S.Res. 196: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression in Iran.

111th Congress · introduced 2009-06-19 · International Affairs · Latest: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6855; text as passed Senate: CR S6855; text of measure as introduced: CR S6849-6850)

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Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2009-06-19 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Kaufman, Edward E. [D-DE] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6855; text as passed Senate: CR S6855; text of measure as introduced: CR S6849-6850) 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 expressing the sense of the Senate on freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression in Iran.

Plain summary

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Respects: (1) the sovereignty, history, and culture of the Iranian people; and (2) the universal values of freedom of speech and freedom of the press in Iran and throughout the world. Supports: (1) the Iranian people as they take steps to peacefully express their voices, opinions, and aspirations; (2) journalists who take great risk to report on political events in Iran, including those surrounding the presidential election; and (3) efforts of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) to provide credible news within Iran through the Voice of America's (VOA) Persian News Network, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Radio Farda. Condemns: (1) the detainment and intimidation of journalists in Iran and elsewhere throughout the world; and (2) restrictions on freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression in Iran and throughout the world.

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 expressing the sense of the Senate on freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression in Iran.

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. Kaufman, Edward E. [D-DE] · 2 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

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 (2)

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.

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-111sres196.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/111/sres>

Record fed-us-cong111-sres196 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong111 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong111