Summary: Eurasia Foundation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of State to make an annual grant to the Eurasia Foundation to: (1) promote civil society, private enterprise, and public administration and policy in the countries of Eurasia; (2) strengthen indigenous institutions that foster national development, social change, economic growth, and cooperative international relationships consistent with U.S. interests in Eurasia; and (3) conduct programs in the region that would be difficult or impossible for an official U.S. entity. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) an appropriately funded Foundation can contribute significantly to the political, economic, and social development of democracy and human rights in the countries of Eurasia; (2) organizations that seek competitive grants typically perform in a more transparent and effective manner; and (3) the Foundation should seek competitive grants to supplement federal appropriations. (Sec. 4) Sets forth grant eligibility provisions. (Sec. 5) Directs the Foundation and any successor or related entity to the U.S. Russia Investment Fund (as defined by this Act) to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the purpose of coordinating activities carried out by the Foundation and the successor or related entity. (Sec. 6) Defines "countries of Eurasia" as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. (Sec. 7) Authorizes FY2008-FY2009 appropriations.

foundation act sec directs secretary state annual grant promote civil society private enterprise public administration policy countries strengthen indigenous institutions foster national development social change economic growth cooperative international relationships consistent interests conduct programs region difficult impossible official entity expresses sense congress appropriately funded foundation contribute significantly political economic social development democracy human rights countries organizations seek competitive grants typically perform transparent effective manner foundation seek competitive grants supplement federal appropriations sec sets forth grant eligibility provisions sec directs foundation successor related entity defined act enter memorandum understanding purpose coordinating activities carried foundation successor related entity sec defines countries armenia azerbaijan belarus georgia kazakhstan moldova russian_federation tajikistan turkmenistan ukraine uzbekistan sec authorizes fy2008 fy2009 appropriations


Summary: States that: (1) the President shall withdraw or terminate any presidential waiver of the requirements under the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 1988 and 1989 prohibiting the establishment or maintenance of a Palestinian information office in the United States; and (2) such section shall apply so as to prohibit a Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) or Palestinian Authority (PA) office in the United States from carrying out any function other than those functions carried out by the Palestinian information office in existence prior to the Oslo Accords.

states president shall withdraw terminate presidential waiver requirements foreign relations authorization act prohibiting establishment maintenance palestinian information office united_states section shall apply prohibit palestinian_authority office united_states carrying function functions carried palestinian information office existence prior accords


Summary: Egyptian Counterterrorism and Political Reform Act - Prohibits military assistance to Egypt beginning in FY2008 unless the President determines and certifies to Congress that it is in the national security interests to provide assistance for a given fiscal year. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) funds that would have been provided for military assistance should be given in the form of economic support fund assistance and not used by the armed forces of Egypt; (2) the President should certify the establishment of procedures to ensure access by the Comptroller General to appropriate financial information in order to review the use of these funds; and (3) the agreement among the United States, Egypt, and Israel to decrease the overall amount of U.S. foreign assistance for both countries should continue.

egyptian counterterrorism political reform act prohibits military assistance egypt beginning fy2008 president determines certifies congress national security interests provide assistance given fiscal year expresses sense congress funds provided military assistance given form economic support fund assistance armed forces egypt president certify establishment procedures ensure access comptroller_general appropriate financial information order review use funds agreement united_states egypt israel decrease overall foreign assistance countries continue


Summary: Prohibits the issuance of U.S. visas to citizens of Saudi Arabia until the President certifies that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not discriminate on the basis of religious affiliation or heritage when issuing its visas.

prohibits issuance visas citizens saudi_arabia president certifies discriminate basis religious affiliation heritage issuing visas


Summary: Prohibit Aid to Saudi Arabia Act of 2007 - Prohibits funds appropriated for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs to be obligated or expended for Saudi Arabia. Includes in such prohibition direct loans, credits, insurance, and guarantees of the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

prohibit aid prohibits funds appropriated foreign operations export financing related programs obligated expended saudi_arabia includes prohibition direct loans credits insurance guarantees


Summary: Return of the Lost Boys and Lost Girls of Sudan Act - Requires the Director of Foreign Assistance to establish and carry out a program to assist eligible Sudanese refugees in the United States known as the "Lost Boys and Lost Girls of Sudan" to voluntarily return to southern Sudan to assist in reconstruction efforts. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Director should: (1) review similar programs for purposes of replicating best practices; (2) consult with the Lost Boys/Lost Girls Organization in the United States to identify interested and eligible program candidates; (3) seek cooperation with local and international organizations in southern Sudan to identify appropriate sectors, programs, and projects; and (4) seek to ensure that program participants retain their U.S. immigration status.

return lost boys lost girls director foreign assistance establish carry program assist eligible sudanese refugees united_states known lost boys lost girls sudan voluntarily return southern sudan assist reconstruction efforts expresses sense congress director review similar programs purposes replicating best practices consult lost boys lost girls organization united_states identify interested eligible program candidates seek cooperation local international organizations southern sudan identify appropriate sectors programs projects seek ensure program participants retain immigration status


Summary: Pacific Island Economic and Educational Development Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations of $1 million for each of FY2008 and FY2009 for exchanges with Pacific Island countries carried out under the educational and cultural exchange programs of the Department of State. Authorizes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), upon request, to provide technical and other assistance to Pacific Island countries, defined for the purposes of this Act as: (1) the Cook Islands; (2) the Federated States of Micronesia; (3) the Independent State of Samoa; (4) the Kingdom of Tonga; (5) Niue; (6) Papua New Guinea; (7) the Republic of Fiji; (8) the Republic of Kiribati; (9) the Republic of the Marshall Islands; (10) the Republic of Nauru; (11) the Republic of Palau; (12) the Republic of Vanuatu; (13) the Solomon Islands; and (14) Tuvalu. Directs the Secretary of State to review and report to Congress on the marginalization of students from Pacific Island countries in the awarding of Fulbright Scholarships. Requires the Secretary to establish a program within the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange program providing scholarships to students from Pacific Island countries for study in the United States pursuant to the terms of such Exchange program. Authorizes appropriations of $500,000 for each of FY2008 and FY2009 to provide such scholarships to such students.

authorizes appropriations million fy2008 fy2009 exchanges countries carried educational cultural exchange programs department_of_state authorizes united_states_agency international_development usaid request provide technical assistance countries defined purposes act federated_states micronesia republic republic marshall_islands republic_of_palau islands directs secretary state review report congress students countries awarding scholarships requires secretary establish program william program providing scholarships students countries study united_states pursuant terms exchange program authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2009 provide scholarships students


Summary: Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2007 - Title I: Prohibition on Nonhumanitarian Assistance to the Government of Vietnam - (Sec. 101) Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam for FY2008 in excess of FY2007 levels unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting: (1) the release of political and religious prisoners; (2) the right of religious freedom, including the return of church properties; (3) the rights of ethnic minorities; and (4) access to U.S. refugee programs by Vietnamese nationals. Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam for subsequent fiscal years in excess of FY2007 levels unless the President certifies to Congress that in addition to such requirements: (1) no government of Vietnam official, agency, or entity wholly or partly owned by the government of Vietnam was complicit in a severe form of trafficking in persons; or (2) the government of Vietnam took all appropriate steps to end any such complicity and hold any official, agency, or entity accountable for such conduct. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition for reasons of national interest. Title II: Assistance to Support Democracy in Vietnam - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the President to provide assistance through nongovernmental organizations and the Human Rights Defenders Fund for the support of individuals and organizations to promote human rights in Vietnam. Authorizes FY2008-FY2009 appropriations. Title III: United States Public Diplomacy - (Sec. 301) States that it is U.S. policy to take necessary measures to overcome government of Vietnam jamming of Radio Free Asia. Authorizes FY2008-FY2009 appropriations for such activities. (Sec. 302) States that it is U.S. policy that educational and cultural exchange programs with Vietnam should promote progress toward freedom and democracy in Vietnam. Title IV: United States Refugee Policy - (Sec. 401) States that it is U.S. policy to offer refugee resettlement to Vietnam nationals (including members of the Montagnard ethnic minority groups) who are eligible for the Humanitarian Resettlement program, the Orderly Departure program, the Resettlement Opportunities for Vietnamese Returnees program, the Amerasian Homecoming Act of 1988, or any other U.S. refugee program, but who were deemed ineligible for reasons of administrative error or certain circumstances beyond their control. Authorizes funds to be made available from FY2008-FY2010 Department of State refugee assistance for the protection and resettlement of Vietnamese refugees and asylum seekers, including Montagnards in Cambodia. Title V: Annual Report on Progress Toward Freedom and Democracy in Vietnam - (Sec. 501) Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to Congress respecting activities under this Act toward freedom and democracy in Vietnam.

vietnam human rights act title prohibition nonhumanitarian assistance government vietnam sec prohibits nonhumanitarian assistance government vietnam fy2008 excess fy2007 levels president certifies congress government vietnam substantial progress respecting release political religious prisoners right religious freedom including return church properties rights ethnic minorities access refugee programs vietnamese nationals prohibits nonhumanitarian assistance government vietnam subsequent fiscal years excess fy2007 levels president certifies congress addition requirements government vietnam official agency entity wholly partly owned government vietnam complicit severe form trafficking persons government vietnam took appropriate steps end hold official agency entity accountable conduct authorizes president waive prohibition reasons national interest title assistance support democracy vietnam sec authorizes president provide assistance nongovernmental organizations support individuals organizations promote human rights vietnam authorizes fy2008 fy2009 appropriations title iii sec states policy necessary measures overcome government vietnam jamming radio_free_asia authorizes fy2008 fy2009 appropriations activities sec states policy educational cultural exchange programs vietnam promote progress freedom democracy vietnam title sec states policy offer refugee resettlement vietnam nationals including members montagnard ethnic minority groups eligible humanitarian resettlement program orderly departure program program amerasian act refugee program deemed ineligible reasons administrative error certain circumstances control authorizes funds available refugee assistance protection resettlement vietnamese refugees asylum seekers including cambodia title annual report progress freedom democracy vietnam sec directs secretary state report annually congress respecting activities act freedom democracy vietnam


Summary: Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended for military operations or activities within or above Iran's territory or within Iran's territorial waters except pursuant to a specific congressional authorization enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act. Exempts from such prohibition military operations or activities: (1) to directly repel an attack launched from within Iran's territory; (2) to directly thwart an imminent attack to be launched from within Iran's territory; (3) in hot pursuit of forces engaged outside the territory of Iran who thereafter enter into Iran; and (4) connected with U.S. government intelligence or intelligence-related activities. Requires the President within 24 hours after determining to use funds for such a military purpose to report to the Senate Committees on Armed Services and Foreign Relations and the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Committees on Armed Services and Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

prohibits funds obligated expended military operations activities iran territory iran territorial waters pursuant specific congressional authorization enacted date enactment act exempts prohibition military operations activities directly attack launched iran territory directly thwart imminent attack launched iran territory hot pursuit forces engaged outside territory iran enter iran connected government intelligence intelligence related activities requires president hours determining use funds military purpose report senate committees armed services foreign relations


Summary: United States-China Diplomatic Expansion Act of 2007 - Authorizes FY2008 appropriations for: (1) public diplomacy programming, hiring of additional local public diplomacy personnel, and public diplomacy information technology infrastructure in the People's Republic of China (PRC); (2) construction of one additional U.S. consulate in the PRC (in addition to the number in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act); (3) 10 additional U.S. diplomatic posts in the PRC (in addition to the number in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act); (4) a U.S. financial contribution to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; (5) rule of law initiatives in the PRC; and (6) specified Chinese language exchanges. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should retain possession of the U.S. Embassy compound in Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, after the opening of the new U.S. Embassy compound in Liang Ma He, Beijing, China.

diplomatic expansion act authorizes fy2008 appropriations public diplomacy programming hiring additional local public diplomacy personnel public diplomacy information technology infrastructure prc construction additional consulate prc addition number existence date enactment act additional diplomatic posts prc addition number existence date enactment act financial contribution asia-pacific_economic_cooperation rule law initiatives prc specified chinese language exchanges expresses sense congress government retain possession compound china opening new compound china


Summary: United States-China Energy Cooperation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to encourage cooperation between the United States and China in joint ventures involving: (1) joint energy and climate change policy education programs; and (2) joint research, development, or commercialization of carbon capture and sequestration technology, improved energy efficiency, or renewable energy sources. Requires joint ventures to be composed of both: (1) Chinese and United States private business entities; (2) Chinese academic persons (who reside and work in China) and U.S. academic persons; or (3) Chinese and U.S. federal, state, or local government entities.

energy cooperation act authorizes secretary energy grants encourage cooperation united_states china joint ventures involving joint energy climate change policy education programs joint research development commercialization carbon capture sequestration technology improved energy efficiency renewable energy sources requires joint ventures composed chinese united_states private business entities chinese academic persons reside work china academic persons chinese federal state local government entities


Summary: Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 - Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand the definitions of "petroleum resources" and "person."Expresses the sense of Congress concerning: (1) a variety of existing and proposed sanctions against Iran; and (2) mechanisms to assure a supply of nuclear fuel for peaceful means. Subjects Iran to specified economic sanctions unless the President certifies to Congress that Iran has verifiably dismantled all nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing-related programs. Subjects, with respect to prohibited transactions with Iran, a parent company to penalties for violations committed by certain subsidiaries outside the United States that would be subject to prohibitions if committed inside the United States or by a U.S. person. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate specified geological and geophysical expense amortization benefits if petroleum-related sanctions are imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 on any member of an expanded affiliated group whose common parent is a foreign corporation. Revises the definition of "affiliated group." Directs the President to reduce annual U.S. contributions to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) based upon Bank amounts provided to entities and projects in Iran. Authorizes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress an updated National Intelligence Estimate on Iran.Authorizes the President to: (1) carry out exchange programs with the people of Iran; and (2) make voluntary grant-based contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the establishment of an international nuclear fuel bank to maintain a reserve of low-enriched uranium in case of a disruption in the supply of reactor fuel by normal market mechanisms. Amends the Securities and Exchange Act of 1945 to require securities issuers to disclose to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) post-January 1, 2007, investments in Iran's energy sector in excess of $20 million.

amends iran sanctions act expand definitions petroleum resources person sense congress concerning variety existing proposed sanctions iran mechanisms assure supply nuclear fuel peaceful means specified economic sanctions president certifies congress iran verifiably dismantled nuclear enrichment related reprocessing related programs subjects respect prohibited transactions iran parent company penalties violations committed certain subsidiaries outside united_states subject prohibitions committed inside united_states person amends internal revenue code eliminate specified geological geophysical expense amortization benefits petroleum related sanctions imposed iran sanctions act member expanded affiliated group common parent foreign corporation revises definition affiliated group directs president reduce annual contributions based bank amounts provided entities projects iran authorizes appropriations department_of_the_treasury requires director national_intelligence submit congress updated iran authorizes president carry exchange programs people iran voluntary grant based contributions international_atomic_energy_agency iaea establishment international nuclear fuel bank maintain reserve low enriched uranium case disruption supply reactor fuel normal market mechanisms amends require securities issuers disclose securities_and_exchange_commission sec post january investments iran energy sector excess million


Summary: Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to each country containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees or internally displaced persons including Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, to provide bilateral assistance or funding to international aid organizations and nongovernmental organizations for humanitarian assistance, including adequate food, shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation, health care, education, and security. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a program to assist Jordanian border police, immigration officers, and other individuals responsible for Jordanian border security in the security screening of Iraqi refugees. Authorizes special immigrant status for an alien (and accompanying or joining spouse and children) who: (1) is a national of Iraq; (2) was employed by, or worked for or with, the U.S. government, U.S. companies, or nongovernmental organizations in Iraq on or after March 19, 2003, for at least one year; and (3) fears reprisal, persecution, injury, or death to the alien or the alien's family due to such employment. Directs the Secretary of State to provide such alien with protection or immediate removal from Iraq. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide for expedited processing of Iraqi refugees, with priority for Iraqis who: (1) were employed by the U.S. government, U.S. companies, or nongovernmental organizations; or (2) are members of vulnerable refugee populations, including Iraqis from ethnically mixed families and Iraqis who are members of religious or other minority groups. Directs the Secretary of State to work with the international community to assist Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.

internally displaced persons humanitarian assistance resettlement security act directs secretary state respect country containing significant population iraqi refugees internally displaced persons including iraq jordan syria turkey iran lebanon provide bilateral assistance funding international aid organizations nongovernmental organizations humanitarian assistance including adequate food shelter clean drinking water sanitation health care education security directs secretary homeland_security establish program assist border police immigration officers individuals responsible border security security screening iraqi refugees authorizes special immigrant status alien accompanying joining spouse children national iraq employed worked government companies nongovernmental organizations iraq march year reprisal persecution injury death alien alien family employment directs secretary state provide alien protection immediate removal iraq directs secretary homeland_security provide expedited processing iraqi refugees priority iraqis employed government companies nongovernmental organizations members vulnerable refugee populations including iraqis ethnically mixed families iraqis members religious minority groups directs secretary state work international community assist iraqi refugees internally displaced persons


Summary: Restore Patriotism to University Campuses Act - Forbids the provision of certain federal funds by grant or contract to Columbia University of New York City or any subelement of such school because it allowed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak on its campus. Exempts student financial aid funds from such prohibition.

restore university campuses act provision certain federal funds grant contract school allowed iranian president speak campus exempts student financial aid funds prohibition


Summary: New Diplomatic Offensive for Iraq Act - Directs the President to implement a regional diplomatic plan in conjunction with the U.N. Security Council to: (1) curtail the ongoing civil war in Iraq; (2) prevent the spread of violence from Iraq into neighboring countries; (3) prevent the establishment of safe havens for al-Qa'ida and other terrorist organizations; (4) prevent regional conflict; (5) prevent genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other crimes against humanity; and (6) promote a national process of reconciliation within Iraq. States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) undertake a sustained diplomatic effort to engage the governments of regional nations on issues that impact the situation in Iraq; (2) continue and expand U.S. direct bilateral talks with nations neighboring Iraq on issues of mutual interest; (3) support the goals specified in the International Compact for Iraq; and (4) encourage the increased engagement of international organizations in working to achieve stability and security in Iraq. Directs the President to appoint a Presidential Special Envoy for Iraq Regional Security whose duties shall include: (1) discussions with the government of Iraq and governments of neighboring countries to support Iraq's efforts to achieve peace and stability and to take necessary actions to prevent regional instability, including organizing a related Iraq Support Group; and (2) working with Iraqi officials and other domestic stakeholders to organize a forum for negotiations on national reconciliation. Directs the Secretary of State to organize an international donors conference to solicit additional international commitments of funding and support for reconstruction and economic development in Iraq. Directs the President direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to seek a Security Council resolution that: (1) supports regional and international cooperation in promoting stability and development in Iraq; (2) encourages increased support for efforts to rebuild and expand Iraq's economy and critical infrastructure; and (3) authorizes renewed U.N. assistance to promote security and political reconciliation in Iraq, including a commitment to an increased U.N. role following the beginning of a U.S. Armed Forces' redeployment from Iraq.

new diplomatic offensive iraq act directs president implement regional diplomatic plan conjunction curtail ongoing civil war iraq prevent spread violence iraq neighboring countries prevent establishment safe havens terrorist organizations prevent regional conflict prevent genocide ethnic crimes humanity promote national process reconciliation iraq states policy undertake sustained diplomatic effort engage governments regional nations issues impact situation iraq continue expand direct bilateral nations neighboring iraq issues mutual interest support goals specified iraq encourage increased engagement international organizations working achieve stability security iraq directs president appoint presidential special envoy iraq regional security duties shall include discussions government iraq governments neighboring countries support iraq efforts achieve peace stability necessary actions prevent regional instability including organizing related working iraqi officials domestic stakeholders organize forum negotiations national reconciliation directs secretary state organize international donors conference solicit additional international commitments funding support reconstruction economic development iraq directs president direct permanent representative united_nations seek security_council resolution supports regional international cooperation promoting stability development iraq encourages increased support efforts rebuild expand iraq economy critical infrastructure authorizes renewed assistance promote security political reconciliation iraq including commitment increased role following beginning redeployment iraq


Summary: Relocation Empowerment and Placement Assistance for Iraqi Refugees Act of 2007 or REPAIR Act of 2007 - Waives visa and related fees relating to special immigrant status for Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. Chief of Mission or the U.S. Armed Forces as interpreters or translators. Waives numerical limitations with respect to such special immigrants. Expands such category to include persons who: (1) performed such services with a U.S. contractor; or (2) performed other services. Makes additional U.S. military officers eligible to recommend such nationals for special immigrant status. Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to make every effort to ensure that aliens applying for special immigrant status and visas, and aliens applying for refugee status and visas, may apply and interview within Iraq in Baghdad and Irbil through in-country processing mechanisms. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to jointly establish a program to offer federal employment to relocated Iraqi special immigrants as translators, interpreters, and cultural awareness instructors. States that such special immigrants shall be eligible for the same resettlement assistance as refugees. Directs the Secretary to provide such special immigrants with computer literacy and vocational training, English language training, and employment and counseling services. Expresses the sense Congress that the United States should provide an orientation into life in the United States for Iraqi special immigrants and should make all reasonable efforts to provide temporary safe haven for alien applicants who are in imminent danger in Iraq.

relocation empowerment placement assistance iraqi refugees act repair act waives visa related fees relating special immigrant status afghan iraqi nationals worked chief mission interpreters translators waives numerical limitations respect special immigrants expands category include persons performed services contractor performed services makes additional military officers eligible recommend nationals special immigrant status directs secretary state secretary effort ensure aliens applying special immigrant status visas aliens applying refugee status visas apply interview iraq baghdad country processing mechanisms directs secretary secretary defense jointly establish program offer federal employment relocated iraqi special immigrants translators interpreters cultural awareness instructors states special immigrants shall eligible resettlement assistance refugees directs secretary provide special immigrants computer literacy vocational training english language training employment counseling services expresses sense congress united_states provide orientation life united_states iraqi special immigrants reasonable efforts provide temporary safe haven alien applicants imminent danger iraq


Summary: U.S. and Costa Rica Trade Cooperation Act - Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to make permanent the extension of temporary duty-free treatment of certain textile and apparel articles manufactured in a beneficiary country (particularly, Costa Rica) and imported into the United States.

act amends caribbean_basin_economic_recovery_act permanent extension temporary duty free treatment certain textile apparel articles manufactured beneficiary country particularly costa_rica imported united_states


Summary: Establishes a Congressional-Executive Commission on the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which shall: (1) monitor the Socialist Republic of Vietnam's human rights compliance, with particular emphasis on the Montagnard peoples and the Central and Northwest Highlands; (2) maintain lists of persons believed to be imprisoned, detained, tortured, or otherwise persecuted by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam due to their pursuit of the rights described in this Act; (3) monitor the development of the rule of law in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with particular emphasis on the Montagnard peoples and the Central and Northwest Highlands; and (4) monitor and encourage the development of programs and activities of the U.S. government and private organizations with a view toward increasing the U.S.-Vietnam interchange.

establishes vietnam shall monitor vietnam human rights compliance particular emphasis montagnard peoples central northwest highlands maintain lists persons believed imprisoned detained persecuted government vietnam pursuit rights described act monitor development rule law vietnam particular emphasis montagnard peoples central northwest highlands monitor encourage development programs activities government private organizations view increasing interchange


Summary: Iraq Strategic Agreement Review Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and any other necessary representative of the executive branch of the U.S. government to begin consultations with the appropriate congressional committees and leadership on any potential long-term security, economic, or political agreement (agreement) with the government of Iraq. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) full Iraqi sovereignty is in the U.S. national interest; and (2) any agreement that is not in the form of a treaty with respect to which the Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification under Article II of the Constitution of the United States does not have the force and effect of law. Prohibits obligating or expending funds for the implementation of any agreement with the government of Iraq unless the agreement is in the form of a treaty with respect to which the Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification under Article II.

iraq strategic agreement review act directs secretary state secretary defense necessary representative executive branch government begin consultations appropriate congressional committees leadership potential long term security economic political agreement agreement government iraq expresses sense congress iraqi sovereignty national interest agreement form treaty respect senate given advice consent ratification article constitution united states force effect law prohibits obligating expending funds implementation agreement government iraq agreement form treaty respect senate given advice consent ratification article


Summary: Iran Diplomatic Accountability Act of 2008 - Directs: (1) the President to appoint a high-level U.S. representative or special envoy for Iran for the purpose of easing tensions and normalizing relations between the United States and Iran; and (2) the Secretary of State to establish a Department of State office to support the work of such representative or special envoy.

iran diplomatic accountability act directs president appoint high level representative special envoy iran purpose easing tensions relations united_states iran secretary state establish department_of_state office support work representative special envoy


Summary: Amends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to add Mauritius as a lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country (LDC) for purposes of the application of preferential treatment to apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit-to-shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more LDCs, regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or the yarn used to make such articles, that are imported into the United States. Repeals provisions granting preferential treatment for imported apparel articles produced in LDCs of yarn or fabric that is produced in beneficiary sub-Saharan countries and determined to be available in commercial quantities for use by LDCs. Provides for the liquidation or reliquidation (refund of duties) for such articles entered into the United States on or after October 1, 2005, and before the 15th day after enactment of this Act.

amends african_growth opportunity act add lesser developed beneficiary sub saharan african country purposes application preferential treatment apparel articles wholly assembled knit shape wholly assembled regardless country origin fabric yarn articles imported united_states repeals provisions granting preferential treatment imported apparel articles produced yarn fabric produced beneficiary sub saharan countries determined available commercial quantities use provides liquidation reliquidation refund duties articles entered united_states october 15th day enactment act


Summary: Directs the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Defense, and the intelligence community, to conduct annual assessments of the effectiveness of sanctions against Iran.

directs secretary state conjunction secretary treasury secretary commerce secretary defense intelligence community conduct annual assessments effectiveness sanctions iran


Summary: States that any formal agreement emerging from the "Declaration of Principles for a Long-term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship Between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America" shall not have the effect of force of law unless the agreement is approved by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that any formal agreement emerging from such Declaration must be approved by the Iraqi legislature. Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) or any other U.S. department or agency from being used to enforce or implement any formal agreement emerging from such Declaration unless the agreement is approved by Congress.

states formal agreement emerging declaration principles long term relationship cooperation friendship republic_of_iraq united_states_of_america shall effect force law agreement approved congress date enactment act expresses sense congress formal agreement emerging declaration approved iraqi legislature prohibits funds appropriated available department_of_defense dod department agency enforce implement formal agreement emerging declaration agreement approved congress


Summary: Former Soviet Union Minority Relief Act of 2008 - Authorizes additional appropriations for Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus for: (1) humanitarian and resettlement assistance for ethnic and religious minorities; (2) hate crime prevention and rule of law assistance; (3) democracy promotion; and (4) broadcasting assistance.

soviet union minority relief act authorizes additional appropriations russia ukraine belarus humanitarian resettlement assistance ethnic religious minorities hate crime prevention rule law assistance democracy promotion broadcasting assistance


Summary: Recovery and Stability of Iraq Act of 2008 - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the position of Iraqi Displacement Coordinator who shall identify programs that address the humanitarian needs of displaced Iraqis and who shall advise and coordinate with the heads of appropriate U.S. departments and agencies, the government of Iraq, countries hosting displaced Iraqis in the region, the United Nations, and other involved nongovernmental and international organizations. Directs the Coordinator to: (1) design a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of displaced Iraqis; and (2) encourage the government of Iraq to develop a long-term plan for the voluntary and safe return of displaced Iraqis to their homes.

recovery stability iraq act establishes executive_office president position iraqi displacement coordinator shall identify programs address humanitarian needs displaced iraqis shall advise coordinate heads appropriate departments agencies government iraq countries hosting displaced iraqis region united_nations involved nongovernmental international organizations directs coordinator design comprehensive strategy address needs displaced iraqis encourage government iraq develop long term plan voluntary safe return displaced iraqis homes


Summary: Communist Chinese Olympic Accountability Act - Prohibits any federal government official or employee from attending the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games held in Beijing, People's Republic of China, except for an individual who is a member of the U.S. Olympic Team or who is serving in a medical or security capacity on behalf of the Team.

chinese olympic accountability act prohibits federal government official employee attending opening ceremonies summer olympic games held individual member serving medical security capacity behalf team


Summary: Amends the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 to state that for purposes of alien inadmissibility based upon terrorist-related grounds the African National Congress (ANC) shall not be considered to be a terrorist organization on the basis of any act or event that occurred before the date of enactment of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State (after consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security) or the Secretary of Homeland Security (after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General) to determine, in such Secretary's sole and unreviewable discretion, that inadmissibility based upon specified criminal convictions or terrorist activities shall not apply to an alien with respect to activities undertaken in opposition to apartheid rule in South Africa. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security should exercise such authority in appropriate instances to exempt the anti-apartheid activities of aliens who are current or former officials of the government of the Republic of South Africa.Directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Director of National Intelligence, to ensure that databases used to determine U.S. admissibility are appropriately updated.

amends department_of_state foreign_operations related programs appropriations act state purposes alien inadmissibility based terrorist related grounds anc shall considered terrorist organization basis act event occurred date enactment act authorizes secretary state consultation attorney general secretary homeland_security secretary homeland_security consultation secretary state attorney general determine secretary sole discretion inadmissibility based specified criminal convictions terrorist activities shall apply alien respect activities undertaken opposition rule south_africa expresses sense congress secretary state secretary homeland_security exercise authority appropriate instances exempt anti activities aliens current officials government directs secretary state coordination attorney general secretary homeland_security director federal_bureau_of_investigation director national_intelligence ensure databases determine admissibility appropriately updated


Summary: China Democracy Act - Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the import of products from the People's Republic of China (PRC) into the United States or the export of goods or technology from the United States to the PRC. Prohibits persons from the United States from: (1) making investments in PRC enterprises or enterprises owned or controlled by the PRC government, entities controlled by the PRC government, or by PRC nationals; or (2) engaging in any transaction to secure an investment by a Chinese national in any U.S. person or any enterprise owned or controlled by a U.S. person. Prohibits entry into the United States, for a specified period, of vessels engaged in trade with the PRC. Subjects violators of this Act to certain penalties. Prohibits the issuance of visas to PRC nationals. Suspends visas issued to PRC nationals before the effective date of this Act. Requires the President to take the necessary steps to downgrade diplomatic relations with the PRC. Terminates this Act upon certification by the President that the PRC has: (1) met certain democratic, civil liberties, and human rights principles; and (2) established a market-oriented economic system.

china democracy act prohibits specified exceptions import products prc united_states export goods technology united_states prc prohibits persons united_states making investments prc enterprises enterprises owned controlled prc government entities controlled prc government prc nationals engaging transaction secure investment chinese national person enterprise owned controlled person prohibits entry united_states specified period vessels engaged trade prc subjects violators act certain penalties prohibits issuance visas prc nationals suspends visas issued prc nationals effective date act requires president necessary steps downgrade diplomatic relations prc terminates act certification president prc met certain democratic civil liberties human rights principles established market oriented economic system


Summary: International Partnership for Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress supporting reconciliation efforts within Iraq and the creation of an Iraqi-supported international commitment to reconciliation in Iraq. Authorizes the United States Institute of Peace to provide assistance to support international efforts to encourage peaceful and positive contact, dialogue, and reconciliation among the Iraqi people.

iraq act expresses sense congress supporting reconciliation efforts iraq creation iraqi supported international commitment reconciliation iraq authorizes provide assistance support international efforts encourage peaceful positive contact dialogue reconciliation iraqi people


Summary: Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 to authorize assistance to promote democracy and civil society in Belarus. Includes Internet broadcasting within the scope of increased support and funding for U.S. government and surrogate broadcasting to Belarus. Specifies that funding may be used for broadcasting by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Voice of America, and European Radio for Belarus and Belsat. Includes cessation of repression against student activists and ethnic minorities among the criteria that the government of Belarus must meet in order to end U.S. sanctions under such Act.

belarus democracy reauthorization act amends belarus democracy act authorize assistance promote democracy civil society belarus includes internet broadcasting scope increased support funding government surrogate broadcasting belarus specifies funding broadcasting voice_of_america belarus includes cessation repression student activists ethnic minorities criteria government belarus meet order end sanctions act


Summary: Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Assistance for Mexico - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Security Assistance - (Sec. 112) Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Mexico for: (1) counternarcotics and countertrafficking; (2) port, airport, and related security to assist in controlling the Mexico-U.S. and Mexico-Central America borders; (3) intelligence gathering operational technology; and (4) public security and law enforcement, including assistance to the National Council Against Addiction (CONADIC). (Sec. 114) Prohibits assistance to any armed forces of Mexico or law enforcement unit of Mexico if the Secretary of State determines that there is credible evidence that such unit has committed gross human rights violations. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the Secretary reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the government of Mexico is taking effective measures to bring the responsible unit members to justice. (Sec. 115) Authorizes FY2008-FY2010 appropriations to carry out this subtitle, with not more that specified amounts allocated to the armed forces for each of FY2008-2010. Prohibits FY2009 funds from being provided to the Mexican Secretariat of Public Security until the President determines that the Mexican National Registry of Police Personnel (Registro Nacional de Personal Policial) is operational at the federal, state, and local levels. Subtitle B: Assistance to Enhance the Rule of Law and Strengthen Civilian Institutions - (Sec. 122) Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Mexico for: (1) institution building and the rule of law, including support for the Mexican Office of the Attorney General and for enhancing police professionalization; (2) anti-corruption, transparency, and human rights; (3) activities to prevent narcotics-related violence; and (4) employment and rural development programs. (Sec. 124) Authorizes FY2008-FY2010 appropriations to carry out this subtitle. Title II: Assistance for Countries of Central America - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Security Assistance - (Sec. 212) Authorizes the President to provide assistance to the countries of Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic) for: (1) counternarcotics, countertrafficking, and related security to combat narcotics trafficking and bulk currency smuggling; and (2) public security and law enforcement to combat transnational gangs. (Sec. 214) Prohibits providing assistance to any armed forces or law enforcement unit of a Central American country if the Secretary determines that there is credible evidence that such unit has committed gross human rights violations. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the Secretary reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the government of the relevant Central American country is taking effective measures to bring the responsible unit members to justice. Authorizes FY2008-FY2010 appropriations to carry out this subtitle, including a set-aside for youth gang prevention activities. Subtitle B: Assistance to Enhance the Rule of Law and Strengthen Civilian Institutions - (Sec. 221) Authorizes the President to provide assistance to the countries of Central America to build the capacity of justice systems and to reduce high impunity rates. Authorizes FY2008-FY2010 appropriations. Title III: Administrative Provisions - (Sec. 301) Prohibits the President from providing assistance under title I or title II of this Act for a fiscal year until the end of a 15-day period beginning on the date that the President transmits to the appropriate congressional committees a determination that specified requirements have been met. (Sec. 302) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) activities undertaken under titles I and II should be performed by employees and officers of the recipient country; and (2) the United States should limit the number of U.S. contractors. Caps: (1) at 50 the number of U.S. citizens or foreign nationals that may be retained as contractors to carry out title I (Mexico); and (2) at 100 the number of U.S. citizens or foreign nationals that may be retained as contractors to carry out Title II (Central America). Prohibits funds under this Act from being made available for budget support or cash payments. Provides for a national interest waiver. (Sec. 303) Prohibits, as of October 1, 2009, transfer of surveillance-related equipment to a recipient country unless the President determines that such country has cooperated with the United States to ensure that such equipment will be used principally for the purposes for which it is provided. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the President, notwithstanding a specified prohibition, to provide assistance under title I or title II to the police forces of recipient countries. (Sec. 305) States that authority to provide assistance under titles I and II is in addition to any other authority to provide assistance for Mexico and the countries of Central America. (Sec. 306) States that the Arms Export Control Act applies to all transfers of equipment under this Act unless otherwise specified. Title IV: Support Activities in the United States - (Sec. 401) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning measures taken to reduce U.S. drug demand. (Sec. 402) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) expand resources for the Project Gunrunner initiative of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to identify, investigate, and prosecute firearms trafficking across the U.S.- Mexico border; and (2) provide ATF agents, equipment, and training to assist Mexican law enforcement officers in combating firearms trafficking and other criminal enterprises. Authorizes FY2008-FY2010 appropriations. (Sec. 404) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding measures taken to stop the flow of illegal precursor chemicals and bulk cash into Mexico. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - (Sec. 501) Directs the President to establish within the Department of State a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Implement the Merida Initiative (with the rank of ambassador). (Sec. 502) Directs the President to: (1) develop metrics to identify and manage the progress of activities under this Act; and (2) use such metrics for resource allocations to combat narcotics and organized crime activities. (Sec. 503) Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding programs and activities carried out under this Act during the preceding fiscal year. (Sec. 504) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government requires an effective public diplomacy strategy to explain the Merida Initiative's purposes; and (2) the Secretary shall design and implement a public diplomacy campaign regarding the Merida Initiative. (Sec. 505) Sunsets this Act after September 30, 2010.

initiative title assistance mexico subtitle law enforcement security assistance sec authorizes president provide assistance mexico counternarcotics port airport related security assist controlling mexico borders intelligence gathering operational technology public security law enforcement including assistance sec prohibits assistance armed forces mexico law enforcement unit mexico secretary state determines credible evidence unit committed gross human rights violations makes prohibition inapplicable secretary reports appropriate congressional committees government mexico taking effective measures bring responsible unit members justice sec authorizes fy2008 fy2010 appropriations carry subtitle specified amounts allocated armed forces fy2008 prohibits fy2009 funds provided president determines operational federal state local levels subtitle assistance enhance rule law strengthen civilian institutions sec authorizes president provide assistance mexico institution building rule law including support attorney general enhancing police anti corruption transparency human rights activities prevent narcotics related violence employment rural development programs sec authorizes fy2008 fy2010 appropriations carry subtitle title assistance countries central america subtitle law enforcement security assistance sec authorizes president provide assistance countries central_america belize costa_rica el_salvador guatemala honduras nicaragua panama haiti dominican_republic counternarcotics related security combat narcotics trafficking bulk currency smuggling public security law enforcement combat transnational gangs sec prohibits providing assistance armed forces law enforcement unit central american country secretary determines credible evidence unit committed gross human rights violations makes prohibition inapplicable secretary reports appropriate congressional committees government relevant central american country taking effective measures bring responsible unit members justice authorizes fy2008 fy2010 appropriations carry subtitle including set aside youth gang prevention activities subtitle assistance enhance rule law strengthen civilian institutions sec authorizes president provide assistance countries central_america build capacity justice systems reduce high rates authorizes fy2008 fy2010 appropriations title iii administrative provisions sec prohibits president providing assistance title title act fiscal year end day period beginning date president transmits appropriate congressional committees determination specified requirements met sec expresses sense congress activities undertaken titles performed employees officers recipient country united_states limit number contractors caps number citizens foreign nationals retained contractors carry title mexico number citizens foreign nationals retained contractors carry title central_america prohibits funds act available budget support cash payments provides national interest waiver sec prohibits october transfer surveillance related equipment recipient country president determines country cooperated united_states ensure equipment principally purposes provided sec authorizes president notwithstanding specified prohibition provide assistance title title police forces recipient countries sec states authority provide assistance titles addition authority provide assistance mexico countries central_america sec states arms_export_control_act applies transfers equipment act specified title support activities united_states sec directs president report appropriate congressional committees concerning measures taken reduce drug demand sec directs attorney general expand resources project gunrunner initiative explosives atf identify investigate prosecute firearms trafficking mexico border provide atf agents equipment training assist mexican law enforcement officers combating firearms trafficking criminal enterprises authorizes fy2008 fy2010 appropriations sec directs president report appropriate congressional committees measures taken stop flow illegal precursor chemicals bulk cash mexico title miscellaneous provisions sec directs president establish rank ambassador sec directs president develop metrics identify manage progress activities act use metrics resource allocations combat narcotics organized crime activities sec directs president report appropriate congressional committees programs activities carried act preceding fiscal year sec expresses sense congress government requires effective public diplomacy strategy explain purposes secretary shall design implement public diplomacy campaign sec sunsets act september


Summary: Iraqi Police Service Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of State to assume responsibility from the Department of Defense (DOD) over the Police Training Teams being used in Iraq to provide advisory support, training and development, and equipment for the Iraqi Police Service; (2) the Secretary to ensure that a majority of the members of each Police Training Team consists of qualified civilian advisors, including Department of State employees and contractor employees; and (3) the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a statement of understanding on command structure, including the responsibilities of members of the Police Training Teams. States that: (1) in addition to members of the Armed Forces serving on Police Training Teams the Secretary of Defense, at the request of the Secretary, shall make DOD equipment available for the Police Training Teams; and (2) the Armed Forces shall continue to provide security for Police Training Teams.

directs secretary state assume responsibility department_of_defense dod iraq provide advisory support training development equipment secretary ensure majority members consists qualified civilian advisors including department_of_state employees contractor employees secretary secretary defense submit congress statement understanding command structure including responsibilities members states addition members armed forces serving police training teams secretary defense request secretary shall dod equipment available armed_forces shall continue provide security police training teams


Summary: Next Steps for Haiti Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Director of Foreign Assistance, in consultation with the government of Haiti and Haitian civil society organizations, to establish the Haiti Professional Exchange Program whose purpose shall be to assign qualified Haitian Americans and others to provide technical assistance to help Haiti improve in areas vital to its growth and development, including education, energy, environment, health care, infrastructure, security, transportation, and disaster preparedness. Requires that the Director establish an outreach program to encourage Exchange Program participation. Sets forth Program provisions. Authorizes appropriations.

steps haiti act authorizes director foreign assistance consultation government haiti haitian civil society organizations establish purpose shall assign qualified haitian americans provide technical assistance help haiti improve areas vital growth development including education energy environment health care infrastructure security transportation disaster preparedness requires director establish outreach program encourage participation sets forth program provisions authorizes appropriations


Summary: Affirms the strong and historic ties between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Disapproves of the May 2008 Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the United States of America and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Concerning Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Other Energy Fields. Reiterates that the United States is committed to nuclear weapons nonproliferation and to preventing the Islamic Republic of Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons. States that: (1) no agreement for nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may enter into force on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) no nuclear materials and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology shall be exported or reexported, or transferred or retransferred, and no federal agency shall issue any license or authorization for the export or reexport, or transfer or retransfer of these items or assistance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia if the end user is a nuclear production or utilization facility, or if the President determines that the material, equipment, technology, or item may be diverted to such a facility.

affirms strong historic ties united_states disapproves memorandum understanding government united_states_of_america government nuclear energy energy fields united_states committed nuclear weapons nonproliferation preventing islamic_republic_of_iran acquisition nuclear weapons states agreement nuclear cooperation united_states enter force date enactment act nuclear materials equipment sensitive nuclear technology shall exported reexported transferred federal agency shall issue license authorization export reexport transfer items assistance end user nuclear production utilization facility president determines material equipment technology item diverted facility


Summary: Directs the Secretary of State to transfer to the government of Haiti the real property of the former U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

directs secretary state transfer government haiti real property port prince haiti


Summary: Just and Lasting Peace in Sudan Act of 2008 - Prohibits sanctions imposed against the government of Sudan from being lifted until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the following conditions have been met for at least one year: (1) the government of Sudan (government) implements the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Darfur Peace Agreement; (2) the Abyei Boundary Commission recommendations are implemented and oil revenue shares are paid retroactively; (3) the government hands over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) all indicted individuals; (4) the government ends its atrocities against innocent civilians in Darfur and other parts of Sudan; (5) the government allows the deployment of United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur forces and allows unhindered access to humanitarian workers; (6) the government ends its terrorist ties; and (7) senior government officials are held accountable for crimes committed in the Nuba, South Sudan, Southern Blue Nile, and Eastern Sudan, and for their support for Osama bin Laden and other terrorist groups. Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should not normalize relations with Sudan until such conditions have been implemented for at least one year.

lasting peace prohibits sanctions imposed government sudan lifted president certifies appropriate congressional committees following conditions met year government sudan government implements comprehensive peace agreement recommendations implemented oil revenue shares paid retroactively government hands international_criminal_court icc indicted individuals government ends atrocities innocent civilians darfur parts sudan government allows deployment darfur forces allows access humanitarian workers government ends terrorist ties senior government officials held accountable crimes committed south_sudan support osama_bin_laden terrorist groups expresses sense congress government normalize relations sudan conditions implemented year


Summary: Provides that the 45-day period referred to in specified Acts shall be tolled with respect to any rescission of the Secretary of State's determination that the government of North Korea has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism until the President certifies to Congress that the government of North Korea has made a complete and verifiable declaration regarding: (1) the existence, number, and disposition of any assembled or partially assembled nuclear explosive devices; (2) attempts to enrich uranium or develop the capability to do so; and (3) nuclear assistance provided to any other countries.

provides day period referred specified acts shall tolled respect rescission secretary state determination government north_korea repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism president certifies congress government north_korea complete verifiable declaration existence number disposition assembled partially assembled nuclear explosive devices attempts enrich uranium develop capability nuclear assistance provided countries


Summary: Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of Congress concerning Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to vulnerable populations in Iraq (including internally displaced persons) and with respect to countries containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees (including Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iran), to provide such countries or appropriate international organizations and nongovernmental organizations with specified humanitarian assistance.Directs the Secretary to make every effort to ensure that the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations (including internally displaced persons) in Iraq and Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries are met. Authorizes appropriations to Jordan for humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees and to provide the necessary infrastructure to support both the needs of Iraqi refugees and the Jordanian people. Requires that related fund monitoring mechanisms be established.Increases refugee admission limitations for the purpose of admitting Iraqi citizens or nationals who became refugees on or after March 19, 2003.Directs the Secretary, by a specified date and subject to the availability of appropriations, to have increased by 100% the number of federal personnel in Iraq and in other appropriate countries who are conducting security reviews of Iraqi refugee applicants. Directs the Secretary to work with the international community to provide: (1) financial assistance to vulnerable populations in Iraq (including internally displaced persons) and to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries; and (2) technical and financial assistance to international organizations in order to process refugees. Defines "vulnerable populations in Iraq."

internally displaced persons humanitarian assistance resettlement security act expresses sense congress concerning iraqi refugees internally displaced persons directs secretary state respect vulnerable populations iraq including internally displaced persons respect countries containing significant population iraqi refugees including jordan syria turkey lebanon egypt iran provide countries appropriate international organizations nongovernmental organizations specified humanitarian assistance directs secretary effort ensure humanitarian needs vulnerable populations including internally displaced persons iraq iraqi refugees neighboring countries met authorizes appropriations jordan humanitarian assistance iraqi refugees provide necessary infrastructure support needs iraqi refugees people requires related fund monitoring mechanisms established increases refugee admission limitations purpose admitting iraqi citizens nationals refugees march secretary specified date subject availability appropriations increased number federal personnel iraq appropriate countries conducting security reviews iraqi refugee applicants directs secretary work international community provide financial assistance vulnerable populations iraq including internally displaced persons iraqi refugees neighboring countries technical financial assistance international organizations order process refugees defines vulnerable populations iraq


Summary: Liberia Stabilization, Economic Empowerment, Development and Security Act of 2008 or the Liberia SEEDS Act of 2008 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance to Liberia for the following: (1) roads and bridges; (2) rehabilitation of Monrovia Freeport; (3) water and sanitation; (4) the electricity sector; (5) vocational education programs for war-affected youth and ex-combatants; (6) establishment of a government employee training institute and enhancement of government accountability and effectiveness; (7) narcotics control and law enforcement; (8) educational exchanges; and (9) the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia.

liberia seeds act authorizes president provide assistance liberia following roads bridges rehabilitation water sanitation electricity sector vocational education programs war affected youth combatants establishment government employee training institute enhancement government accountability effectiveness narcotics control law enforcement educational exchanges liberia


Summary: Oil for Iraq Liberation Act of 2008 - Prohibits: (1) the entry into or the performance by a U.S. person or an entity owned or controlled by such person of a contract that includes overall management responsibility for petroleum development in Iraq, a contract for financing petroleum development in Iraq, or the guaranty of another person's performance under either such contract; (2) any investment by such person in Iraq's petroleum resources; and (3) any transaction by such person that evades or violates such prohibitions. Sets forth penalties for violation of such prohibitions. Defines specified terms.

oil iraq liberation act prohibits entry performance person entity owned controlled person contract includes overall management responsibility petroleum development iraq contract financing petroleum development iraq guaranty person performance contract investment person iraq petroleum resources transaction person evades violates prohibitions sets forth penalties violation prohibitions defines specified terms


Summary: Securing Eligibility for Needed Donations Act of 2008 or the SEND Act of 2008 - Prohibits Department of Commerce funds from being used to implement, administer, or enforce specified amendments to Department regulations restricting gift parcels and humanitarian donations to Cuba. (The amendments prohibit: (1) the sending of gifts of clothing, personal hygiene items, seeds, fishing equipment, soap-making equipment, and veterinary medicine and supplies; and (2) more than one gift parcel of certain permitted items a month per household.)

securing eligibility needed donations act send act funds implement administer enforce specified amendments department regulations restricting gift parcels humanitarian donations cuba amendments prohibit sending gifts clothing personal hygiene items seeds fishing equipment making equipment veterinary medicine supplies gift parcel certain permitted items month household


Summary: Transparent Actions over Covert Tactics in Iran Act of 2008 or TACT in Iran Act - Prohibits any appropriated funds from being obligated or expended by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or Department of Defense (DOD) to provide covert or clandestine support for the purpose of overthrowing the government of Iran. Provides an exception in the case of a congressional declaration of war against Iran.

transparent actions covert tactics iran act iran act prohibits appropriated funds obligated expended central_intelligence_agency cia department_of_defense dod provide covert clandestine support purpose government iran provides exception case congressional declaration war iran


Summary: Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should use diplomatic and economic measures to resolve the Iranian nuclear problem. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the use force against Iran. Title I: Sanctions - (Sec. 102) Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (formerly the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996) to expand the definitions of: (1) "person" to include financial institutions, insurers, underwriters, guarantors, other business organizations, including foreign subsidiaries, and export credit agencies; and (2) "petroleum resources" to include petroleum by-products (i.e. gasoline, kerosene, distillates, propane or butane gas, diesel fuel, residual fuel oil), oil or liquefied natural gas or liquefied natural gas tankers, and products used to construct or maintain pipelines used to transport oil or compressed or liquefied natural gas. (Sec. 103) Subjects Iran to certain economic sanctions. Prohibits direct or indirect: (1) importation of Iranian articles into the United States, except information and informational materials; and (2) exportation to Iran of U.S. articles, except agricultural commodities, medicine and medical devices, humanitarian assistance articles, information materials, and, subject to specified conditions, goods, services, or technologies necessary to ensure the safe operation of commercial U.S. passenger aircraft. Directs the President to: (1) freeze the assets of Iranian diplomats and representatives of other Iranian government and military or quasi-governmental institutions who are subject to sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act or other provision of law; (2) freeze the assets of family members or associates of sanctioned Iranian persons who receive transfers of assets or property from such sanctioned persons on or after January 1, 2008; and (3) report the names of sanctioned persons to the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 104) Subjects a U.S. person (parent company) to penalties for acts committed by a subsidiary established outside of the United States to circumvent certain sanctions, if such acts would be subject to prohibitions if committed inside the United States or by a U.S. person. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions in the U.S. national interest. (Sec. 105) Authorizes FY2009-FY2011 appropriations for the Department of the Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence and for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. (Sec. 106) Requires the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on foreign investments of $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector. (Sec. 107) Urges the President to impose sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and any other Iranian banks engaged in proliferation activities or the support of terrorist groups. (Sec. 109) Increases temporarily by $1 the fee for processing machine readable nonimmigrant visas and border crossing identification cards. Title II: Divestment from Certain Companies That Invest in Iran - (Sec. 202) Declares the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should support the decision of any state or local government to divest from, or to prohibit the investment of its assets in, a person that poses a financial or reputational risk. Authorizes a state or local government to adopt and enforce measures to divest its assets from, or prohibit investment of assets in, persons that engage in certain investment activities in Iran. Defines such a person as one who: (1) has an investment of $20 million or more in the energy sector of Iran or in a person that provides oil or liquefied natural gas tankers, or products used to construct or maintain pipelines used to transport oil or liquefied natural gas, for the energy sector in Iran; or (2) is a financial institution that extends $20 million or more in credit to another person, for 45 days or more, if that person will use the credit to invest in the energy sector in Iran. Prescribes requirements for acceptable divestment measures. Expresses the sense of Congress that a state or local government should not adopt a divestment measure with respect to a person unless it has: (1) made every effort to avoid erroneously targeting the person; and (2) verified that the person engages in specified investment activities in Iran. (Sec. 203) Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to shield any registered investment company from civil, criminal, or administrative action based upon its divesting from, or avoiding investing in, securities issued by companies with such investments in the energy sector of Iran. (Sec. 204) Expresses the sense of Congress that a fiduciary of an employee benefit plan may divest plan assets from, or avoid investing plan assets in, persons that have made such investments in the energy sector of Iran, without breaching the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon the fiduciary by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Title III: Prevention of Transshipment, Reexportation, or Diversion of Sensitive Items to Iran - (Sec. 302) Requires the Director of National Intelligence to report to the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and appropriate congressional committees on all countries of concern with respect to the transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain export controlled items to an entity owned or controlled by the government of Iran. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate a country as a Destination of Possible Diversion Concern if appropriate to carry out activities to strengthen that country's export control systems. Requires the United States to initiate such activities on a government-to-government basis. Defines a Destination of Diversion Concern as any country whose government is directly involved in the transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of U.S.-originating controlled items to unverifiable end users or to Iran, or that has failed to strengthen adequately its export control systems. Requires a license to export to a country designated a Destination of Diversion Concern controlled items that could contribute to Iran's obtaining nuclear weapons, biological, or chemical weapons, or its support for acts of international terrorism. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 304) Requires the Director to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) any country that may be transshipping, reexporting, or diverting controlled items to a country other than Iran if such other country is seeking to obtain nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, defense technologies, components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or other defense items, or provides support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) the feasibility and advisability of including such countries in the system for designating countries as Destinations of Possible Diversion Concern and Destinations of Diversion Concern. Title IV: Effective Date; Sunset - (Sec. 401) Sets forth the effective date of this Act. Terminates the requirements of this Act 30 days after the date on which the President certifies to Congress that Iran has ceased: (1) to provide support for acts of international terrorism; and (2) to pursue, acquire, and develop nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and ballistic missiles and ballistic missile launch technology.

comprehensive iran_sanctions accountability divestment_act sec expresses sense congress united_states use diplomatic economic measures resolve iranian nuclear problem declares act shall construed authorize use force iran title sanctions sec amends iran sanctions act iran libya sanctions act expand definitions person include financial institutions insurers underwriters guarantors business organizations including foreign subsidiaries export credit agencies petroleum resources include petroleum products gasoline kerosene distillates propane butane gas diesel fuel residual fuel oil oil liquefied natural gas liquefied natural gas tankers products construct maintain pipelines transport oil compressed liquefied natural gas sec certain economic sanctions prohibits direct indirect importation iranian articles united_states information informational materials exportation iran articles agricultural commodities medicine medical devices humanitarian assistance articles information materials subject specified conditions goods services technologies necessary ensure safe operation commercial passenger aircraft directs president freeze assets iranian diplomats representatives iranian government military quasi governmental institutions subject sanctions international_emergency_economic_powers_act provision law freeze assets family members associates sanctioned iranian persons receive transfers assets property sanctioned persons january report names sanctioned persons appropriate congressional committees authorizes president waive sanctions national interest sec subjects person parent company penalties acts committed subsidiary established outside united_states circumvent certain sanctions acts subject prohibitions committed inside united_states person authorizes president waive sanctions national interest sec authorizes fy2009 fy2011 appropriations department_of_the_treasury financial_crimes_enforcement_network sec requires president report appropriate congressional committees foreign investments million iran energy sector sec urges president impose sanctions central_bank iran iranian banks engaged proliferation activities support terrorist groups sec increases temporarily fee processing machine readable nonimmigrant visas border crossing identification cards title divestment certain companies invest iran sec declares sense congress government support decision state local government divest prohibit investment assets person poses financial reputational risk authorizes state local government adopt enforce measures divest assets prohibit investment assets persons engage certain investment activities iran defines person investment million energy sector iran person provides oil liquefied natural gas tankers products construct maintain pipelines transport oil liquefied natural gas energy sector iran financial institution extends million credit person days person use credit invest energy sector iran prescribes requirements acceptable divestment measures expresses sense congress state local government adopt divestment measure respect person effort avoid erroneously targeting person verified person engages specified investment activities iran sec amends investment company act shield registered investment company civil criminal administrative action based divesting avoiding investing securities issued companies investments energy sector iran sec expresses sense congress fiduciary employee benefit plan divest plan assets avoid investing plan assets persons investments energy sector iran breaching responsibilities obligations duties imposed fiduciary employee retirement income security act erisa title iii prevention transshipment diversion sensitive items iran sec requires director national_intelligence report secretary commerce secretary state secretary treasury appropriate congressional committees countries concern respect transshipment diversion certain export controlled items entity owned controlled government iran sec directs secretary commerce designate country appropriate carry activities strengthen country export control systems requires united_states initiate activities government government basis defines destination diversion concern country government directly involved transshipment diversion controlled items end users iran failed strengthen adequately export control systems requires license export country designated controlled items contribute iran obtaining nuclear weapons biological chemical weapons support acts international terrorism authorizes appropriations sec requires director report appropriate congressional committees country diverting controlled items country iran country seeking obtain nuclear biological chemical weapons defense technologies components improvised explosive devices defense items provides support acts international terrorism feasibility advisability including countries system designating countries title effective date sec sets forth effective date act terminates requirements act days date president certifies congress iran ceased provide support acts international terrorism pursue acquire develop nuclear biological chemical weapons ballistic missiles ballistic missile launch technology


Summary: Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund Act of 2008 - Authorizes: (1) the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund (SAEDF) to conduct public offerings or private placements for the purpose of soliciting and accepting venture capital; and (2) financial returns on SAEDF investments that include a component of private venture capital to be distributed to the investors of such capital.

authorizes conduct public offerings private placements purpose soliciting accepting venture capital financial returns investments include component private venture capital distributed investors capital


Summary: Limitation on Nuclear Cooperation with the United Arab Emirates Act of 2008 - Prohibits any agreement for cooperation to enter into force or any license to be issued for the export of nuclear material, equipment, or technology between the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the government of the UAE has: (1) taken actions to prohibit the transfer of goods, services, or technology to the government of Iran, including fully implementing U.N. Security Council sanctions against Iran; (2) implemented an export control regime in accordance with international standards and has implemented legislative and functional actions to target the logistical and financial networks that support terrorist organizations; (3) terminated all related cooperation between any UAE national and the government of Iran, any Iranian national, or any Iranian-controlled entity, and has prosecuted any such UAE national, and (4) not engaged in or condoned activities that violate the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act, and other applicable U.S. law. Amends the the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require congressional approval of an agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation (section 123 agreement). (Under current law such an agreement become effective unless Congress disapproves it within a specified time period.) Directs the President to keep the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations fully informed of any initiative or negotiations relating to a new or amended section 123 agreement.

limitation nuclear cooperation act prohibits agreement cooperation enter force license issued export nuclear material equipment technology united_states united_arab_emirates uae pursuant atomic energy act president certifies appropriate congressional committees government uae taken actions prohibit transfer goods services technology government iran including fully implementing sanctions iran implemented export control regime accordance international standards implemented legislative functional actions target logistical financial networks support terrorist organizations terminated related cooperation uae national government iran iranian national iranian controlled entity prosecuted uae national engaged activities violate iran sanctions act iran north_korea syria nonproliferation act applicable law amends atomic energy act require congressional approval agreement peaceful nuclear cooperation section agreement current law agreement effective congress disapproves specified time period directs president house_committee_on_foreign_affairs senate_committee_on_foreign_relations fully informed initiative negotiations relating new amended section agreement


Summary: Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small business employers a partially refundable business tax credit for the health insurance costs of employees who are not otherwise covered by a spouse's insurance or by a federal health insurance program.

internal revenue code allow certain small business employers partially refundable business tax credit health insurance costs employees covered spouse insurance federal health insurance program


Summary: Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, as amended by the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, to extend the date by which the President must determine whether Haiti is meeting specified political, economic, social, and security requirements in order for Haiti to qualify for preferential trade provisions under such Act.

amends caribbean_basin_economic_recovery_act amended haitian_hemispheric_opportunity_through_partnership_encouragement_act extend date president determine haiti meeting specified political economic social security requirements order haiti qualify preferential trade provisions act


Summary: Somalia Stabilization and Reconstruction Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to support efforts by the people of Somalia to achieve peace, economic growth, and democracy, and to eradicate extremism and terrorism from their country and region. Directs the President to: (1) appoint a Special Envoy for Somalia to coordinate U.S. involvement in the region and to ensure that the U.S. government remains informed of and engaged in efforts to resolve the instability in Somalia; and (2) instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to work with the appropriate U.N. agencies, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and the international community to establish an International Donor Trust Fund for Somalia. Authorizes the President to: (1) support a regional or international peacekeeping force for Somalia; and (2) provide assistance to support efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Somalia as well as the establishment of a representative government in Somalia. Directs the Secretary of State to convene one or more donor conferences for Somalia. Restricts foreign assistance to countries identified as providing assistance to individuals or entities seeking to prevent the formation of a government of national unity in Somalia or harm U.S. interests.

reconstruction act 2007_-_states policy support efforts people somalia achieve peace economic growth democracy eradicate extremism terrorism country region directs president appoint special envoy somalia coordinate involvement region ensure government remains informed engaged efforts resolve instability somalia instruct permanent representative united_nations work appropriate agencies regional organizations nongovernmental organizations international community establish somalia authorizes president support regional international peacekeeping force somalia provide assistance support efforts peaceful resolution conflict somalia establishment representative government somalia directs secretary state convene donor conferences somalia restricts foreign assistance countries identified providing assistance individuals entities seeking prevent formation government national unity somalia harm interests


Summary: Directs the President to: (1) complete the redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq within one year of enactment of this Act; (2) change U.S. military priorities in Iraq to the training of Iraqi security forces; (3) condition U.S. political, military, and economic assistance to Iraq upon Iraq's meeting specified benchmarks; (4) maintain an over-the-horizon troop presence in the Middle East to prosecute the war on terror and protect regional security interests; (5) state publicly that the United States does not seek permanent military bases in Iraq; (6) work with Iraqi leaders to convene a diplomatic summit or a series of summits on Iraq; (7) establish an international support group for Iraq's stabilization; (8) establish a regional security alliance to strengthen U.S. allies in the Middle East; and (9) appoint a senior advisor for economic reconstruction in Iraq. Declares that: (1) the purposes for the authorization of military force in Iraq under P.L. 107-243 (Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002) have been accomplished; and (2) effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act the President shall be authorized to use military force in Iraq solely to implement the strategy provided for under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress within 60 days of enactment of this Act respecting such strategy's implementation.

directs president complete redeployment forces iraq year enactment act change military priorities iraq training iraqi security forces condition political military economic assistance iraq iraq meeting specified benchmarks maintain horizon troop presence middle_east prosecute war terror protect regional security interests state publicly united_states seek permanent military bases iraq work iraqi leaders convene diplomatic summit series iraq establish international support group iraq stabilization establish regional security alliance strengthen allies middle_east appoint senior advisor economic reconstruction iraq declares purposes authorization military force iraq authorization use military force iraq resolution accomplished effective date enactment act president shall authorized use military force iraq solely implement strategy provided act directs secretary defense report congress days enactment act respecting strategy implementation


Summary: Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2007 - Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, and any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect, relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions, (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. States that such provision shall not: (1) apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers; and (2) authorize U.S. importation of personal consumption goods acquired in Cuba.

freedom travel cuba_act prohibits president regulating prohibiting travel cuba citizens legal residents transactions ordinarily incident travel regulation restricting prohibiting travel shall effect relating accompanied personal baggage payment living expenses acquisition personal use goods services travel arrangements nonscheduled air sea land voyage transactions provision permit carriage articles accompanied baggage cuba united_states normal banking transactions states provision shall apply time war armed hostilities united_states cuba imminent danger public health physical safety travelers authorize importation personal consumption goods acquired cuba