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H.Res.131 / 113th Congress

Concerning the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the need for international efforts toward long-term peace, stability, and observance of human rights.

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 21, 2013

Asserts that the region's leaders and the international community should break the cycle of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and surrounding region.

Calls on: (1) the signatories of the February 24, 2013, Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region to abide by the Framework's provisions; and (2) governments of the Great Lakes region of Africa to respect the national security and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Recognizes efforts by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to end child recruitment into the armed forces and demands the cessation of militia recruitment and exploitation of children.

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Calls on the Obama Administration to: (1) mobilize a comprehensive response to prevent further deterioration of regional peace and stability and to ensure that humanitarian assistance be provided to populations in need, and (2) develop actionable recommendations to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses.

Acknowledges the good work of the United States Special Advisor on the Great Lakes and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Calls on all nations to increase cooperation to stop the trade of illegal goods that fuels violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Urges the Democratic Republic of the Congo to investigate and prosecute those who have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.

Acknowledges the appointment by the United Nations (U.N.) of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Urges the U.N. Security Council to lead efforts to strengthen the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37] · D–CA

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
72 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

  2. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  3. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent .

  4. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  5. Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.

  6. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

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.131 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.131 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.131 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.131 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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