S.Res. 541: A resolution supporting humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, accountability for abuses in Somalia, and urging concrete progress in line with the Transitional Federal Charter of Somalia toward the establishment of a viable government of national unity.

S.Res. 541: A resolution supporting humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, accountability for abuses in Somalia, and urging concrete progress in line with the Transitional Federal Charter of Somalia toward the establishment of a viable government of national unity.

110th Congress · introduced 2008-04-29 · International Affairs · Latest: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S4705-4706)

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Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2008-04-29 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S4705-4706) Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

A resolution supporting humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, accountability for abuses in Somalia, and urging concrete progress in line with the Transitional Federal Charter of Somalia toward the establishment of a viable government of national unity.

Plain summary

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the United States remains committed to the people of Somalia and to helping build the institutions necessary for a stable and peaceful nation; and (2) the President, in partnership with the African Union, the United Nations, and the international community, should provide humanitarian assistance, ensure accountability for parties responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Somalia, and call on all parties to recommit to an inclusive dialogue to promote peace and security in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. Urges the governments of Ethiopia and of Eritrea to assist in helping to bring about stability to Somalia. States that the Transitional Federal government should: (1) take necessary steps to protect civilians from dangers related to military operations; (2) recommit to the Transitional Federal Charter; and (3) agree to participate in an inclusive political process towards the formation of a government of national unity based on the principles of democracy, accountability, and the rule of law.

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed Senate without amendment), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

A Yea supports adopting this resolution.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

A resolution supporting humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, accountability for abuses in Somalia, and urging concrete progress in line with the Transitional Federal Charter of Somalia toward the establishment of a viable government of national unity.

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Passed Senate without amendment)

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI] · 8 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (4)

Resolution: A formal statement or decision by a legislative body. Simple resolutions often only express an opinion or set rules for one chamber; they do not become law.
Roll-call vote: A vote where each member's position is recorded by name, so the public can see how every member voted. "Yea" means yes, "Nay" means no, "Present" means the member was there but did not take a side.
Rulemaking: The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.
Securities: Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed Senate without amendment)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-110sres541.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/110/sres>

Record fed-us-cong110-sres541 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong110 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong110