About the Initiatives and Votes
Colombia
Human Rights Defenders
- A “+” indicates senator signed a November 1st letter to President Uribe expressing concern over public statements by government officials, including the president, that have led to attacks against human rights defenders, journalists, and other members of civil society. The letter was sponsored by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT).
Cuba
Co-Sponsoring Travel Bill S 721 (introduced by Sen. Enzi)
- A “+” indicates senator is a co-sponsor of a bill that would make travel to Cuba legal for all Americans. This bill was not voted on.
Co-Sponsoring Travel and Ag Bill S 1673 (introduced by Sen. Baucus)
- A “+” indicates senator is a co-sponsor of a bill that would make travel to Cuba legal for all Americans, facilitate the export of U.S. agricultural products to the island, and remove impediments for exporting medical devices and medicines. This bill was not voted on.
Mexico
DREAM ACT
- An “+” indicates that the member of Congress cosponsored the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act), H.R. 1275 and S. 774. Another incarnation of the DREAM Act, S.2205, was sponsored by Senators Durbin, Hagel, Leahy and Lugar. S.2205 stalled on a procedural vote in the Senate in October. If enacted, the DREAM Act would provide a path to legal status for undocumented high school graduates who were brought to the United States as children. These students would be eligible for a 6-year conditional status following high school graduation and then be eligible for permanent resident status if they completed 2 or more years of college or military service during this 6-year period.
