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H.Res. 780: Urging respect for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition of power in 2016.

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H.Res. 780: Urging respect for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition of power in 2016.

114th Congress · introduced 2016-06-13 · International Affairs · Latest: Motion to reconsider laid on the table. Agreed to without objection.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2016-06-13 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: 1 recorded vote in our records. Latest: House roll call 578 (2016): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended, HRES780 (2016-11-15), Passed. See all
  4. Where it stands now: Motion to reconsider laid on the table. Agreed to without objection. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
  5. 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

Urging respect for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition of power in 2016.

Plain summary

The United States should impose sanctions on government officials of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who impede progress toward a democratic transition through credible elections that respect the will of the DRC people. Sanctions should target core figures in President Kabila's government for visa denials and asset freezes. Economic and security assistance should be reviewed for possible termination, while preserving humanitarian assistance, until the election crisis is resolved. The President of the United States should lift sanctions only when: (1) President Kabila has declared that he will not remain in power once his term ends and has made verifiable progress towards holding national elections, or (2) the DRC has held a free and fair presidential election and a new President has been sworn in. The United States should: (1) support independent DRC civil society organizations and media, and (2) investigate and target money laundering activities by key figures close to President Kabila and those financial institutions involved in such activities. The United States should coordinate efforts with key Western and African partners, including through other financial intelligence units.

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House amended), 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

Urging respect for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition of power in 2016.

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House amended)

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The strongest published arguments

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

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · 10 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Gwen Moore (D-WI), William R. Keating (D-MA), James P. McGovern (D-MA)

Sponsor's campaign money: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] reported raising $797,217 (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

Recorded votes

Words on this page, explained (3)
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.
Securities
Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong114-hres780 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong114 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong114