persons under this Act.

Sets forth the following sanctions: (1) prohibitions on Export-Import Bank assistance; (2) export restrictions; (3) prohibitions on loans from U.S. financial institutions; (4) prohibitions on sanctioned financial institutions; (5) procurement contract prohibitions; (6) foreign exchange prohibitions; (7) property transaction prohibitions; (8) prohibitions on investment in equity or debt; (9) U.S. entry exclusions of corporate officers, controlling shareholders, or principals of a sanctioned entity; and (10) import restrictions.

Requires: (1) a certification from each prospective federal contractor that the person, and any person owned or controlled by such person, does not engage in a sanctioned activity; and (2) the head of an executive agency, with respect to a person that has submitted a false certification, to terminate a contract with such person, or debar or suspend such person from federal contract eligibility for not more than three years.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to prohibit or condition the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that knowingly: (1) facilitates the efforts of Syria, Hezbollah, or others engaged in armed conflict on behalf of the government of Syria to acquire or develop weapons of mass destruction, or to support foreign terrorist organizations or international terrorism; (2) engages in money laundering to carry out such activities; (3) facilitates efforts by the Central Bank of Syria or other Syrian financial institution to carry out such activities; or (4) facilitates a significant transaction or transactions or provides significant financial services for a person whose property or interests in property are blocked in connection with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, support by Syria for international terrorism, or human rights abuses by Syria.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to: (1) prohibit any person owned or controlled by a domestic financial institution from knowingly engaging in a transaction or transactions with or benefitting the government of Syria, Hezbollah, or any of its agents or affiliates whose property or property interests are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; and (2) require a domestic financial institution maintaining a correspondent U.S. account or payable-through account for a foreign financial institution to establish due diligence policies to detect whether the foreign financial institution has knowingly engaged in any prohibited activity.

Sets forth related penalty requirements.

Directs the President to report to Congress every 120 days on Syria's military capabilities.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to Congress every 90 days on Syria's assets held by financial institutions.

 Terminates sanctions and sanction authority under this Act when the President certifies to Congress that: (1) the government of Syria is not using weapons against the people of Syria, is not supporting international terrorist groups, is not developing or deploying surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, and is not engaging in the development, acquisition, production, transfer, or deployment of biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons; or (2) a successor government of Syria has been democratically elected, or a legitimate transitional government of Syria is in place.

syria sanctions enhancement act directs president submit congress days list persons senior officials government syria including president bashar_al-assad provided support received support senior official acted behalf senior official owned controlled senior official directs president block prohibit transaction property property interests listed person property interests united_states come united_states possession control person provides exceptions provision humanitarian assistance people syria support dismantling syria chemical weapons program national security waiver applies specified penalties international_emergency_economic_powers_act person conducts investment activities syria exports sells supplies service united_states government syria conducts transaction involving petroleum petroleum products syrian origin approves finances facilitates transaction foreign person prohibited conducted person applies property penalty requirements contracts agreements entered december amends iran threat reduction syria human rights act expand list persons responsible human rights abuses committed syrian citizens subject sanctions transferring goods technologies syria likely commit human rights abuses urges president commence diplomatic efforts establish multilateral sanctions regime syria directs president impose specified sanctions person exported transferred facilitated transshipment goods services technology items likely result person exporting transferring providing goods services technology syria knew known action contribute materially government syria ability acquire develop chemical biological nuclear weapons related technologies acquire develop conventional weapons use people syria declares requirement shall prohibit united_states transporting weapons aid forces opposing government syria directs president impose specified sanctions person sells provides defense articles government syria sells leases provides government syria goods services technology information support contribute government syria ability import defense articles imposes additional sanctions transfer nuclear technology government country having primary jurisdiction person subject nuclear weapons related sanctions act directs president impose specified sanctions person knowingly provides training government syria military paramilitary forces directs president impose specified sanctions person knowingly sells provides syria certain refined petroleum infrastructure development related resources goods services technology support sets forth categories sanctionable persons act sets forth following sanctions prohibitions export-import_bank assistance export restrictions prohibitions loans financial institutions prohibitions sanctioned financial institutions procurement contract prohibitions foreign exchange prohibitions property transaction prohibitions prohibitions investment equity debt entry exclusions corporate officers controlling shareholders principals sanctioned entity import restrictions requires certification prospective federal contractor person person owned controlled person engage sanctioned activity head executive agency respect person submitted false certification terminate contract person suspend person federal contract eligibility years directs secretary treasury prescribe regulations prohibit condition opening maintaining united_states correspondent account payable account foreign financial institution knowingly facilitates efforts syria hezbollah engaged armed conflict behalf government syria acquire develop weapons mass destruction support foreign terrorist organizations international terrorism engages money laundering carry activities facilitates efforts central_bank_of_syria syrian financial institution carry activities facilitates significant transaction transactions provides significant financial services person property interests property blocked connection proliferation weapons mass destruction support syria international terrorism human rights abuses syria directs secretary treasury prescribe regulations prohibit person owned controlled domestic financial institution knowingly engaging transaction transactions benefitting government syria hezbollah agents affiliates property property interests blocked pursuant international_emergency_economic_powers_act require domestic financial institution maintaining correspondent account payable account foreign financial institution establish diligence policies detect foreign financial institution knowingly engaged prohibited activity sets forth related penalty requirements directs president report congress days syria military capabilities directs secretary treasury report congress days syria assets held financial institutions terminates sanctions sanction authority act president certifies congress government syria weapons people syria supporting international terrorist groups developing deploying surface surface ballistic missiles engaging development acquisition production transfer deployment biological chemical nuclear weapons successor government syria democratically elected legitimate transitional government syria place


Summary:
Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Iran must not be allowed to develop or maintain nuclear weapon capabilities; (2) Iran does not have an inherent right to enrichment and reprocessing capabilities under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; (3) the imposition of sanctions under this Act is triggered by Iran's violations of any interim or final agreement regarding its nuclear program; (4) if Israel takes military action in self-defense against Iran's nuclear weapons program the United States should provide Israel with diplomatic, military, and economic support; and (5) the United States should continue to impose sanctions on Iran and its terrorist proxies.

States that it is U.S. policy to seek to ensure that all countries reduce their purchases of crude oil, lease condensates, fuel oils, and other unfinished oils from Iran or of Iranian origin to a de minimis level within one year.

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to authorize a country that purchased petroleum from Iran or of Iranian origin during the one-year period preceding enactment of this Act to continue to receive a sanction exception only if the country reduces its purchases of Iranian or Iranian origin petroleum: (1) to a de minimis level within one year; or (2) by at least 30% during the one-year period beginning on the date of enactment, if it also is expected to reduce such purchases to a de minimis level within two years, or the President determines that the country has reduced its purchases to a de minimus level.

Amends the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 to include the construction, engineering, and mining sectors of Iran within the scope of sanctions.

Designates as entities of proliferation concern entities that operate special economic zones, free economic zones, and entities in strategic sectors (in lieu of certain current entities).

Directs the President to block the property of: (1) entities in strategic sectors, and (2) entities that operate special economic zones or free economic zones.

Defines "strategic sector" as: (1) the energy, shipping, shipbuilding, and mining sectors of Iran; (2) the construction and engineering sectors of Iran with exceptions for schools and hospitals; and (3) any other sector the President determines to be of strategic importance to Iran.

Amends the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to exclude from U.S. entry: (1) an individual who engages in sanction evasion activities for or on behalf of the government of Iran, (2) an individual acting on behalf of the government of Iran who is involved in corrupt activities of that government or the diversion of humanitarian goods, or (3) a senior official who was involved in the activities of an entity designated for sanctions in connection with Iran's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or Iran's support for international terrorism.

Expands the list of designated senior officials of the government of Iran.

Directs the President to block the U.S. or U.S.- controlled property and property transfers of: (1) specified senior officials, and (2) family members who received such property from a listed official.

 Directs the President to prohibit the opening, and prohibit or impose strict conditions on the maintaining in the United States, of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducted or facilitated a significant currency transaction (or did so through another person) with or on behalf of the Central Bank of Iran or another Iranian sanctioned financial institution, or with a person that is involved in the strategic sectors or economic zones of Iran.

Authorizes the President to impose sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act against any other person that knowingly conducts or facilitates such a currency transaction.

Excludes from such sanctions any transactions for: (1) the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine or medical devices to Iran; or (2) the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Iran.

Expresses the sense of Congress that, if sanctions are imposed pursuant to this Act and Iran continues to pursue an illicit nuclear weapons program, Congress should pursue additional sanctions against Iran.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to ensure that sanctions are imposed multilaterally to restrict Iran's access to the global financial system; (2) the European Union (EU) is to be commended for strengthening the multilateral sanctions regime against Iran; (3) the President and the EU must continue to address any judicial, administrative, or other decisions in their respective jurisdictions that might weaken the sanctions regime; and (4) restrictions on Iran's access to global specialized financial messaging services should be maintained.

Amends the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 to include goods, services, and technologies that will be sold or transferred to a strategic sector of Iran in the list of goods, services, or technologies diverted to Iranian end-users or Iranian intermediaries.

Authorizes the President to: (1) impose restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance or measures authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act with respect to a country designated as a Destination of Diversion Concern if the President determines that such restrictions would prevent the diversion of goods, services, and technologies to Iranian end-users or Iranian intermediaries; or (2) prohibit the issuance of an export license to such a country for certain defense articles or services.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President's FY2015 budget should prioritize resources for the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Department of State dedicated to the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and (2) the appropriate Senate and House of Representatives committees should prioritize such resources during consideration of authorization and appropriations legislation in future fiscal years.

Authorizes the President to suspend the application of sanctions under this Act for a 180-day period if the President certifies to Congress every 30 days during such period that: (1) Iran is complying with and verifiably implementing the Joint Plan of Action, (2) Iran is engaged in good faith negotiations toward a final agreement to terminate its non-civilian use nuclear activities, (3) the United States is working toward a final agreement to dismantle Iran's illicit nuclear infrastructure and permit verification and inspections of suspect facilities, (4) any sanctions relief is reversible and proportionate to Iranian measures to terminate its illicit nuclear program and related weaponization activities, (5) Iran has not directly or through a proxy carried out an act of terrorism against the United States or U.S. persons or property, (6) Iran has not conducted certain ballistic missile tests, and (7) suspension of sanctions is vital to U.S. national security interests.

Authorizes and sets forth the conditions with regard to such suspension of sanctions for: (1) renewal of sanction suspensions, (2) termination of sanction suspensions, and (3) presidential waiver of sanctions reinstatement.

Authorizes the President, unless a joint resolution of disapproval is enacted, to suspend the application of sanctions imposed under this Act for a one-year period if the President certifies to Congress that the United States and its allies have reached a final and verifiable agreement with Iran that will: (1) dismantle Iran's illicit nuclear infrastructure, (2) bring Iran into compliance with all United Nations (U.N.) Security Council resolutions related to Iran's nuclear program and resolve all issues of concern with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), (3) permit continuous on-site inspection and monitoring of all suspect facilities in Iran, (4) require Iran's full compliance with the Agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and (5) require Iran's implementation of measures that include IAEA verification of Iran's centrifuge manufacturing facilities and uranium mines and mills.

Authorizes and sets forth the conditions for renewal of such sanction suspensions.

Authorizes the President to make an exception from the imposition of sanctions for reconstruction assistance or economic development for Afghanistan if in the U.S. national interest and if notice is provided to Congress.

States that nothing in this Act: (1) authorizes or requires the President to impose sanctions relating to the importation of goods, (2) shall apply to authorized U.S. intelligence activities, (3) shall be construed to apply to certain natural gas projects, or (4) shall be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization of the use of force against Iran.

Eliminates specific refugee set-asides for nationals of the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania who are current, active members of the Ukrainian Catholic Church or the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Extends the period of eligibility for refugee status determinations for certain aliens from the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 Extends the period of eligibility for status adjustment from a parolee who was denied refugee status to a lawfully admitted permanent resident for certain aliens from the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia.

nuclear weapon free iran act expresses sense congress iran allowed develop maintain nuclear weapon capabilities iran inherent right enrichment reprocessing capabilities treaty non-proliferation_of_nuclear_weapons imposition sanctions act triggered iran violations interim final agreement nuclear program israel takes military action self defense iran nuclear weapons program united_states provide israel diplomatic military economic support united_states continue impose sanctions iran terrorist proxies states policy seek ensure countries reduce purchases crude oil lease fuel oils unfinished oils iran iranian origin minimis level year amends national defense authorization act fiscal year authorize country purchased petroleum iran iranian origin year period preceding enactment act continue receive sanction exception country reduces purchases iranian iranian origin petroleum minimis level year year period beginning date enactment expected reduce purchases minimis level years president determines country reduced purchases minimus level amends iran freedom counter-proliferation_act include construction engineering mining sectors iran scope sanctions designates entities proliferation concern entities operate special economic zones free economic zones entities strategic sectors lieu certain current entities directs president block property entities strategic sectors entities operate special economic zones free economic zones defines strategic sector energy shipping shipbuilding mining sectors iran construction engineering sectors iran exceptions schools hospitals sector president determines strategic importance iran amends iran threat reduction syria human rights act exclude entry individual engages sanction evasion activities behalf government iran individual acting behalf government iran involved corrupt activities government diversion humanitarian goods senior official involved activities entity designated sanctions connection iran proliferation weapons mass destruction iran support international terrorism expands list designated senior officials government iran directs president block controlled property property transfers specified senior officials family members received property listed official directs president prohibit opening prohibit impose strict conditions maintaining united_states correspondent account payable account foreign financial institution knowingly conducted facilitated significant currency transaction person behalf central_bank iran iranian sanctioned financial institution person involved strategic sectors economic zones iran authorizes president impose sanctions pursuant international_emergency_economic_powers_act person knowingly conducts facilitates currency transaction excludes sanctions transactions sale agricultural commodities food medicine medical devices iran provision humanitarian assistance people iran expresses sense congress sanctions imposed pursuant act iran continues pursue illicit nuclear weapons program congress pursue additional sanctions iran expresses sense congress president engaged diplomatic efforts ensure sanctions imposed restrict iran access global financial system european_union commended strengthening multilateral sanctions regime iran president continue address judicial administrative decisions respective jurisdictions weaken sanctions regime restrictions iran access global specialized financial messaging services maintained amends comprehensive iran sanctions accountability divestment_act include goods services technologies sold transferred strategic sector iran list goods services technologies diverted iranian end users iranian intermediaries authorizes president impose restrictions foreign assistance measures authorized international_emergency_economic_powers_act respect country designated president determines restrictions prevent diversion goods services technologies iranian end users iranian intermediaries prohibit issuance export license country certain defense articles services expresses sense congress president fy2015 budget prioritize resources office_of_foreign_assets_control department_of_state dedicated enforcement sanctions iran appropriate senate house_of_representatives committees prioritize resources consideration authorization appropriations legislation future fiscal years authorizes president suspend application sanctions act day period president certifies congress days period iran complying verifiably implementing joint plan action iran engaged good faith negotiations final agreement terminate non civilian use nuclear activities united_states working final agreement dismantle iran illicit nuclear infrastructure permit verification inspections suspect facilities sanctions relief proportionate iranian measures terminate illicit nuclear program related activities iran directly proxy carried act terrorism united_states persons property iran conducted certain ballistic missile tests suspension sanctions vital national security interests authorizes sets forth conditions regard suspension sanctions renewal sanction suspensions termination sanction suspensions presidential waiver sanctions reinstatement authorizes president joint resolution disapproval enacted suspend application sanctions imposed act year period president certifies congress united_states allies reached final verifiable agreement iran dismantle iran illicit nuclear infrastructure bring iran compliance united_nations security_council resolutions related iran nuclear program resolve issues concern international_atomic_energy_agency iaea permit continuous site inspection monitoring suspect facilities iran require iran compliance agreement iran international_atomic_energy_agency connection treaty non-proliferation_of_nuclear_weapons require iran implementation measures include iaea verification iran manufacturing facilities uranium mines authorizes sets forth conditions renewal sanction suspensions authorizes president exception imposition sanctions reconstruction assistance economic development afghanistan national interest notice provided congress states act authorizes requires president impose sanctions relating importation goods shall apply authorized intelligence activities shall construed apply certain natural gas projects shall construed declaration war authorization use force iran eliminates specific refugee set asides nationals soviet_union estonia latvia lithuania current active members extends period eligibility refugee status determinations certain aliens soviet_union estonia latvia lithuania vietnam laos cambodia islamic_republic_of_iran extends period eligibility status adjustment parolee denied refugee status lawfully admitted permanent resident certain aliens soviet_union estonia latvia lithuania vietnam laos cambodia


Summary:
Burma Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2013 - Prohibits FY2014 Department of Defense (DOD) funds from being made available to the government of Burma unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that: (1) Burma has taken steps toward establishing civilian oversight of the armed forces, addressing human rights abuses by the military, and terminating military relations with North Korea; (2) Burma has taken steps to establish a fair and inclusive process to amend the Constitution of Burma, including the full participation of the political opposition and ethnic minority groups; (3) Burma has amended its constitution and laws to ensure civilian control of the military; (4) Burma is promoting peace agreements or political reconciliation and is addressing the resettlement and humanitarian situation of displaced persons; and (5) the Burmese military is improving its human rights record, taking steps to withdraw forces from conflict zones, and implementing a code of conduct.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to report annually to Congress on the status of military-to-military engagement between the U.S. Armed Forces and the Burmese military.

burma human rights democracy act prohibits fy2014 department_of_defense dod funds available government burma secretary state certifies congress burma taken steps establishing civilian oversight armed forces addressing human rights abuses military terminating military relations north_korea burma taken steps establish fair inclusive process amend constitution burma including participation political opposition ethnic minority groups burma amended constitution laws ensure civilian control military burma promoting peace agreements political reconciliation addressing resettlement humanitarian situation displaced persons burmese military improving human rights record taking steps withdraw forces conflict zones implementing code conduct directs secretary defense report annually congress status military military engagement burmese military


Summary:
Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 - Makes available to Ukraine for loan guarantees specified funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 and funds under prior Acts for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs.

States that such amounts shall not be considered "assistance" for the purposes of law limiting assistance to Ukraine.

Directs the Secretary of State to assist: (1) the government of Ukraine to recover assets linked to acts of corruption by Viktor Yanukovych, members of his family, or other former or current Ukrainian government officials in any jurisdiction through appropriate programs, including the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the Department of Justice (DOJ); and (2) the government of Ukraine, the European Union (EU), and other appropriate countries with related investigative assistance and training.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network provides related assistance.

Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) improve democratic governance and anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, (2) support Ukrainian government efforts to foster national unity, (3) assist in diversifying Ukraine's economy and energy supplies, (4) strengthen democratic institutions and political and civil society organizations in Ukraine, (5) expand free access to independent media in Ukraine and assist with the protection of journalists and civil society activists, and (6) support efforts to enhance the economic and political empowerment of women in Ukraine and to address violence against women and girls in Ukraine.

Authorizes FY2015 appropriations for such activities.

Directs the President to: (1) enhance security cooperation efforts and relationships amongst countries in Central and Eastern Europe and among the United States, the EU, and countries in Central and Eastern Europe; (2) provide additional security assistance, including defense articles, services, and military training, to countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine; and (3) support reform and capacity-building efforts within the military, intelligence, and security services in Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine.

Authorizes FY2015-FY2017 appropriations for such activities.

Directs the President to impose asset blocking and U.S. exclusion sanctions against: (1) any person, including a current or former official of the government of Ukraine or a person acting on behalf of that government, who has perpetrated or is responsible for directing significant acts of violence or gross human rights abuses against persons associated with the anti-government protests in Ukraine that began on November 21, 2013; (2) any person who has perpetrated or is responsible for directing significant acts intended to undermine Ukraine's peace, sovereignty, or territorial integrity, including acts of economic extortion; (3) any official of the government of the Russian Federation, or a close associate or family member of such an official, who is responsible for or complicit in directing acts of significant corruption in Ukraine; and (4) any individual who has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for such acts.

 Authorizes and encourages the President to impose asset blocking and U.S. exclusion sanctions against: (1) any government official of the Russian Federation, or a close associate or family member of such an official, who is responsible for or complicit in directing acts of significant corruption in the Russian Federation, including the expropriation of private or public assets for personal gain, corruption related to government contracts or the extraction of natural resources, bribery, or the facilitation or transfer of the proceeds of corruption to foreign jurisdictions; and (2) any individual who has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for such acts.

Sets forth related penalty requirements.

States that U.S. exclusion sanctions shall not apply if necessary to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations or other applicable international obligations.

Authorizes the President to waive sanctions if in the U.S. national security interests, and with prior congressional notification.

Appropriates funds for an increase in the U.S. quota in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) equal to a specified amount of Special Drawing Rights. Rescinds a similar amount of funds from amounts available for loans to the IMF.

Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress each year through 2020 on the current and probable future course of military-technological development of the Russian military, the probable development of the security strategy and military strategy of the government of Russia, and military organizations and operational concepts.

Rescinds specified amounts from appropriations for: (1) international narcotics control and law enforcement, (2) the International Development Association, (3) the Asian Development Fund, (4) the African Development Fund, (5) the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and (6) DOD procurement accounts.

support sovereignty integrity democracy economic stability ukraine act makes available ukraine loan guarantees specified funds consolidated appropriations act funds prior acts department_of_state foreign operations related programs states amounts shall considered assistance purposes law limiting assistance ukraine directs secretary state assist government ukraine recover assets linked acts corruption members family current ukrainian government officials jurisdiction appropriate programs including doj government ukraine european_union appropriate countries related investigative assistance training directs secretary treasury ensure financial_crimes_enforcement_network provides related assistance directs secretary state improve democratic governance anti corruption efforts ukraine support ukrainian government efforts foster national unity assist diversifying ukraine economy energy supplies strengthen democratic institutions political civil society organizations ukraine expand free access independent media ukraine assist protection journalists civil society activists support efforts enhance economic political empowerment women ukraine address violence women girls ukraine authorizes fy2015 appropriations activities directs president enhance security cooperation efforts relationships countries united_states countries provide additional security assistance including defense articles services military training countries including ukraine support reform capacity building efforts military intelligence security services including ukraine authorizes fy2015 fy2017 appropriations activities directs president impose asset blocking exclusion sanctions person including current official government ukraine person acting behalf government perpetrated responsible directing significant acts violence gross human rights abuses persons associated anti government protests ukraine began november person perpetrated responsible directing significant acts intended undermine ukraine peace sovereignty territorial integrity including acts economic extortion official government russian_federation close associate family member official responsible complicit directing acts significant corruption ukraine individual materially assisted sponsored provided financial material technological support acts authorizes encourages president impose asset blocking exclusion sanctions government official russian_federation close associate family member official responsible complicit directing acts significant corruption russian_federation including expropriation private public assets personal gain corruption related government contracts extraction natural resources bribery facilitation transfer proceeds corruption foreign jurisdictions individual materially assisted sponsored provided financial material technological support acts sets forth related penalty requirements states exclusion sanctions shall apply necessary permit united_states comply agreement headquarters united_nations applicable international obligations authorizes president waive sanctions national security interests prior congressional notification appropriates funds increase quota international_monetary_fund imf equal specified special drawing rights rescinds similar funds amounts available loans imf directs secretary defense dod report congress year current probable future course military technological development russian military probable development security strategy military strategy government russia military organizations operational concepts rescinds specified amounts appropriations international narcotics control law enforcement international_development_association export-import_bank united_states dod procurement accounts


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 8, 2014. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 - (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress that:

 the United States aspires to a mutually beneficial relationship with Venezuela based on respect for human rights and the rule of law, and a productive relationship on issues of public security, including counter narcotics and counterterrorism; the United States supports the efforts of the people of Venezuela to realize their economic potential and advance representative democracy; the government of Venezuela's mismanagement of its economy has produced conditions of economic hardship; the government's failure to guarantee public security has led Venezuela to become one of the most violent countries in the world; the government continues to remove checks and balances on the executive, politicize the judiciary, undermine the independence of the legislature, persecute its political opponents, curtail freedom of the press, and limit the free expression of its citizens; the people of Venezuela have turned out in demonstrations throughout the country to protest the government's inability to ensure their political and economic well-being; and the use of violence by the National Guard and security personnel is intolerable and the use of unprovoked violence by protesters is also a matter of serious concern. (Sec. 4) States that it is U.S. policy to:

 support the people of Venezuela in their aspiration to live under peace and representative democracy, work with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union (EU) to ensure the peaceful resolution of the situation in Venezuela and the cessation of violence against antigovernment protestors, hold accountable government and security officials in Venezuela responsible for or complicit in the use of force against antigovernment protests, and support the development of democratic political processes and independent civil society in Venezuela. (Sec. 5) Directs the President to impose U.S. asset blocking and U.S. exclusion sanctions against any person, including a current or former government of Venezuela official or a person acting on behalf of such government, who has:

 perpetrated or is responsible for otherwise directing significant acts of violence or serious human rights abuses against persons associated with the antigovernment protests in Venezuela that began on February 4, 2014; directed or ordered the arrest or prosecution of a person primarily because of the person's legitimate exercise of freedom of expression or assembly; or knowingly materially assisted or provided significant financial, material, or technological support for the commission of such acts. Sets forth related penalty requirements.

States that: (1) asset blocking sanctions shall not authorize the imposition of sanctions on imported goods, and (2) U.S. exclusion sanctions shall not apply if necessary to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations or other applicable international obligations.

Authorizes the President to waive sanctions if in U.S. national security interests, and with congressional notification.

 Terminates the requirement to impose sanctions on December 31, 2016.

(Sec. 6) Directs the Chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors to report to Congress:

 an evaluation of the governmental, political, and technological obstacles faced by the people of Venezuela in their efforts to obtain accurate news and information; an assessment of efforts relating to broadcasting, information distribution, and circumvention technology distribution in Venezuela by the U.S. government and otherwise; and a strategy for expanding such efforts in Venezuela.

measure amended passed senate december summary version repeated venezuela defense human rights civil society act sec expresses sense congress united_states mutually beneficial relationship venezuela based respect human rights rule law productive relationship issues public security including counter narcotics counterterrorism united_states supports efforts people venezuela realize economic potential advance representative democracy government venezuela mismanagement economy produced conditions economic hardship government failure guarantee public security led venezuela violent countries world government continues remove checks balances executive judiciary undermine independence legislature political opponents curtail freedom press limit free expression citizens people venezuela turned demonstrations country protest government inability ensure political economic use violence national_guard security personnel use violence matter concern sec states policy support people venezuela live peace representative democracy work organization_of_american_states oas european_union ensure peaceful resolution situation venezuela cessation violence hold accountable government security officials venezuela responsible complicit use force protests support development democratic political processes independent civil society venezuela sec directs president impose asset blocking exclusion sanctions person including current government venezuela official person acting behalf government perpetrated responsible directing significant acts violence human rights abuses persons associated protests venezuela began february directed ordered arrest prosecution person primarily person legitimate exercise freedom expression assembly knowingly materially assisted provided significant financial material technological support commission acts sets forth related penalty requirements states asset blocking sanctions shall authorize imposition sanctions imported goods exclusion sanctions shall apply necessary permit united_states comply agreement headquarters united_nations applicable international obligations authorizes president waive sanctions national security interests congressional notification terminates requirement impose sanctions december sec directs chairman broadcasting_board_of_governors report congress evaluation governmental political technological obstacles faced people venezuela efforts obtain accurate news information assessment efforts relating broadcasting information distribution circumvention technology distribution venezuela government strategy expanding efforts venezuela


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

Directs Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Incorporated, and the Voice of America (VOA) service to Ukraine and neighboring regions to: (1) provide accurate and accessible news and information; (2) emphasize investigative and analytical journalism to highlight misinformation provided by Russian or pro-Russian media outlets; (3) prioritize programming to target populations and areas where access to uncensored information is limited, especially populations serviced by Russian supported media outlets; (4) increase the number of reporters and organizational presence in eastern Ukraine, especially in Crimea; (5) promote democratic processes, human rights, freedom of the press, and territorial sovereignty; (6) increase programming and content services that promote democracy to Russia; (7) prioritize programming to eastern Ukraine, including Crimea, and Moldova, and to ethnic and linguistic Russian populations, as well as to Tatar minorities; (8) prioritize news and information that contribute to the target audiences' understanding of political and economic developments in Ukraine and Moldova; (9) partner with private sector broadcasters and affiliates to increase distribution; (10) expand the use and audience of mobile news and multimedia platforms, including through Internet-based social networking platforms; and (11) provide programming content 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to target populations, including specified programming in Ukrainian, Russian, and Tatar languages.

Authorizes FY2014 appropriations for programming in the Ukrainian, Balkan, Russian, and Tatar language services of RFE/RL, Incorporated, and VOA to: (1) bolster programming to the people of Ukraine and neighboring regions, and (2) increase programming capacity and jamming circumvention technology. Requires the Broadcasting Board of Governors to report to Congress on plans to increase broadcasts.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate passed version repeated incorporated voice_of_america voa service ukraine neighboring regions provide accurate accessible news information emphasize investigative analytical journalism provided russian pro russian media outlets prioritize programming target populations areas access information limited especially populations serviced russian supported media outlets increase number organizational presence eastern ukraine especially crimea promote democratic processes human rights freedom press territorial sovereignty increase programming content services promote democracy russia prioritize programming eastern ukraine including crimea moldova ethnic linguistic russian populations minorities prioritize news information contribute target audiences understanding political economic developments ukraine moldova partner private sector broadcasters affiliates increase distribution expand use audience mobile news multimedia platforms including internet based social networking platforms provide programming content hours day days week target populations including specified programming ukrainian russian languages authorizes fy2014 appropriations programming ukrainian russian language services incorporated voa bolster programming people ukraine neighboring regions increase programming capacity jamming circumvention technology requires broadcasting_board_of_governors report congress plans increase broadcasts


Summary:
Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act of 2014 - States that it is U.S. policy to not recognize the de jure or de facto sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.

Prohibits: (1) any federal department or agency from taking any action that recognizes or implies recognition of sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters; (2) the Government Printing Office (GPO) from printing any map, document, or other paper indicating Crimea as part of the territory of the Russian Federation; and (3) any federal department or agency from taking any action to facilitate, finance, or guarantee any investment in Crimea that involves any official or entity of the government of the Russian Federation, or any business, bank, or other financial entity whose headquarters or principal place of business is in the Russian Federation.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to require the U.S. representatives to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Group, and certain other international financial institutions to oppose any loan, loan guarantee, or transfer of funds to Crimea related to activity involving: (1) any official or entity of the government of the Russian Federation, or (2) any financial institution or other entity whose headquarters or principal place of business is in the Russian Federation.

States that in any matter before a U.S. court the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall affirm the U.S. policy of not recognizing the de jure or de facto sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.

 Prohibits: (1) a foreign vessel arriving from a port in Crimea from entering a U.S. port if it is transporting goods for which export documents are issued or approved by Russian Federation customs authorities; (2) the Secretary of Defense (DOD) from taking any action that implies recognition of the sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters; and (3) any U.S. flagged vessel or U.S. certified aircraft or air carrier from taking any action that implies recognition of the sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea or its territorial waters.

Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of any amounts to provide economic support fund assistance, development assistance, or security assistance to the government of any country that has recognized the sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.

states policy recognize jure facto sovereignty russian_federation crimea airspace territorial waters prohibits federal department agency taking action recognizes implies recognition sovereignty russian_federation crimea airspace territorial waters government_printing_office gpo printing map document paper indicating crimea territory russian_federation federal department agency taking action facilitate finance guarantee investment crimea involves official entity government russian_federation business bank financial entity headquarters principal place business russian_federation directs secretary treasury require representatives international_monetary_fund imf world_bank_group certain international financial institutions oppose loan loan guarantee transfer funds crimea related activity involving official entity government russian_federation financial institution entity headquarters principal place business russian_federation states matter court department_of_justice doj shall affirm policy recognizing jure facto sovereignty russian_federation crimea airspace territorial waters prohibits foreign vessel arriving port crimea entering port transporting goods export documents issued approved russian_federation customs authorities secretary defense dod taking action implies recognition sovereignty russian_federation crimea airspace territorial waters flagged vessel certified aircraft air carrier taking action implies recognition sovereignty russian_federation crimea territorial waters prohibits obligation expenditure amounts provide economic support fund assistance development assistance security assistance government country recognized sovereignty russian_federation crimea airspace territorial waters


Summary:
Stand with Israel Act of 2014 - Prohibits any direct U.S. assistance, loan guarantee, or debt relief to the Palestinian Authority (PA) or any affiliated governing entity or leadership organization.

States that such prohibition shall have no effect for a fiscal year if the President certifies to Congress that the PA has:

 formally recognized Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and publicly recognized the state of Israel, renounced terrorism and purged all individuals with terrorist ties from the security services, terminated funding of anti-American and anti-Israel incitement, publicly pledged to not engage in war with Israel, and honored previous diplomatic agreements.

stand prohibits direct assistance loan guarantee debt relief palestinian_authority affiliated governing entity leadership organization states prohibition shall effect fiscal year president certifies congress formally recognized israel right exist jewish state publicly recognized state israel renounced terrorism individuals terrorist ties security services terminated funding anti american anti-israel incitement publicly pledged engage war israel honored previous diplomatic agreements