Accomplishments on Legislation

July 2010 to September 2010

Water as a human right: In late July, the United Nations voted to support a nonbinding resolution declaring access to clean water and sanitation as a human right. No country voted against the measure. However, Canada, the U.S. and Australia were among the 41 countries to abstain from the vote.

Haiti: Congress passed the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP, S. 3275 and H.R. 5160) and the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery Act for Haiti (H.R. 4573 and S. 2961) and both pieces of legislation were signed by the President. These victories will help Haiti to recover and rebuild.

Sudan: President Obama committed to redoubling his Administration’s efforts for peace and stability in Sudan. On September 28, the U.S. House passed resolution 1588 signaling the U.S. strong commitment to prevent increased violence and promote peace and stability in Sudan. The resolution calls on President Obama to strengthen engagement and on the international community to coordinate their efforts closely. It also urges the responsible actors in Sudan to comply with the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to resolve outstanding issues and avoid escalating tensions.

Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Provisions were included in the financial reform bill requiring U.S. companies to take steps, including regular audits, to ensure that minerals used in their products are not financing militia violence in the eastern Congo. The bill allows companies to label goods as conflict mineral-free and directs the U.S. government to develop a strategy that addresses the links among human rights abuses and illegal extraction of minerals from the Congo. s

Death Penalty: Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced in early September that he has commuted the death sentence of Kevin Keith. With over 7000 letters in two weeks, Governor Strickland recognized that questions remain regarding whether Kevin Keith is, in fact, guilty.

Accountability and Extractive Industries: The financial reform legislation that was passed includes a provision requiring large U.S. companies that extract minerals, oil and gas to publish what they pay to the governments of the countries in which they work. This will make it easier for civil society in those countries to hold their governments accountable for how these revenues are used.

Unemployment Assistance: Unemployment insurance benefits for laid-off workers was extended through November 2010.

Indigenous Women Protected: In late July, the Tribal Law and Order Act was passed as an amendment to H.R. 725. This amendment works against violent crime (such as rape with impunity) to Native American and Alaska Native women. This bill will allow every Native American and Alaska Native woman to get a police response, have access to a rape kit, opportunity to see her case prosecuted and see justice served for crimes committed against her.