PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 958.
Congressional Research Service
Version 01 · Reported to Senate with amendment(s) · Sep 12, 2008
Public Diplomacy Resource Centers Act of 2008 - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to direct the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy to provide for the establishment of new, and maintenance of existing, libraries and resource centers at or in connection with U.S. diplomatic or consular missions.
Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) ensure that such libraries and resource centers are open to the general public to the greatest extent practicable, subject to security considerations; and (2) schedule public showings of American films that showcase American culture, society, values, and history.
Directs the Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy to report to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations respecting the functions and effectiveness of such libraries and resource centers.
Authorizes appropriations.
People & committees
Rep. Watson, Diane E. [D-CA-33] · D–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 958.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with amendments. With written report No. 110-459.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with amendments. With written report No. 110-459.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with amendments 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 H11346)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H11346)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2553.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H11346-11347)
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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.R.2553 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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