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H.Res.556 / 112th Congress

Condemning the Government of Iran for its continued persecution, imprisonment, and sentencing of Youcef Nadarkhani on the charge of apostasy.

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

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Mar 1, 2012

Condemns Iran for its systemic violations of the human rights of the Iranian people, including the state-sponsored persecution of religious minorities in Iran, and its continued failure to uphold its international obligations, including with respect to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Calls on Iran to exonerate and release Youcef Nadarkhani and all other individuals held or charged on account of their religious or political beliefs. Calls on the Administration to designate Iranian officials for human rights abuses.

Reaffirms that freedom of religious practice is a universal human right and a fundamental individual freedom that every government must protect.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Pitts, Joseph R. [R-PA-16] · R–PA

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
123 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): 417 - 1 (Roll no. 94). (text: CR 3/1/2012 CR H1087)

    House roll call 94 · 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): 417 - 1 (Roll no. 94).(text: CR 3/1/2012 CR H1087)

    House roll call 94 · Individual votes
  4. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1113-1114)

  5. 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.

  6. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 556.

  7. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1087-1091)

  8. Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

  9. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  10. Introduced in House

  11. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Dec 6, 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.556 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.556 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.556 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.556 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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