Before the Senate replaced the full text with a budget-related measure, this bill passed in the House on 10/23/15 as one of many House Republican attempts to repeal all or part of the Affordable Care Act. Although its provisions were largely unrelated to Palestinian affairs or the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one relevant amendment was submitted during the Senate’s consideration.
S.A. 2899, submitted by Rand Paul (R-KY) on 12/3/15, no cosponsors.
Introduced in the wake of the ISIS-affiliated attacks in Paris on 11/13/15, this amendment would suspend the issuance of visas to persons from ‘high-risk’ countries and impose a minimum 30-day waiting period for now-enhanced background checks. The Depts. of Homeland Security and State, as well as the director of national intelligence, would be required to periodically report on the measures listed above. The bill lists 34 ‘high-risk’ countries and territories, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the oPt.
It was rejected by yea/nay vote on 12/3/15, 10–89. Paul previously introduced this amendment as a stand-alone measure, S. 2329, on 11/19/15.
Last major action: 1/8/16 Vetoed by the president. (2/3/15 passed in Senate by yea/nay vote, 52–47. 10/23/15 passed in House by yea/nay vote, 240–189).