Summary:
Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2015

This bill states that:

 the President may not prohibit or otherwise regulate travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions incident to such travel, including banking transactions; any regulation in effect on the date of enactment of this Act prohibiting or otherwise regulating such travel or transactions incident to such travel shall cease to have any force or effective; but the prohibitions and requirements of this Act shall not apply if the United States is at war with Cuba, armed hostilities between the two countries are in progress, or there is imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers.

freedom travel cuba_act bill states president prohibit regulate travel cuba citizens legal residents transactions incident travel including banking transactions regulation effect date enactment act prohibiting regulating travel transactions incident travel shall cease force effective prohibitions requirements act shall apply united_states war cuba armed hostilities countries progress imminent danger public health physical safety travelers


Summary:
Freedom to Export to Cuba 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 President's authority to continue direct restrictions on trade with Cuba under the Trading with the Enemy Act is eliminated, and any related regulations are no longer effective.

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; and repeal 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.

freedom export cuba act bill repeals amends current laws restricting trade cuba prohibition assistance cuba president authority embargo cuba foreign assistance act eliminated president authority continue direct restrictions trade cuba trading enemy act eliminated related regulations longer effective 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 repeal prohibition entry merchandise cuban origin located transported cuba derived article growth produce manufacture cuba


Summary:
United States-Israel Trade Enhancement Act of 2015

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 that directly or indirectly prejudice or discourage commercial activity solely between the United States and Israel; discourage politically motivated actions by foreign countries, non-member United Nations states, and international organizations (including affiliated agencies), that are intended to penalize or limit commercial relations with Israel, persons doing business with Israel or in territories controlled by Israel, or successor entities to such persons; seek the elimination of politically motivated nontariff barriers on goods, services, or other commerce from Israel, as well as any boycott fostered or imposed by a foreign country against Israel; or discourage compliance with the boycott of Israel by the Arab League.

enhancement act bill states principal trade negotiating objectives trade agreements foreign countries commercial partnerships discourage actions directly indirectly prejudice discourage commercial activity solely united_states israel discourage politically motivated actions foreign countries non member united_nations states international organizations including affiliated agencies intended penalize limit commercial relations israel persons business israel territories controlled israel successor entities persons seek elimination politically motivated nontariff barriers goods services commerce israel boycott imposed foreign country israel discourage compliance boycott israel


Summary:
Stand with Israel Act of 2015

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


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

Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015

(Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress that:

 it is U.S. policy that Iran not be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapon capabilities; Iran does not have an inherent right to enrichment and reprocessing capabilities under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; the goal of international negotiations with Iran should be to conclude a long-term comprehensive solution that will reverse the development of Iran's illicit nuclear infrastructure; and the United States should continue to impose sanctions on Iran and its terrorist proxies, and on Iran and other governments and persons for the procurement, sale, or transfer of technology, services, or goods that support the development of weapons of mass destruction. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States supports Israel's rights to:

 exist as a democratic, Jewish state; defend itself against threats to its existence; and protect the lives and safety of the people of Israel. TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF AGREEMENTS WITH, AND ECONOMIC SANCTIONS RELIEF PROVIDED TO, IRAN

(Sec. 101) Directs the President, within five days after entering into a long-term comprehensive solution or any agreement to extend the Joint Plan of Action (signed in 2013 by Iran and the P5-plus-1 countries), to transmit to Congress: (1) the text of the agreement, (2) a verification assessment report, and (3) an economic sanctions relief assessment report.

 Directs the Secretary of State to prepare a report for each agreement assessing the extent to which the Secretary will be able to verify that Iran is complying with its obligations under the agreement, including an assessment of existing inadequacies in the international monitoring and verification system.

 Directs the Secretary of the Treasury prepare a report for each agreement assessing the extent to which Iran's economy: (1) has benefited from sanctions relief pursuant to the Joint Plan of Action; and (2) is likely, over the course of the agreement, to benefit from proposed sanctions relief.

(Sec. 102) Prohibits the President, except in certain circumstances, from exercising any waiver of sanctions on Iran or taking any other action to alter or limit the application of sanctions until the date that is 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the President transmits these comprehensive solution and assessment reports.

 (Sec. 103) Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should transmit to Congress any such agreement and the agreement should be voted on by Congress prior to becoming effective.

TITLE II--EXPANSION AND IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS

(Sec. 201) Sets forth effective dates for the staged imposition of sanctions if a long-term comprehensive solution with Iran is not reached by those dates.

(Sec. 202) Reinstates as of July 6, 2015 sanctions imposed pursuant to statute or executive action that are deferred, waived, or otherwise suspended by the President if the President has not transmitted the comprehensive solution and reports to Congress by that date.

(Sec. 203) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to revise exceptions to certain sanctions with respect to financial transactions for purchases of Iranian-origin petroleum (currently, only crude oil).

 Makes this section effective on August 3, 2015.

(Sec. 204) Declares 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 by the end of the 240-day period beginning on September 7, 2015.

 Authorizes a country that purchased petroleum from Iran or of Iranian origin during the one-year period preceding September 7, 2015, to continue to receive a sanction exception on or after the date that is 240 days after September 7, 2015, only if the country reduces its purchases of Iranian or Iranian origin petroleum:

 to a de minimis level by the end of that 240-day period; or during the one-year period beginning 240 days after September 7, 2015, reduces such purchases by at least 30% during that 240-day period, and is expected to reduce them to a de minimis level within 2 years after September 7, 2015. Makes this section effective on September 7, 2015.

(Sec. 205) Amends the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to exclude from U.S. entry:

 any individual who engages in sanction evasion activities for or on behalf of the government of Iran, any 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 any 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 specified senior officials and family members who received such property from a listed official.

 Makes this section effective on October 5, 2015.

(Sec. 206) Directs the President to prohibit the opening, and prohibit or impose strict conditions on the maintaining in the United States, of any correspondent account or any payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducted or facilitated a significant currency transaction (including through another person) with or on behalf of the Central Bank of Iran or another Iranian sanctioned financial institution.

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) humanitarian assistance to the people of Iran.

 Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions for 180 days, with additional 180-day waivers, if important to the U.S. national interest, and if notice is provided to Congress.

 Makes this section effective on November 2, 2015.

 (Sec. 207) Amends the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 to include the construction, engineering, automotive, and mining sectors of Iran within the scope of sanctions.

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

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 (except for projects to construct or engineer schools or hospitals); and (3) any other sector the President determines to be of strategic importance to Iran.

 Excludes a project to construct or engineer a school, hospital, or similar facility from being considered part of a strategic sector of Iran.

 Makes this section effective on December 7, 2015.

(Sec. 208) Authorizes the President to suspend the application of sanctions under this Act for 30 days, with additional 30-day waivers, if the President reports to Congress:

 that the waiver or renewal is in the U.S. national security interest and is necessary to achieving a long-term solution with Iran; that Iran is not making further progress on its nuclear weapons program and is in compliance with all interim agreements; and on the status of the negotiations toward a long-term comprehensive solution. TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS

(Sec. 301) 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.

(Secs. 302-305) States that nothing in this Act:

 authorizes or requires the President to impose sanctions relating to the importation of goods, shall apply to authorized U.S. intelligence activities, shall be construed to apply to certain natural gas projects, and shall be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization of the use of force against Iran. (Sec. 306) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning budgetary resources for the enforcement of sanctions against Iran.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure nuclear weapon free iran act sec expresses sense congress policy iran allowed develop acquire nuclear weapon capabilities iran inherent right enrichment reprocessing capabilities treaty non-proliferation_of_nuclear_weapons goal international negotiations iran conclude long term comprehensive solution reverse development iran illicit nuclear infrastructure united_states continue impose sanctions iran terrorist proxies iran governments persons procurement sale transfer technology services goods support development weapons mass destruction sec expresses sense congress united_states supports israel rights exist democratic jewish state defend threats existence protect lives safety people israel title congressional review agreements economic sanctions relief provided iran sec directs president days entering long term comprehensive solution agreement extend joint plan action signed iran countries transmit congress text agreement verification assessment report economic sanctions relief assessment report directs secretary state prepare report agreement assessing extent secretary able verify iran complying obligations agreement including assessment existing international monitoring verification system directs secretary treasury prepare report agreement assessing extent iran economy benefited sanctions relief pursuant joint_plan_of_action likely course agreement benefit proposed sanctions relief sec prohibits president certain circumstances exercising waiver sanctions iran taking action alter limit application sanctions date days continuous session congress president transmits comprehensive solution assessment reports sec expresses sense congress president transmit congress agreement agreement voted congress prior effective title expansion imposition sanctions sec sets forth effective dates staged imposition sanctions long term comprehensive solution iran reached dates sec reinstates july sanctions imposed pursuant statute executive action deferred waived suspended president president transmitted comprehensive solution reports congress date sec amends national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year revise exceptions certain sanctions respect financial transactions purchases iranian origin petroleum currently crude oil makes section effective august sec declares policy seek ensure countries reduce purchases crude oil lease fuel oils unfinished oils iran iranian origin minimis level end day period beginning september authorizes country purchased petroleum iran iranian origin year period preceding september continue receive sanction exception date days september country reduces purchases iranian iranian origin petroleum minimis level end day period year period beginning days september reduces purchases day period expected reduce minimis level years september makes section effective september sec 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 property property transfers specified senior officials family members received property listed official makes section effective october sec directs president prohibit opening prohibit impose strict conditions maintaining united_states correspondent account payable account foreign financial institution knowingly conducted facilitated significant currency transaction including person behalf central_bank iran iranian sanctioned financial institution 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 humanitarian assistance people iran authorizes president waive sanctions days additional day waivers important national interest notice provided congress makes section effective november sec amends iran freedom counter-proliferation_act include construction engineering automotive mining sectors iran scope sanctions designates entities proliferation concern lieu certain current entities operate special economic zones free economic zones entities strategic sectors 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 projects construct engineer schools hospitals sector president determines strategic importance iran excludes project construct engineer school hospital similar facility considered strategic sector iran makes section effective december sec authorizes president suspend application sanctions act days additional day waivers president reports congress waiver renewal national security interest necessary achieving long term solution iran iran making progress nuclear weapons program compliance interim agreements status negotiations long term comprehensive solution title iii general provisions sec 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 sec expresses sense congress concerning budgetary resources enforcement sanctions iran


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:
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:
Cuba Digital and Telecommunications Advancement Act of 2015 or the Cuba DATA Act

This bill authorizes the President to permit any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction to:

 export consumer communication devices and other telecommunications equipment to Cuba; provide telecommunications services involving Cuba or persons in Cuba; establish facilities to provide telecommunications services connecting Cuba with another country, or to provide telecommunications services in Cuba; conduct any transaction incident to carrying out such activities; and enter into, perform, and make and receive payments under a contract with any individual or entity in Cuba regarding the provision of telecommunications services involving Cuba or persons in Cuba. Repeals or amends specified requirements and prohibitions of: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992, and (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996.

telecommunications advancement act cuba data act bill authorizes president permit person subject jurisdiction export consumer communication devices telecommunications equipment cuba provide telecommunications services involving cuba persons cuba establish facilities provide telecommunications services connecting cuba country provide telecommunications services cuba conduct transaction incident carrying activities enter perform receive payments contract individual entity cuba provision telecommunications services involving cuba persons cuba repeals amends specified requirements prohibitions cuban democracy act cuban_liberty democratic_solidarity libertad 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; or assistance in furtherance of democracy-building efforts for Cuba. 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 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:
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 for 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:
Iran Sanctions Relief Oversight Act of 2015

This bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through December 31, 2026.

The Secretary of the Treasury shall report to Congress assessing:

 the monetary value of any sanctions relief that Iran has received since the Joint Plan of Action entered into effect; Iran's use of such funds funds, including to support international terrorism and the al-Assad regime in Syria, advance nuclear weapons or ballistic missile efforts, or commit any violation of the human rights of the people of Iran; and the extent to which senior Iranian officials have diverted sanctions relief funds into their personal accounts.

iran sanctions relief oversight act bill extends iran sanctions act december secretary treasury shall report congress assessing monetary value sanctions relief iran received joint_plan_of_action entered effect iran use funds funds including support international terrorism regime syria advance nuclear weapons ballistic missile efforts commit violation human rights people iran extent senior iranian officials diverted sanctions relief funds personal accounts


Summary:
North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2015

Authorizes the President to investigate credible information of sanctionable activities involving North Korea and to designate and apply sanctions with respect to any person (including business entities, nongovernmental organizations, and governmental entities operating as business enterprises) the President determines knowingly:

 contributes, through the export to or import from North Korea of any controlled goods, services, or technology, to the use, development, production, stockpiling, or acquisition of nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological weapons, or any device or system designed to deliver such weapons; provided training, advice, or other services or assistance, or engaged in significant financial transactions, relating to the manufacture, maintenance, or use of any such weapon or system to be imported, exported, or reexported to, into, or from North Korea; imported, exported, or reexported luxury goods to or into North Korea; engaged in money laundering, the counterfeiting of goods or currency, bulk cash smuggling, or narcotics trafficking that supports the government of North Korea or any of its senior officials; engaged in or is responsible for censorship by North Korea; committed or is responsible for serious human rights abuses by North Korea; engaged in acts of cyber terrorism or acts of vandalism through the use of computer networks or systems against foreign persons, governments, or other entities; or attempted to engage in any of these activities. Specifies additional financial activities for which the President may designate a person for sanctions.

Directs the President to exercise all powers granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property of a designated person if that property and those property interests are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a U.S. person. Subjects such property to civil and criminal forfeiture.

Exempts the importation of goods from sanctions.

 Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the designation of North Korea as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern.

Directs the Department of the Treasury to: (1) determine whether reasonable grounds exist for concluding that North Korea is a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern, and if so (2) impose one or more of certain special measures. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should intensify diplomatic efforts to implement a multilateral strategy for protecting the global financial system against risks emanating from North Korea. Requires a validated license for exports to North Korea under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Prohibits approval of defense articles for North Korea.

Directs the President to withhold assistance to the governments of countries providing lethal military equipment to North Korea.

Bars U.S. government contracts with designated persons.

Directs the President to identify annually to the appropriate congressional committees any foreign ports and airports whose inspections of ships, aircraft, and conveyances originating in North Korea, carrying North Korean property, or operated by the government of North Korea are not sufficient to effectively prevent the facilitation of any of the activities sanctionable under this Act.

Authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to require enhanced inspections of any cargo landed in the United States or entering the stream of interstate commerce that has been transported through any of such ports or airports.

Authorizes the seizure or forfeiture of vessels or aircraft used to facilitate sanctionable activities.

Authorizes the Department of State to deny a visa, and DHS to deny entry into the United States, to any alien who is a designated person or a corporate officer or principal shareholder with a controlling interest in one. Exempts certain activities from sanctions and authorizes the President to waive them, for up to one year, for national security, law enforcement, or humanitarian reasons.

Amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to require the President to report to Congress setting forth a plan for making unrestricted, unmonitored, and inexpensive electronic mass communications available to the people of North Korea.

 Requires the Department of State to report to Congress on: (1) North Korean prison camps, and (2) serious human rights abuses or serious censorship undertaken by the North Korean government in the most recent year.

 Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should:

 seek adoption by the United Nations Security Council 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 person listed in the Department of State report before any international tribunal that may be established to prosecute persons responsible for severe human rights abuses or censorship in North Korea. Prescribes circumstances in which sanctions or measures under this Act may be suspended for up to one year or terminated altogether.

Establishes the North Korea Enforcement and Humanitarian Fund in which assets subject to criminal, civil, or administrative forfeiture or penalties are to be deposited for the enforcement of this Act and to carry out humanitarian activities under the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004.

 Directs the President to report to Congress regarding the President's strategy to counter North Korea's efforts to conduct cyber terrorism and acts of vandalism using computer networks and systems against the United States.

authorizes president investigate credible information sanctionable activities involving north_korea designate apply sanctions respect person including business entities nongovernmental organizations governmental entities operating business enterprises president determines knowingly contributes export import north_korea controlled goods services technology use development production stockpiling acquisition nuclear radiological chemical biological weapons device system designed deliver weapons provided training advice services assistance engaged significant financial transactions relating manufacture maintenance use weapon system imported exported reexported north_korea imported exported reexported luxury goods north_korea engaged money laundering counterfeiting goods currency bulk cash smuggling narcotics trafficking supports government north_korea senior officials engaged responsible censorship north_korea committed responsible human rights abuses north_korea engaged acts cyber terrorism acts use computer networks systems foreign persons governments entities attempted engage activities specifies additional financial activities president designate person sanctions directs president exercise powers granted international_emergency_economic_powers_act necessary block prohibit transactions property interests property designated person property property interests united_states come united_states come possession control person subjects property civil criminal forfeiture exempts importation goods sanctions expresses sense congress designation north_korea jurisdiction primary money laundering concern directs department_of_the_treasury determine reasonable grounds exist concluding north_korea jurisdiction primary money laundering concern impose certain special measures expresses sense congress president intensify diplomatic efforts implement multilateral strategy protecting global financial system risks emanating north_korea requires validated license exports north_korea export administration act prohibits approval defense articles north_korea directs president withhold assistance governments countries providing lethal military equipment north_korea bars government contracts designated persons directs president identify annually appropriate congressional committees foreign ports airports inspections ships aircraft conveyances originating north_korea carrying north korean property operated government north_korea sufficient effectively prevent facilitation activities sanctionable act authorizes department_of_homeland_security dhs require enhanced inspections cargo landed united_states entering stream interstate commerce transported ports airports authorizes seizure forfeiture vessels aircraft facilitate sanctionable activities deny visa dhs deny entry united_states alien designated person corporate officer principal shareholder controlling interest exempts certain activities sanctions authorizes president waive year national security law enforcement humanitarian reasons amends north_korean_human_rights_act require president report congress setting forth plan making unrestricted inexpensive electronic mass communications available people north_korea requires department_of_state report congress north korean prison camps human rights abuses censorship undertaken north korean government recent year expresses sense congress president seek adoption resolution calling blocking assets persons responsible severe human rights abuses censorship north_korea cooperate prosecution person listed department_of_state report international tribunal established prosecute persons responsible severe human rights abuses censorship north_korea prescribes circumstances sanctions measures act suspended year terminated altogether establishes humanitarian fund assets subject criminal civil administrative forfeiture penalties deposited enforcement act carry humanitarian activities directs president report congress president strategy counter north_korea efforts conduct cyber terrorism acts computer networks systems united_states


Summary:
Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act

Directs the Department of State to designate a Department employee at the Assistant Secretary level or above to serve concurrently as the U.S. Coordinator for International Cultural Property Protection to:

 coordinate and promote federal agency efforts to address international cultural property protection activities; support activities to assist countries that are the principal sources of trafficked cultural property to protect cultural heritage sites and to prevent cultural property looting and theft; develop strategies to reduce illegal trade and trafficking in international cultural property in the United States and abroad, including by reducing consumer demand for such trade; and Chair the Coordinating Committee on International Cultural Property Protection. Establishes a Coordinating Committee on International Cultural Property Protection to facilitate the Coordinator's work.

Directs the Department, through the U.S. Coordinator for International Cultural Property Protection, to report to Congress annually for seven years regarding activities of the U.S. Coordinator and the Coordinating Committee, the Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice to protect international cultural property.

Authorizes any agency involved in international cultural property protection activities to enter into agreements with the Smithsonian Institution to engage Smithsonian personnel temporarily to assist in such activities.

Directs the President to apply specified import restrictions with respect to any archaeological or ethnological material of Syria as if Syria were a State Party to the Convention on prohibiting and preventing the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property.

 Sets forth the conditions for termination of such restrictions.

 Authorizes the President to waive such import restrictions for specified cultural property if the President certifies to Congress that:

 the foreign owner or custodian of the specified cultural property has requested that such property be temporarily located in the United States for protection purposes, such property shall be returned upon request to the foreign owner or custodian, and the grant of a waiver will not contribute to illegal trafficking in cultural property or financing of criminal or terrorist activities.

protect preserve international cultural property act directs department_of_state designate department employee assistant secretary level serve concurrently coordinate promote federal agency efforts address international cultural property protection activities support activities assist countries principal sources trafficked cultural property protect cultural heritage sites prevent cultural property theft develop strategies reduce illegal trade trafficking international cultural property united_states abroad including reducing consumer demand trade establishes coordinating committee international cultural property protection facilitate coordinator work directs department report congress annually seven years activities department international_development department_of_defense department_of_homeland_security department_of_justice protect international cultural property authorizes agency involved international cultural property protection activities enter agreements smithsonian_institution engage smithsonian personnel temporarily assist activities directs president apply specified import restrictions respect archaeological material syria syria convention prohibiting preventing illicit import export transfer ownership cultural property sets forth conditions termination restrictions authorizes 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


Summary:
North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2015

 Directs the President to investigate information of sanctionable activities involving North Korea and to designate and apply sanctions with respect to any person that knowingly:

 imported, exported, or reexported 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 contributing to the use, development, production, or acquisition by any persons of a nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological weapon or any delivery device or system; provided training, advice, or other services or assistance, or engaged in significant financial transactions, relating to the manufacture, maintenance, or use of any such weapon or system to be imported, exported, or reexported to or from North Korea; imported, exported, or reexported luxury goods to or into North Korea; engaged in money laundering, counterfeiting of goods or currency, bulk cash smuggling, or narcotics trafficking that supports the government of North Korea or any of its senior officials; engaged in or was responsible for censorship by North Korea; engaged in or was responsible for serious human rights abuses by North Korea; engaged in significant activities undermining cyber security through the use of computer networks or systems against foreign persons, governments, or other entities; or sold, supplied, or transferred to or from North Korea a precious metal, graphite, or raw or semi-finished metals for integrating industrial processes. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Specifies additional activities for which the President may designate a person for sanctions, foreign exchange prohibitions, and other special measures.

Directs the President to exercise all powers granted under IEEPA necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property of a designated person if that property and those property interests are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a U.S. person.

 Directs the President to deny or revoke any license for any transaction that lacks sufficient financial controls to ensure that such transaction will not facilitate any prohibited conduct.

Subjects to U.S. forfeiture any property involved in an actual or attempted violation of this Act or which constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to a violation, of this Act.

Exempts the importation of goods from sanctions.

 Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the designation of North Korea as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern.

Directs the Department of the Treasury to determine whether reasonable grounds exist for concluding that North Korea is a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern, and if so impose one or more of certain special measures. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should intensify diplomatic efforts to implement a multilateral strategy for protecting the global financial system against risks emanating from North Korea. Directs the Department of State to develop a strategy to improve international implementation and enforcement of United Nations (U.N.) North Korea-specific sanctions. Requires a validated license for exports to North Korea under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Prohibits approval of defense articles for North Korea.

Withholds assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to the governments of countries providing lethal military equipment to North Korea.

Bars U.S. government contracts with designated persons.

Directs the President to identify annually to Congress any foreign ports and airports whose inspections of ships, aircraft, and conveyances originating in North Korea, carrying North Korean property, or operated by the government of North Korea are not sufficient to effectively prevent the facilitation of any of the activities sanctionable under this Act.

Authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to require enhanced inspections of any cargo landed in the United States or entering the stream of interstate commerce that has been transported through any of such ports or airports.

Authorizes the seizure or forfeiture of vessels or aircraft used to facilitate sanctionable activities.

Authorizes the Department of State to deny a visa, and DHS to deny entry into the United States, to any alien who is a designated person or a corporate officer or principal shareholder with a controlling interest in a designated person. Authorizes the President to waive sanctions for up to one year for national security, law enforcement, or humanitarian reasons.

 Directs the Department of State to expand the scope and frequency of warnings concerning travel of U.S. citizens to North Korea.

Exempts from sanctions under this Act: (1) authorized U.S. intelligence activities; (2) transactions 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) certain financial transactions for importing agricultural products, medicine, or medical devices into North Korea.

Amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to require the President to report to Congress with a plan for making unrestricted and inexpensive electronic mass communications available to the people of North Korea.

Requires the Department of State to report to Congress regarding: (1) North Korean prison camps, (2) human rights abuses in North Korea, and (3) a diplomatic strategy to end repatriation of North Korean refugees and forced labor and slavery of North Koreans overseas.

Establishes the North Korea Enforcement and Humanitarian Fund in which assets subject to forfeiture or penalties are to be deposited and used to carry out radio broadcasting to, and actions to promote democracy in, North Korea.

Prescribes circumstances in which sanctions or measures under this Act may be suspended for up to one year or terminated altogether.

Directs the President to report to Congress regarding: (1) North Korea's activities undermining cyber security, and (2) a strategy to counter North Korea's efforts to conduct cyber terrorism against the United States.

 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.

enhancement act directs president investigate information sanctionable activities involving north_korea designate apply sanctions respect person knowingly imported exported reexported north_korea goods services technology controlled export united_states use weapons mass destruction materially contributing use development production acquisition persons nuclear radiological chemical biological weapon delivery device system provided training advice services assistance engaged significant financial transactions relating manufacture maintenance use weapon system imported exported reexported north_korea imported exported reexported luxury goods north_korea engaged money laundering counterfeiting goods currency bulk cash smuggling narcotics trafficking supports government north_korea senior officials engaged responsible censorship north_korea engaged responsible human rights abuses north_korea engaged significant activities undermining cyber security use computer networks systems foreign persons governments entities sold supplied transferred north_korea precious metal raw semi finished metals integrating industrial processes sets forth civil criminal penalties international_emergency_economic_powers_act specifies additional activities president designate person sanctions foreign exchange prohibitions special measures directs president exercise powers granted necessary block prohibit transactions property interests property designated person property property interests united_states come united_states come possession control person directs president deny revoke license transaction lacks sufficient financial controls ensure transaction facilitate prohibited conduct subjects forfeiture property involved actual attempted violation act constitutes derived proceeds traceable violation act exempts importation goods sanctions expresses sense congress designation north_korea jurisdiction primary money laundering concern directs department_of_the_treasury determine reasonable grounds exist concluding north_korea jurisdiction primary money laundering concern impose certain special measures expresses sense congress president intensify diplomatic efforts implement multilateral strategy protecting global financial system risks emanating north_korea directs department_of_state develop strategy improve international implementation enforcement united_nations north_korea specific sanctions requires validated license exports north_korea export administration act prohibits approval defense articles north_korea withholds assistance foreign assistance act governments countries providing lethal military equipment north_korea bars government contracts designated persons directs president identify annually congress foreign ports airports inspections ships aircraft conveyances originating north_korea carrying north korean property operated government north_korea sufficient effectively prevent facilitation activities sanctionable act authorizes department_of_homeland_security dhs require enhanced inspections cargo landed united_states entering stream interstate commerce transported ports airports authorizes seizure forfeiture vessels aircraft facilitate sanctionable activities deny visa dhs deny entry united_states alien designated person corporate officer principal shareholder controlling interest designated person authorizes president waive sanctions year national security law enforcement humanitarian reasons directs department_of_state expand scope frequency warnings concerning travel citizens north_korea exempts sanctions act authorized intelligence activities transactions comply obligations agreement headquarters united_nations vienna convention consular relations certain financial transactions importing agricultural products medicine medical devices north_korea amends north_korean_human_rights_act require president report congress plan making unrestricted inexpensive electronic mass communications available people north_korea requires department_of_state report congress north korean prison camps human rights abuses north_korea diplomatic strategy end repatriation north korean refugees forced labor slavery north overseas establishes humanitarian fund assets subject forfeiture penalties deposited carry radio broadcasting actions promote democracy north_korea prescribes circumstances sanctions measures act suspended year terminated altogether directs president report congress north_korea activities undermining cyber security strategy counter north_korea efforts conduct cyber terrorism united_states expresses sense congress president strengthen high level mechanisms policy coordination north_korea united_states republic_of_korea japan


Summary:
Protecting Americans from the Proliferation of Weapons to Terrorists Act of 2015

This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds made available to the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, the National Security Agency, or any other U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities for the purpose of, or in a manner which would have the effect of, supporting military or paramilitary operations in Syria.

An exception is provided for funds obligated for non-lethal humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people provided directly by the U.S. government through nongovernmental organizations and contractors or foreign governments.

The prohibition may only be nullified if a joint resolution approving assistance for military or paramilitary operations in Syria is enacted.

protecting americans terrorists act bill prohibits obligation expenditure funds available central_intelligence_agency department_of_defense national_security_council national_security_agency agency entity involved intelligence activities purpose manner effect supporting military paramilitary operations syria exception provided funds obligated non lethal humanitarian assistance syrian people provided directly government nongovernmental organizations contractors foreign governments prohibition nullified joint resolution approving assistance military paramilitary operations syria enacted


Summary:
Bosnia and Herzegovina-American Enterprise Fund Act

This bill authorizes the President to designate a private, nonprofit organization as the Bosnia and Herzegovina-American Enterprise Fund to promote the private sector, job creation, and creation of a middle class in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

american enterprise fund act bill authorizes president designate private nonprofit organization american enterprise fund promote private sector job creation creation middle class bosnia_and_herzegovina


Summary:
Fair Treatment of Israel in Product Labeling Act of 2016

This bill requires that, for goods produced or originating in the areas known as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, proper markings for country of origin include: (1) Israel, (2) Product of Israel, (3) Made in Israel, (4) West Bank, (5) Gaza, (6) Gaza Strip, (7) West Bank/Gaza, or (8) West Bank/Gaza Strip.

Neither the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, nor any competent official of another federal department or agency shall prohibit the use of any such markings for purposes of country of origin marking requirements.

israel product labeling act bill requires goods produced originating areas known west_bank gaza_strip proper markings country origin include israel product israel israel west bank gaza gaza strip west bank gaza west bank gaza_strip department_of_the_treasury department_of_state department_of_homeland_security competent official federal department agency shall prohibit use markings purposes country origin marking requirements


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. The bill applies to any measure 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 any 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 bill applies measure 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:
Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2016

This bill prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance in excess of FY2014 amounts to the government of Vietnam, or to any organization working within Vietnam under an agreement with an entity, agency, or organization of the government of Vietnam, 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, and with respect to all U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam, or 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 excess fy2014 amounts government vietnam organization working vietnam agreement entity agency organization government vietnam 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:
This bill directs the Department of State to consult with South Korean officials on potential opportunities to reunite Korean American families with family members in North Korea from whom such Korean American families were divided after the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.

At least every 180 days the State Department's Special Representative on North Korea Policy shall consult with representatives of these Korean American families regarding reunification efforts.

bill directs department_of_state consult south korean officials potential opportunities korean american families family members north_korea korean american families divided signing korean war armistice agreement days north_korea policy shall consult representatives korean american families reunification efforts


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:
Iran Cyber Sanctions Act of 2016

This bill requires the President to report to Congress at least every 180 days regarding significant activities undermining cybersecurity conducted by Iranian persons against the United States or U.S. persons. The reports must: (1) identify Iranians involved in such activities; (2) describe their conduct; (3) assess the Iranian government's or other foreign governments' material support for such activities; and (4) provide a strategy to counter efforts by Iranian persons to conduct such activities, which shall include engaging foreign governments to halt the capabilities of such Iranian persons.

The President must include on the Office of Foreign Assets Control's specially designated nationals and blocked persons list (which identifies individuals and entities whose assets within the United States are blocked from being accessed and with whom U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions) Iranian persons who are: (1) identified in such reports; or (2) indicted by the Department of Justice in connection with such activities undermining U.S. cybersecurity, unless the President submits an explanation for excluding such a person from that list.

iran cyber sanctions act bill requires president report congress days significant activities undermining cybersecurity conducted iranian persons united_states persons reports identify involved activities describe conduct assess iranian government foreign governments material support activities provide strategy counter efforts iranian persons conduct activities shall include engaging foreign governments halt capabilities iranian persons president include office_of_foreign_assets_control specially designated nationals blocked persons list identifies individuals entities assets united_states blocked accessed persons prohibited engaging transactions iranian persons identified reports indicted department_of_justice connection activities undermining cybersecurity president submits explanation excluding person list


Summary:
Iran Financial System Access Limitation Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that Congress must act to preempt any move to grant licenses resulting in Iran's access to the U.S. dollar.

The President may not issue a license to an offshore dollar-clearing entity to conduct a transaction in U.S. dollars with an Iranian financial institution.

A U.S. person may not process (in a U-turn transaction) any transfer of funds to or from Iran, or for the benefit of persons in Iran or the government of Iran, even if the transfer arises from, and is ordinarily incident and necessary to give effect to, an underlying transaction.

The President shall block and prohibit transactions in all property and property interests of any foreign financial institution that serves as an offshore dollar clearing entity to conduct a transaction with an Iranian financial institution in U.S. dollars if such property and property interests are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a U.S. person.

bill expresses sense congress congress act preempt grant licenses resulting iran access dollar president issue license offshore dollar clearing entity conduct transaction dollars iranian financial institution person process turn transaction transfer funds iran benefit persons iran government iran transfer arises ordinarily incident necessary effect underlying transaction president shall block prohibit transactions property property interests foreign financial institution serves offshore dollar clearing entity conduct transaction iranian financial institution dollars property property interests united_states come united_states come possession control person


Summary:
This bill prohibits the President from prohibiting the provision of technical services permitted under an international air transportation agreement in the United States for an aircraft of a foreign air carrier that is en route to or from Cuba based on the restrictions set forth in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.

This prohibition shall not apply:

 if the United States is at war with Cuba, armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba are in progress, or there is imminent danger to the public health or physical safety of U.S. citizens; or to foreign air carriers that are owned by the government of Cuba or based in Cuba.

bill prohibits president prohibiting provision technical services permitted international air transportation agreement united_states aircraft foreign air carrier route cuba based restrictions set forth cuban assets control regulations prohibition shall apply united_states war cuba armed hostilities united_states cuba progress imminent danger public health physical safety citizens foreign air carriers owned government cuba based cuba


Summary:
Secure the Northern Triangle Act

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the United States must address the violence and humanitarian crisis resulting in the elevated numbers of unaccompanied children, women, and refugees from the Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) arriving at the southwestern border of the United States.

The bill authorizes appropriations for the United States Strategy for Engagement in Central America.

Funds are made available for combating criminal violence and corruption and advancing economic development.

The President shall designate a senior official to coordinate federal and international efforts to strengthen the rule of law and economic prosperity in Central America.

The Department of State shall submit a three-year strategy to secure international and regional support for the Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall expand law enforcement partnership efforts in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico to combat human smuggling and trafficking.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and DHS shall expand collaborative programs aimed at human smugglers and traffickers targeting Central American children and families.

 The bill prohibits: (1) knowingly tracking or transmitting the location or activities of law enforcement agents with the intent to gain financially in furtherance of a violation of immigration, customs, or other border controls; and (2) destroying or damaging any physical or electronic device used by the federal government to control the border or any port of entry.

The bill provides for: (1) increased sanctions against foreign narcotics traffickers and their foreign supporters operating in Central or South America; (2) increased resources for, and expedited processing under, the Central American Minors (CAM) program; and (3) strengthening the capacity of Mexico and other regional countries to provide asylum and global resettlement.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement of the Department of Health and Human Services shall perform record checks of prospective sponsors prior to placing an unaccompanied alien child with a sponsor.

DHS shall: (1) monitor unaccompanied alien children after placement, and (2) provide funds to states for criminal registry and child abuse searches of prospective sponsors.

The Department of Education shall provide funds to eligible school districts for unaccompanied alien children.

 A local educational agency shall: (1) ensure that unaccompanied alien children in the area are immediately enrolled in school following placement, and (2) remove enrollment and participation barriers.

DHS shall: (1) ensure that legal orientation programs are available for all DHS-detained aliens, and (2) consult with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to develop a child-centered repatriation process.

DOJ may appoint or provide legal counsel to individuals in immigration proceedings and shall appoint legal counsel for children and vulnerable individuals in such proceedings.

DOJ shall increase the number of immigration judges and Board of Immigration Appeals attorneys.

secure northern act bill expresses sense congress united_states address violence humanitarian crisis resulting elevated numbers unaccompanied children women refugees northern el_salvador guatemala honduras arriving southwestern border united_states bill authorizes appropriations united_states strategy engagement central_america funds available combating criminal violence corruption advancing economic development president shall designate senior official coordinate federal international efforts strengthen rule law economic prosperity central_america department_of_state shall submit year strategy secure international regional support plan alliance prosperity northern department_of_homeland_security dhs shall expand law enforcement partnership efforts el_salvador guatemala honduras mexico combat human smuggling trafficking department_of_justice doj dhs shall expand collaborative programs aimed human smugglers traffickers targeting central american children families bill prohibits knowingly tracking transmitting location activities law enforcement agents intent gain financially furtherance violation immigration customs border controls destroying damaging physical electronic device federal government control border port entry bill provides increased sanctions foreign narcotics traffickers foreign supporters operating increased resources expedited processing program strengthening capacity mexico regional countries provide asylum global resettlement office_of_refugee_resettlement department_of_health_and_human_services shall perform record checks prospective sponsors prior placing unaccompanied alien child sponsor dhs shall monitor unaccompanied alien children placement provide funds states criminal registry child abuse searches prospective sponsors department_of_education shall provide funds eligible school districts unaccompanied alien children local educational agency shall ensure unaccompanied alien children area immediately enrolled school following placement remove enrollment participation barriers dhs shall ensure legal orientation programs available dhs detained aliens consult high commissioner refugees develop child centered repatriation process doj appoint provide legal counsel individuals immigration proceedings shall appoint legal counsel children vulnerable individuals proceedings doj shall increase number immigration judges board_of_immigration_appeals attorneys


Summary:
Countering Iranian Threats Act of 2016

This bill directs the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, and the Director of National Intelligence to submit a 10-year strategy to counter Iranian activities and threats.

The President shall impose against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sanctions with respect to: (1) blocking property of, and prohibiting transactions with, foreign persons who commit or support terrorism; and (2) an entity designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

The President shall impose asset blocking and U.S. exclusion sanctions against any person that: (1) materially contributes to the sale or transfer to Iran of specified military equipment or that provides related technical or financial assistance, or (2) materially contributes to Iran's ballistic missile or weapons of mass destruction programs.

The President shall impose specified sanctions against a person identified by the Department of State in an annual report as having acted to undermine, or as posing a risk of undermining: (1) the peace or stability in Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, or Yemen; or (2) the peace process in Syria.

 Specified sanctions against Iran are continued until the President certifies that the following Iranian activities have ceased: (1) support for terrorism, (2) development of ballistic missile programs or delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction, (3) human rights abuses, and (4) undermining of cyber security.

The President shall impose property blocking sanctions against any person that has engaged in significant activities undermining cyber security by or on behalf of Iran.

The President may not issue any license under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to an offshore dollar clearing entity to conduct a transaction with an Iranian financial institution in U.S. dollars.

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).

The President is authorized and encouraged to impose asset blocking and U.S. exclusion sanctions against any Iranian official who is responsible for, or complicit in, directing acts of significant corruption in Iran.

The Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 is extended through December 31, 2026.

The bill sets forth reporting requirements with respect to: (1) Iran's use of sanction relief funds, (2) offshore U.S. dollar clearing for Iranian transactions, (3) U.S.-European Union sanctions coordination, (4) Iranian nuclear weapons research and development, (5) Iran-North Korea nuclear cooperation, (6) Iranian use of commercial aircraft and related services for illicit military or other activities, and (7) U.S. citizens detained by Iran.

Treasury shall publish in the Federal Register an IRGC Watch List.

It is the sense of Congress that the President should engage with international partners to ensure that the International Atomic Energy Agency is fully funded in order to undertake its verification responsibilities.

The bill exempts certain humanitarian and national security activities from sanctions.

Upon receipt of credible information that a person is engaged in sanctionable activity, the President shall initiate an investigation to determine whether such person is subject to sanctions.

countering iranian threats act bill directs departments_of_state defense treasury director national_intelligence submit year strategy counter iranian activities threats president shall impose iran islamic_revolutionary_guard_corps irgc sanctions respect blocking property prohibiting transactions foreign persons commit support terrorism entity designated foreign terrorist organization president shall impose asset blocking exclusion sanctions person materially contributes sale transfer iran specified military equipment provides related technical financial assistance materially contributes iran ballistic missile weapons mass destruction programs president shall impose specified sanctions person identified department_of_state annual report having acted undermine posing risk undermining peace stability bahrain iraq syria jordan kuwait lebanon saudi_arabia qatar united_arab_emirates yemen peace process syria specified sanctions iran continued president certifies following iranian activities ceased support terrorism development ballistic missile programs delivery systems weapons mass destruction human rights abuses undermining cyber security president shall impose property blocking sanctions person engaged significant activities undermining cyber security behalf iran president issue license international_emergency_economic_powers_act offshore dollar clearing entity conduct transaction iranian financial institution dollars 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 president authorized encouraged impose asset blocking exclusion sanctions iranian official responsible complicit directing acts significant corruption iran iran sanctions act extended december bill sets forth reporting requirements respect iran use sanction relief funds offshore dollar clearing iranian transactions union sanctions coordination iranian nuclear weapons research development iran north_korea nuclear cooperation iranian use commercial aircraft related services illicit military activities citizens detained iran treasury shall publish federal_register irgc watch list sense congress president engage international partners ensure international_atomic_energy_agency fully funded order undertake verification responsibilities bill exempts certain humanitarian national security activities sanctions receipt credible information person engaged sanctionable activity president shall initiate investigation determine person subject sanctions


Summary:
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a qualified hazardous duty area to be treated in the same manner as a combat zone for certain tax provisions.

A "qualified hazardous duty area" is the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt if a member of the Armed Forces performs services in such location that qualify for special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger.

The requirement applies to specified tax provisions relating to:

 the special rule where a deceased spouse was in missing status; the exclusion from gross income of certain combat pay of members of the Armed Forces; income taxes of members of the Armed Forces on death; combat zone-related deaths of members of the Armed Forces; the definition of wages relating to combat pay for members of the Armed Forces; the taxation of phone service originating from a combat zone from members of the Armed Forces; joint tax returns where an individual is in missing status; and additional time for individuals serving in combat zones to file returns, pay taxes, and perform other specified acts.

bill amends internal_revenue_code require qualified hazardous duty area treated manner combat zone certain tax provisions qualified hazardous duty area egypt member armed_forces performs services location qualify special pay duty subject hostile fire imminent danger requirement applies specified tax provisions relating special rule deceased spouse missing status exclusion gross income certain combat pay members armed_forces income taxes members armed_forces death combat zone related deaths members armed_forces definition wages relating combat pay members armed_forces taxation phone service originating combat zone members armed_forces joint tax returns individual missing status additional time individuals serving combat zones file returns pay taxes perform specified acts


Summary:
Remedies for Refusal of Repatriation Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish procedures for determining whether a foreign government systematically and unreasonably refuses or delays the repatriation of its nationals who: (1) have been ordered deported by the United States; and (2) have been convicted of a felony or a crime of violence or are a threat to national security or public safety.

Upon determining that a country does refuse or delay repatriation of its citizens, DHS shall notify the Department of State and the two departments shall meet with the country's representatives and notify them that the United States may deny visas to their nationals.

If the country continues to refuse or delay the repatriation of its nationals, the State Department shall discontinue the issuance of visas, unless DHS determines that such discontinuance is not in U.S. interests.

DHS and the State Department shall list such countries on their websites.

remedies refusal repatriation act bill requires department_of_homeland_security dhs establish procedures determining foreign government systematically unreasonably refuses delays repatriation nationals ordered deported united_states convicted felony crime violence threat national security public safety determining country refuse delay repatriation citizens dhs shall notify department_of_state departments shall meet country representatives notify united_states deny visas nationals country continues refuse delay repatriation nationals state_department shall discontinue issuance visas dhs determines discontinuance interests dhs state_department shall list countries websites