(Updated July 17, 2006)

H.Con.Res. 435
Congratulating Israel's Magen David Adom Society for Achieving Full Membership in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and for Other Purposes     

Floor Situation

The House is scheduled to consider H.Con.Res. 435 under suspension of the rules, on Tuesday, July 18, 2006. The resolution is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

Summary

H.Con.Res. 435 resolves that Congress commends the Magen David Adom Society for its long and distinguished record of providing humanitarian assistance to all those in need of aid, even those responsible for heinous atrocities against Israeli civilians; congratulates the Magen David Adom Society, and the Government and the people of the State of Israel, for securing full membership in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, 57 years past due; thanks the President, the Secretary of State, and United States diplomatic representatives for their tireless pursuit and maintenance of the international consensus that culminated in the Magen David Adom Society's recent acceptance as a full member in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; thanks the American Red Cross for its unwavering and unyielding insistence within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement that the principles of international humanitarian law could not be reconciled with continued exclusion of the Magen David Adom Society; and thanks the Government of Switzerland and officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross for helping to prepare the necessary consensus and carrying to completion the adoption of the Third Additional Protocol by the states parties to the Geneva Conventions and the rules for its implementation.

Additionally, the bill resolves that Congress commends the President for submitting the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions to the Senate for its advice and consent; and pending approval by the Senate, preparing for congressional consideration and enactment of legislation necessary to carry into effect the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions.

Legislative History

H.Con.Res. 435 was introduced by Rep. Ackerman (NY) on June 26, 2006. International Relations Committee consideration and markup session were held.

For additional information or questions, please contact the International Relations Committee at 5-5021.