PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 22, 2009
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on November 6, 2009. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Human Rights Enforcement Act of 2009 - Eliminates the Office of Special Investigations within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, a section within the Criminal Division of DOJ with responsibility for the enforcement of laws against suspected participants in serious human rights offenses; and (2) consult with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State in taking appropriate legal action against such individuals. Defines "serious human rights offenses" to include genocide, torture, war crimes, and the use or recruitment of child soldiers.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) to punish a conspiracy to commit genocide in the same manner as completed act of genocide; (2) eliminate the limitation period for prosecuting crimes of genocide; and (3) include genocide and recruitment of child soldiers as predicates for the crime of providing material support to terrorists.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to broaden the basis for rendering aliens participating in genocide inadmissible.
People & committees
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 111-122.
Became Public Law No: 111-122.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Cleared for White House.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 416 - 3 (Roll no. 977). (text: CR H14892-14893)
House roll call 977 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 416 - 3 (Roll no. 977).(text: CR H14892-14893)
House roll call 977 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H14944-14945)
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Conyers 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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1472.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H14892-14894)
Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11974-11976; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S11974-11975; text as passed Senate: CR S11976)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S11974-11976; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S11974-11975; text as passed Senate: CR S11976)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 209.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with amendments. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with amendments. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7703)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7702-7703)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.1472 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 S.1472 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 S.1472 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 S.1472 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.