PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 01 · Reported to Senate with amendment(s) · Aug 1, 2002
Russian Democracy Act of 2002 - (Sec. 3) Declares it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) facilitate Russia's integration into the Western community of nations, including supporting the establishment of a stable democracy and a market economy within the framework of the rule of law and respect for individual rights, and including its membership in appropriate international institutions; (2) engage the Government of the Russian Federation and Russian society to strengthen democratic reform and institutions, and to promote transparency and good governance in all aspects of society, including fair and honest business practices, accessible and open legal systems, freedom of religion, and respect for human rights; (3) incorporate democratic reforms, the promotion of an independent media, and economic reforms in a broader U.S. dialogue with such Government; (4) encourage such Government to address, in a cooperative and transparent manner consistent with internationally recognized and accepted principles, cross-border issues, including the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, environmental degradation, crime, trafficking, and corruption; (5) consult with such Government and the Russian Parliament on the adoption of economic and social reforms necessary to sustain Russian economic growth and to ensure Russia's transition to a market economy and membership in the World Trade Organization; (6) persuade the Government of the Russian Federation to honor its commitments to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at the November 1999 Istanbul Conference and to be a good neighbor toward other independent states of the former Soviet Union in the spirit of internationally accepted principles of regional cooperation; and (7) encourage G-8 partners and international financial institutions, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to develop financial safeguards and transparency practices in lending to the Russian Federation.(Sec. 4) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include among activities eligible for U.S. assistance to the independent states of the former Soviet Union any activities for the promotion of democracy, rule of law, transparency, international exchanges and other forms of public diplomacy, human rights, economic reforms, administration of justice, and the development of a free and independent media in Russia. Authorizes the President to carry out specified related activities in providing such assistance to Russia.(Sec. 5) Urges Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of America to use new and innovative techniques, in cooperation with local independent media sources and using local languages as appropriate and as possible, to disseminate information throughout the Russian Federation relating to democracy, free-market economics, rule of law, and human rights.(Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003.
People & committees
Rep. Lantos, Tom [D-CA-12] · D–CA
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 107-246.
Became Public Law No: 107-246.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H7109-7111)
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H7109-7111)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2121.
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments. (consideration: CR H7109-7112)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (text as passed Senate: CR S8999-9000)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.(text as passed Senate: CR S8999-9000)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8998-9002; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S8998-8999)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 543.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Received in the Senate and Read twice 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 pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9108-9109)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9108-9109)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2121.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9108-9112)
Mr. Bereuter moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules, by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1072)
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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