Calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release United States citizen Paul Whelan.
12/20/2023, 8:00 PMSummary of Bill HRES 272
Bill 118 H.Res. 272, also known as the resolution calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release United States citizen Paul Whelan, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the detention of American citizen Paul Whelan in Russia.Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was arrested in Moscow in December 2018 on charges of espionage, which he denies. The resolution calls on the Russian government to release Whelan immediately and ensure his safe return to the United States.
The resolution highlights the concerns about the lack of due process and transparency in Whelan's case, as well as the reports of mistreatment and poor conditions in the Russian prison where he is being held. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of American citizens abroad and upholding international norms of justice and human rights. The resolution has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties expressing their concern for Whelan's well-being and calling for his release. It is seen as a way to put pressure on the Russian government to address the situation and ensure that Whelan is treated fairly and in accordance with international law. Overall, Bill 118 H.Res. 272 is a non-partisan effort to advocate for the release of an American citizen who is being held in Russia under questionable circumstances. It reflects the commitment of the US Congress to protecting the rights and safety of American citizens abroad and upholding principles of justice and human rights.
Congressional Summary of HRES 272
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 are afforded due process and universally recognized human rights.Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HRES 272
Bill HRES 272 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 30, 2023. Bill HRES 272 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 30, 2023. Bill HRES 272's most recent activity was Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. as of June 14, 2023Bipartisan Support of Bill HRES 272
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
88Democrat Cosponsors
54Republican Cosponsors
34Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HRES 272
Primary Policy Focus
International AffairsPotential Impact Areas
CanadaCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationDetention of personsDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadDue process and equal protectionEuropeEvidence and witnessesHuman rightsInternational law and treatiesIrelandRussiaUnited KingdomAlternate Title(s) of Bill HRES 272
Calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release United States citizen Paul Whelan.Calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release United States citizen Paul Whelan.Comments
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