PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 3, 2008
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 8, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Child Soldiers Accountability Act of 2008- Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or 20-year prison term for knowingly recruiting, enlisting, or conscripting a person under 15 years of age into an armed force or group (other than a group assembled solely for nonviolent political association) or using such person to participate actively in combat hostilities, or attempting or conspiring to do so, knowing such person is under 15 years of age. Imposes a life sentence if the death of any person results from a violation of this Act. Provides for: (1) expanded jurisdiction for prosecuting U.S. nationals and resident aliens who violate this Act; and (2) a 10-year limitation period for prosecuting violations.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to render any alien who has recruited or used child soldiers inadmissible or deportable.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to promulgate final regulations to deny asylum or withholding of removal to aliens who are either inadmissible to the United States or deportable for recruiting or using child soldiers.
People & committees
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 110-340.
Became Public Law No: 110-340.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Cleared for White House.
Senate agreed to House amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8513-8516; text as Senate agreed to House amendment: CR S8515-8516)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to House amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S8513-8516; text as Senate agreed to House amendment: CR S8515-8516)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 371 - 0 (Roll no. 569). (text: CR H7820)
House roll call 569 · Individual votesMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 371 - 0 (Roll no. 569).(text: CR H7820)
House roll call 569 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7825)
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 S. 2135.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7820-7823)
Ms. Jackson-Lee moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR 12/18/2007 S15941-15943; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR 12/18/2007 S15943; text as passed Senate: CR 12/18/2007 S15941)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 532.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with an amendment. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with an amendment. 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 S12535-12536)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12535)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.2135 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.2135 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.2135 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.2135 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.