SRES Bill 156 A resolution calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

Purpose and Summary

Chamber: Senate

Introduced date: 2023-03-30

Bill 118 S.Res. 156 is a resolution introduced in the United States Senate calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan. Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was arrested in Russia in December 2018 on charges of espionage, which he denies. The resolution expresses concern over the lack of evidence presented against Whelan and calls for his immediate release. The resolution highlights the importance of protecting the rights of American citizens detained abroad and emphasizes the need for fair and transparent legal proceedings. It also condemns the Russian government for its treatment of Whelan and calls for his release on humanitarian grounds. The resolution has garnered bipartisan support in the Senate, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concern over Whelan's prolonged detention in Russia. It is seen as a way to put pressure on the Russian government to release Whelan and ensure his safe return to the United States. Overall, Bill 118 S.Res. 156 is a non-partisan effort to advocate for the release of Paul Whelan and to uphold the rights of American citizens detained abroad. It underscores the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in resolving such cases and promoting human rights.

Recent Activity

Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4919; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4919)

Alternative Names

A resolution calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

A resolution calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

Associated Legislation

Calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

Policy Areas

International Affairs

Potential Impact

Canada

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Detention of persons

Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad

Due process and equal protection

Europe

Evidence and witnesses

Human rights

International law and treaties

Ireland

Russia

United Kingdom

Sponsors and Supporters

Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]

Cosponsors and Supporters

Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Committees and Subcommittees

Foreign Relations Committee

Variations and Revisions

Calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

A resolution calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

3/12/2024, 2:55 AM

This resolution implores Russia's government to immediately release U.S. citizen Paul Whelan. It also implores Russia's government to provide unrestricted consular access to Whelan and to ensure that he and all other political prisoners ar...

Bill 118 S.Res. 156 is a resolution introduced in the United States Senate calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan. Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was arrested in Russia in December 2018 on char...
Congress
118

Number
SRES - 156

Introduced on
2023-03-30

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

10/3/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate

Purpose and Summary


This resolution implores Russia's government to immediately release U.S. citizen Paul Whelan. It also implores Russia's government to provide unrestricted consular access to Whelan and to ensure that he and all other political prisoners ar...

Bill 118 S.Res. 156 is a resolution introduced in the United States Senate calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan. Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was arrested in Russia in December 2018 on char...
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA resolution calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to release United States citizen Paul Whelan.

Policy Areas
International Affairs

Potential Impact
Canada•
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation•
Detention of persons•
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad•
Due process and equal protection•
Europe•
Evidence and witnesses•
Human rights•
International law and treaties•
Ireland•
Russia•
United Kingdom

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary12/20/2023

This resolution implores Russia's government to immediately release U.S. citizen Paul Whelan. It also implores Russia's government to provide unrestricted consular access to Whelan and to ensure that he and all other political prisoners ar...


Latest Action10/3/2023
Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4919; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4919)