Bill · S.Res. 354· Senate(119-SRES-354)
A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Panama's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
- Introduced
- 7/31/2025
- Last activity
- 7/31/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S5005)
- Sponsored by
- Timothy Kaine
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution requests that the Secretary of State provide a detailed statement regarding the human rights practices of the Republic of Panama. The statement must be submitted to specific Senate and House committees within 30 days of the resolution's adoption. It seeks information on alleged human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, and trafficking, specifically concerning non-citizens removed to Panama by the United States. Additionally, the resolution asks for a description of U.S. government steps taken to promote human rights and discourage harmful practices in Panama. The request also includes an assessment of how U.S. security assistance might be used and the conditions faced by those removed to Panama.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would immigrants be better off under this?+6
The resolution seeks to protect non-citizens from arbitrary detention, torture, trafficking, and lack of due process following removal to Panama.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The resolution requires the Secretary of State to submit detailed information regarding human rights and security assistance to Congress.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+2
The resolution engages in diplomatic oversight by requesting a detailed statement on human rights practices in Panama.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Non-Citizen Rights: The resolution seeks information on whether people removed to Panama by the United States are provided due process, legal status, and the opportunity to show they may be persecuted or harmed (Section 1(b)(1)(B), (E); Section 1(b)(2)(D)(ii)).
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Prevention of Human Rights Abuses: By requesting information on arbitrary arrests, unlawful killings, and trafficking, the resolution aims to identify risks to people who are not citizens of Panama but have been moved there by the U.S. government (Section 1(b)(1)(A)-(D)).
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Accountability for Security Assistance: The resolution asks for an assessment of whether U.S. security assistance could support activities like the detention or trafficking of people removed to Panama (Section 1(b)(3)(A)).
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Facilitation of Returns: The request includes information on actions taken to ensure the Government of Panama returns people to the United States in compliance with U.S. court orders, as well as actions to facilitate the release or return of those wrongfully removed (Section 1(b)(3)(D), (I)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Continued Harm: The text identifies several potential negative conditions that the statement aims to investigate, such as the risk of detention, torture, or forced disappearances for people who are not citizens of Panama but have been removed to Panama by the United States Government (Section 1(b)(3)(E)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+6Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Low Income Households+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+2Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship+1Improves Poverty Reduction+1Improves Racial Equity+1
- 9/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/31/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S5005)
- Introduced in Senate
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont