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H.Con.Res.253 / 106th Congress

Expressing the sense of the Congress strongly objecting to any effort to expel the Holy See from the United Nations as a state participant by removing its status as a Permanent Observer.

Received in the Senate. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 675.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 16, 2000

Commends the Holy See for its strong commitment to fundamental human rights during its 36 years as a Permanent Observer at the United Nations (UN). Declares that Congress: (1) strongly objects to any effort to expel the Holy See from the UN as a state participant by removing its status as a nonmember state Permanent Observer; and (2) believes that any degradation of the status accorded to the Holy See at the UN would seriously damage the credibility of the UN. Expresses concern that any such degradation of status would seriously damage relations between the UN and member states that find in the Holy See a moral and ethical presence with which they can work effectively in pursuing humanitarian approaches to international problems.

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Who introduced it

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

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
38 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Received in the Senate. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 675.

  2. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 - 1 (Roll no. 379). (text: CR H5757-5758)

    House roll call 379 · Individual votes
  3. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 - 1 (Roll no. 379).(text: CR H5757-5758)

    House roll call 379 · Individual votes
  5. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5764-5765)

  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. 253.

  8. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5757-5760)

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

  10. Referred to the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights.

  11. Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.

  12. Introduced in House

  13. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.Con.Res.253 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.253 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.253 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.253 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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