PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Jul 18, 2000
International Patient Act of 2000 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize a three-year pilot program under which the Attorney General may extend the voluntary departure period for certain nonimmigrant aliens (up to 300 annually) admitted under the visa waiver program who require continued U.S. medical treatment.Requires statements to be submitted to the Attorney General: (l) from the physician and health care facility respecting medical diagnosis and non-public payment of health services; and (2) evidencing the alien's financial capacities.Requires an annual report of all such waivers.
People & committees
Rep. Bentsen, Ken [D-TX-25] · D–TX
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 106-406.
Became Public Law No: 106-406.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10843)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S10843)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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 H6377-6378)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6377-6378)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2961.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6377-6380)
Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 405.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 106-721.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 106-721.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1983)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.2961 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.
Examine H.R.2961 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.
Examine H.R.2961 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.
Examine H.R.2961 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.