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H.Res.711 / 111th Congress

Calling on the Government of Sri Lanka to address the human rights and humanitarian needs of its civilian internally displaced Tamil population currently living in government-run camps by working with the United Nations and the international community to implement a process of release and resettlement of such internally displaced persons (IDPs), and allowing foreign aid groups to provide relief and resources throughout the process.

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Nov 4, 2009

Urges the government of Sri Lanka to allow freedom of movement for civilian internally displaced persons (IDPs) to leave their camps and return in safety to their homes or to live with host families or move to open transit sites.

Calls on the Sri Lankan government to turn the operation of the camps over to civilian authorities and allow international agencies and independent nongovernmental organizations to assist in the care of the IDPs.

Urges the government of Sri Lanka to promote justice and political reconciliation for all parties and engage in dialogue with all parties, including Tamils inside and outside Sri Lanka, on new mechanisms for devolving power, improving human rights, and increasing accountability.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7] · D–IL

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
33 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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

  3. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 421 - 1 (Roll no. 854). (text: CR 11/3/2009 H12252)

    House roll call 854 · Individual votes
  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 421 - 1 (Roll no. 854).(text: CR 11/3/2009 H12252)

    House roll call 854 · Individual votes
  5. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H12335-12336)

  6. At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Poe (TX) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

  7. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 711.

  8. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H12252-12254)

  9. Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

  10. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  11. Introduced in House

  12. 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.711 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.711 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.711 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.711 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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