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H.Con.Res.142 / 104th Congress

Regarding the human rights situation in Mauritania, including the continued practice of chattel slavery.

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

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 1, 1996

Calls upon the Government of Mauritania to: (1) honor its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, prosecute slave owners to the fullest extent of the country's anti-slavery law, and educate individuals being held as slaves on their legal rights; (2) abolish discriminatory practices and integrate black Mauritanians into the economic and social mainstream; (3) investigate and prosecute officials responsible for the extrajudicial killings and mass expulsions of black Mauritanians during the late 1980s and early 1990s; and (4) allow all refugees to return to Mauritania and restore their full rights. Welcomes: (1) Mauritania's recent willingness to allow visits by international human rights organizations; and (2) the growth of an independent press in Mauritania.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Bereuter, Doug [R-NE-1] · R–NE

Committees

  • Foreign Relations Committee
  • Foreign Affairs Committee
9 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 voice vote.

  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

  5. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

  6. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8621-8622)

  7. Mr. Bereuter moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

  8. Subcommittee on Africa Discharged.

  9. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  10. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  11. Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa.

  12. Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.

  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.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.Con.Res.142 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.142 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.142 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.142 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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