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H.Res.128 / 106th Congress

Condemning the murder of human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson and calling for the protection of defense attorneys in Northern Ireland.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 23, 1999

Recognizes the historic significance of the 1998 Good Friday Peace Accords and commends the people of Northern Ireland for their commitment to work together in peace. Condemns all violence committed in violation of the Northern Ireland cease-fire agreement. Calls on the Government of the United Kingdom to: (1) launch an inquiry totally independent of the Royal Ulster Constabulary to gather evidence, conduct the ground investigation, and issue a detailed, public report on the murder of defense attorney Rosemary Nelson; (2) institute an independent judicial inquiry into allegations that defense attorneys are systematically harassed and intimidated by security forces; and (3) implement the United Nations Special Rapporteur's recommendation for an independent inquiry into the possibility of collusion in the killing of defense attorney Patrick Finucane.

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Who introduced it

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

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
10 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  2. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 - 2 (Roll no. 93).

    House roll call 93 · Individual votes
  3. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 - 2 (Roll no. 93).

    House roll call 93 · Individual votes
  4. 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.

  5. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 128.

  6. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2164-2171, H2178-2179)

  7. Mr. Gilman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

  8. Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules, (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  9. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

  10. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  11. Referred to the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights.

  12. Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.

  13. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E529-530)

  14. Introduced in House

  15. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.Res.128 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

Examine H.Res.128 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.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.Res.128 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.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.Res.128 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.

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