PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Motion to reconsider laid on the table. Agreed to without objection.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Dec 15, 2015
Supports a free press in Latin America and the Caribbean and condemns violations of press freedom and violence against journalists.
Urges countries in the region to implement recommendations to its Member States from the Organization of American States Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression.
Urges countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to be vocal in condemning violations of press freedom, violence against journalists, and the culture of impunity that leads to self-censorship.
Urges Western Hemisphere countries to uphold the principles outlined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
Urges the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of State to assist the media in closed societies to promote a free press.
People & committees
Rep. Sires, Albio [D-NJ-8] · D–NJ
Legislative record
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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): 399 - 2 (Roll No. 694). (text: CR H9318)
House roll call 694 · 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): 399 - 2 (Roll No. 694).(text: CR H9318)
House roll call 694 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H9321-9322)
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. 536.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9318-9321)
Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
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.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.Res.536 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.536 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.536 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.536 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.