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H.Con.Res.51 / 113th Congress

Immediate Establishment of Syrian War Crimes Tribunal Resolution

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 9, 2013

Immediate Establishment of Syrian War Crimes Tribunal Resolution - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should urge the government of Syria and other groups involved in the civil war in Syria to implement an immediate cease fire and engage in negotiations to end the bloodshed; (2) the United States should declare that it is a requirement of basic justice that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, whether committed by officials of the government of Syria or members of other groups involved in the civil war in Syria, should be investigated and prosecuted; (3) the President should direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations (U.N.) to promote the establishment of a Syrian war crimes tribunal; (4) in working with other countries to establish a Syrian war crimes tribunal the United States should promote judicial procedures that enable the prosecution of the most culpable persons guilty of directing such crimes; (5) the United States should make an immediate priority the collection of information for use as evidence to support the indictment and trial of any person responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in Syria; and (6) the United States should urge other interested states to apprehend and deliver into the custody of a Syrian war crimes tribunal persons indicted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in Syria, and urge such states to provide relevant information to the tribunal.

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Who introduced it

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

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
22 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

  2. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  3. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1324-1325)

  4. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  5. Introduced in House

  6. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.Con.Res.51 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

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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