PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Congressional Research Service
Version 81 · Passed House without amendment · Apr 27, 2005
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
Condemns the arrest of more than 75 journalists, labor union organizers, civic leaders, librarians, and human rights activists as political prisoners in March 2003, and the Cuban regime's continuing crackdown against the internal opposition and the independent press.
Expresses admiration and solidarity with the Cuban internal opposition and independent press.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Demands that the Cuban regime release all political prisoners, legalize all political parties, labor unions, and the press, and hold free elections.
Declares that the acts of the Cuban regime, including its widespread and systematic violation of human rights, violate the United Nations (UN) Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and that the rule of law should replace the rule of force in Cuba.
Calls for: (1) the European Union (EU), as well as other countries and international organizations, to pressure the Cuban regime to improve its human rights record; and (2) UN member countries to vote against the Cuban regime's membership in the UN Commission on Human Rights, and for passage of a Commission resolution that holds the Cuban regime accountable for its gross violations of human rights and civil liberties.
People & committees
Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-13] · D–NJ
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 - 27, 2 Present (Roll no. 137). (text: CR 4/26/2005 H2503)
House roll call 137 · Individual votesPassed/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): 398 - 27, 2 Present (Roll no. 137).(text: CR 4/26/2005 H2503)
House roll call 137 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2577-2578)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 81.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2503-2506)
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.Con.Res.81 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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