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H.Con.Res.121 / 114th Congress

Expressing the sense of the Congress condemning the gross violations of international law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Government of Syria, its allies, and other parties to the conflict in Syria, and asking the President to direct his Ambassador at the United Nations to promote the establishment of a war crimes tribunal where these crimes could be addressed.

Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Mar 14, 2016

Condemns the use of unlawful violence against civilian populations by the government of Syria, its allies, and other parties to the conflict, and urges the United States and its partners to work toward the cessation of such attacks.

Urges the Administration to establish additional mechanisms for the protection of civilians and to ensure access to humanitarian aid for vulnerable populations.

Urges the United States to support efforts to collect and analyze documentation related to ongoing violations of human rights in Syria that can be used to support future prosecutions for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the government of Syria, its allies, and other parties to the conflict.

Urges: (1) the President to direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to promote the establishment of a Syrian war crimes tribunal; and (2) other nations to apprehend and deliver into tribunal custody any persons indicted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in Syria.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · R–NJ

Committees

  • Foreign Relations Committee
  • Foreign Affairs Committee
4 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

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

  3. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 3 (Roll no. 113). (text: CR H1312)

    House roll call 113 · Individual votes
  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 3 (Roll no. 113).(text: CR H1312)

    House roll call 113 · Individual votes
  5. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1326-1327)

  6. At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  7. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 121.

  8. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1312-1314)

  9. Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

  10. Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

  11. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  12. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  13. Introduced in House

  14. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.Con.Res.121 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.Con.Res.121 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.Con.Res.121 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.Con.Res.121 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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