PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Nov 16, 1999
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the present Government of Laos should: (1) respect internationally recognized norms of human rights and the democratic freedoms of the people of Laos and honor its commitments to those norms and freedoms as embodied in its constitution and its participation in international organizations and agreements; (2) issue a public statement reaffirming its commitment to protecting religious freedom and other basic human rights; (3) institute a democratic electoral system, with openly contested, free, and fair elections by secret ballot, beginning no later than the next National Assembly elections, currently scheduled to be held in 2002; and (4) allow unrestricted access by international human rights monitors to all prisons and to all regions of the country to investigate alleged human rights abuses.Decries the disappearance of Houa Ly and Michael Vang. Urges the Lao Government to return them or there remains to U.S. authorities and their families at once if it is determined that such Government is responsible for their disappearance. Warns the Lao Government of the serious consequences, including sanctions, of any unjustified arrest, abduction, imprisonment, disappearance, or other act of aggression against U.S. citizens. Urges the Department of State and other appropriate U.S. agencies to share the maximum amount of information regarding their disappearance.
People & committees
Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4] · D–MN
Legislative record
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The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 1 (Roll no. 591).
House roll call 591 · Individual votesPassed/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): 412 - 1 (Roll no. 591).
House roll call 591 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H12061)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 169.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H12020-12026)
Mr. Gilman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules, (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E961)
Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
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.Res.169 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.Res.169 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.Res.169 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.Res.169 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.