LOTF: An American Political Roleplay (116th Congress)

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Vohoffsky stood up, once again.

"Hang on, sorry, misread the bill. I will be changing my vote to aye."

[Meelducan]

House Floor

'Fuck it.' Matt thought.

Matt approached the clerk again to change his vote to 'Aye.'

[Kargintina the Third]

Tenson (R-MT-At-Large)- “AYE”

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

John Logan Ruler (R-IA-4)
House Floor

---

"Yes!"

He smiled before it clicked he did not say the proper words.

"I mean, AYE!"

Ruler held his head down, pretending to look over some papers to avoid any embarrassing glares or uncomfortable glances.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Speaker: No objections the questioning period is closed, and we shall proceed to the vote without debate.

Representative Caroline Simone
[Democratic - 12th District of the State of New York]

"Aye!"

[Meelducan]

Senate Floor

“Without objection the motion is agreed to. The Senator from Oregon is invited to lay out the bill.”

[Velahor]

Begrudgingly, due to her agreement she made with Volker, Paulson cast her vote to get involved in the affairs of another nation.

Congresswoman Diane Paulson: “Aye.”

Congressman Davit Papazian: “Aye!”

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Park(R-CA) "Aye"

[The Democratic Marxists]

Speaker: No objections the questioning period is closed, and we shall proceed to the vote without debate.

Rep. Silva [R|SC-4]: "Aye"

[Alozia]

Rep. Piotrowska [D-IL-05]: "Present."

[SangMar]

Representative Len Williams - (D-HI): “Aye.”

[Dentali]

HOUSE FLOOR

Speaker: All votes tallied DOVE passes and will be sent to the Senate. The Floor is open to motions

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

John Logan Ruler (R-IA-4)
House Floor

---

"I move to take up the Murder Sentencing Act."

Ruler held the bill, deciding to actually read it for himself as he waited for a second, his list at the ready.

[Greater Arab State]

---

John Logan Ruler (R-IA-4)
House Floor

---

"I move to take up the Murder Sentencing Act."

Ruler held the bill, deciding to actually read it for himself as he waited for a second, his list at the ready.

House Floor

Representative Thomas Volker (R-MO-8): “Seconded.”

[Agarntrop]

---

John Logan Ruler (R-IA-4)
House Floor

---

"I move to take up the Murder Sentencing Act."

Ruler held the bill, deciding to actually read it for himself as he waited for a second, his list at the ready.

John Atang (D-NY3)

"Objection."

[Agarntrop]

Senate Floor

“Without objection the motion is agreed to. The Senator from Oregon is invited to lay out the bill.”

Anderson coughs.

[Jovuistan]

Senate Floor

“Without objection the motion is agreed to. The Senator from Oregon is invited to lay out the bill.”

Anderson coughs.

Slater yawns.

[Lavar Baller]

Senator Frank Doyle (D-OR):

"Mr. President, the purpose of this bill is simple. In the past few years it has become clear that personnel in the United States Foreign Service are not provided with adequate protection. Be it the 2012 Attacks in Benghazi, or the recent terrorist assault on the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, our diplomats who are just doing their jobs are dicing with death. There is a very real threat not just for those who are actively fighting to protect our freedoms, but also to those who are negotiating to promote American values and liberty around the world. By not adequately investing in embassy security, the bureaucrats at the U.S. State Department are throwing caution to the wind."

"PADA is an authorization bill. If passed, it would be the first authorization bill that has been enacted for the State Department in more than a decade. It does not allocate new funds; it simply moves additional funds specifically for security within Diplomatic and Consular Programs. It reauthorizes $10 billion for our diplomatic department, and distributes funds to embassies and programs that are determined to be in 'high risk' zones."

"The Act requires that the Secretary of State submits a congressional report that determines which embassies are to be designated as high-threat posts. The report will also contain recommendations for staffing and security requirements. After funds are appropriated, the bill requires that new safety standards are implemented to ensure that security hiring is of top-standard. It also institutes new training programs for diplomatic personnel to prepare them in the event of an attack. The training would include firearms training, emergency medical training, and the ability to detect the presence of explosives."

"Mr. President, this should not be a partisan bill. Our diplomats do us a service everyday with their advocacy for world peace. It is time that our government appropriately serves them. We have voted to pass this bill before; the only difference in the amended iteration is the year of authorized funds. I urge my colleagues to get this bills to the president desk as soon as possible; time is of the essence."

Official Name: Protecting American Diplomats Act of 2019
Nickname: PADA 2019

Sponsors: Sen. Frank Doyle (D-OR)

Cosponsors: Sen. Tim Westra (D-NJ), Sen. Rebekah Sharansky (D-IL), Sen. Erika Goldman (D-CT), Rep. Kathleen Nez (D|AZ-7), Rep. Caroline Simone (D|NY-12)

Overview: American diplomats know all too well the immense danger that they put themselves in while serving their country abroad. As defenders of the ideals of liberty, justice, and human rights, they put themselves at risk for the betterment of our world and the protection of our nation. It is imperative that those who are working towards wold peace are provided with the necessary resources to defend themselves from attack. It is the least our nation can do for those who are doing so much for us.

This Act seeks to authorize additional funds to be appropriated to improve the security of U.S. Embassies throughout the world. It provides funding for the management and operations of the Department of State at fiscally responsible levels, while strengthening security at our diplomatic facilities overseas. Our embassies and personnel are targets for those seeking to harm the United States, and more needs to be done to ensure their safety.

Section 1: AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS

The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State under “Administration of Foreign Affairs” to carry out the authorities, functions, duties, and responsibilities in the conduct of foreign affairs of the United States, and for other purposes authorized by law:

(1) DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS: For “Diplomatic and Consular Programs," $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;


(A) BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR: Of such amounts, not less than $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

(B) WORLDWIDE SECURITY PROTECTION: Of such amounts, not less than $3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for worldwide security protection.


(2) CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND: For “Capital Investment Fund”, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;


(A) EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS: For “Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs”, $535,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, of which funding for educational and cultural programs that occur in countries or regions that are at risk of, in, or are in transition from, conflict or civil strife should be prioritized.


(3) CONFLICT STABILIZATION OPERATIONS: Of such amounts, not less than $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for "Conflict Stabilization Operations."

Section 2: EMBASSY SECURITY AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

a) Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report, in classified form, that contains an initial list of diplomatic and consular posts designated as high risk, high threat posts.

b) Designations Before Opening Or Reopening Posts: Before opening or reopening a diplomatic or consular post, the Secretary shall determine if such post should be designated as a high risk, high threat post.

c) The Secretary of State shall complete a strategic review of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the Department of State to ensure that the mission and activities of the Bureau are fulfilling the current and projected needs of the Department of State, including assessments of:

(1) staffing needs for both domestic and international operations;
(2) facilities under chief of mission authority adhering to security standards;
(3) necessary security training provided to personnel under chief of mission authority for expected assignments and objectives;
(4) programs being carried out by personnel with the necessary experience and at commensurate grade levels.

d) The Secretary may transfer to, and merge with, any appropriation for embassy security, construction, and maintenance such amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2020 for any other purpose related to the administration of foreign affairs on or after December 30, 2019, if the Secretary determines such transfer is necessary to provide for the security of sites and buildings in foreign countries under the jurisdiction and control of the Secretary.

e) The Overseas Security Policy Board’s security standards for United States diplomatic and consular posts must apply to all such security personnel posts regardless of the duration of their occupancy.

Section 3: EMBASSY SECURITY AND PERSONNEL TRAINING

a) Individuals assigned permanently to or who are in long-term temporary duty status as designated by the Secretary at a high risk, high threat post shall receive security training described in subsection (b) on a mandatory basis in order to prepare such individuals for living and working at such posts.

(b) Security Training Described: Security training referred to in subsection (a)—

(1) is training to improve basic knowledge and skills; and

(2) may include—


(A) an ability to recognize, avoid, and respond to potential terrorist situations, including a complex attack;

(B) conducting surveillance detection;

(C) providing emergency medical care;

(D) ability to detect the presence of improvised explosive devices;

(E) minimal firearms familiarization; and

(F) defensive driving maneuvers.

This bill is then honorably presented to the Senate for consideration in order to improve U.S. foreign embassy security and is backed by Frank Doyle on April 19th, 2019

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Senator Frank Doyle (D-OR):

"Mr. President, the purpose of this bill is simple. In the past few years it has become clear that personnel in the United States Foreign Service are not provided with adequate protection. Be it the 2012 Attacks in Benghazi, or the recent terrorist assault on the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, our diplomats who are just doing their jobs are dicing with death. There is a very real threat not just for those who are actively fighting to protect our freedoms, but also to those who are negotiating to promote American values and liberty around the world. By not adequately investing in embassy security, the bureaucrats at the U.S. State Department are throwing caution to the wind."

"PADA is an authorization bill. If passed, it would be the first authorization bill that has been enacted for the State Department in more than a decade. It does not allocate new funds; it simply moves additional funds specifically for security within Diplomatic and Consular Programs. It reauthorizes $10 billion for our diplomatic department, and distributes funds to embassies and programs that are determined to be in 'high risk' zones."

"The Act requires that the Secretary of State submits a congressional report that determines which embassies are to be designated as high-threat posts. The report will also contain recommendations for staffing and security requirements. After funds are appropriated, the bill requires that new safety standards are implemented to ensure that security hiring is of top-standard. It also institutes new training programs for diplomatic personnel to prepare them in the event of an attack. The training would include firearms training, emergency medical training, and the ability to detect the presence of explosives."

"Mr. President, this should not be a partisan bill. Our diplomats do us a service everyday with their advocacy for world peace. It is time that our government appropriately serves them. We have voted to pass this bill before; the only difference in the amended iteration is the year of authorized funds. I urge my colleagues to get this bills to the president desk as soon as possible; time is of the essence."

Official Name: Protecting American Diplomats Act of 2019
Nickname: PADA 2019

Sponsors: Sen. Frank Doyle (D-OR)

Cosponsors: Sen. Tim Westra (D-NJ), Sen. Rebekah Sharansky (D-IL), Sen. Erika Goldman (D-CT), Rep. Kathleen Nez (D|AZ-7), Rep. Caroline Simone (D|NY-12)

Overview: American diplomats know all too well the immense danger that they put themselves in while serving their country abroad. As defenders of the ideals of liberty, justice, and human rights, they put themselves at risk for the betterment of our world and the protection of our nation. It is imperative that those who are working towards wold peace are provided with the necessary resources to defend themselves from attack. It is the least our nation can do for those who are doing so much for us.

This Act seeks to authorize additional funds to be appropriated to improve the security of U.S. Embassies throughout the world. It provides funding for the management and operations of the Department of State at fiscally responsible levels, while strengthening security at our diplomatic facilities overseas. Our embassies and personnel are targets for those seeking to harm the United States, and more needs to be done to ensure their safety.

Section 1: AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS

The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State under “Administration of Foreign Affairs” to carry out the authorities, functions, duties, and responsibilities in the conduct of foreign affairs of the United States, and for other purposes authorized by law:

(1) DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS: For “Diplomatic and Consular Programs," $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;


(A) BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR: Of such amounts, not less than $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

(B) WORLDWIDE SECURITY PROTECTION: Of such amounts, not less than $3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for worldwide security protection.


(2) CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND: For “Capital Investment Fund”, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;


(A) EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS: For “Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs”, $535,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, of which funding for educational and cultural programs that occur in countries or regions that are at risk of, in, or are in transition from, conflict or civil strife should be prioritized.


(3) CONFLICT STABILIZATION OPERATIONS: Of such amounts, not less than $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for "Conflict Stabilization Operations."

Section 2: EMBASSY SECURITY AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

a) Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report, in classified form, that contains an initial list of diplomatic and consular posts designated as high risk, high threat posts.

b) Designations Before Opening Or Reopening Posts: Before opening or reopening a diplomatic or consular post, the Secretary shall determine if such post should be designated as a high risk, high threat post.

c) The Secretary of State shall complete a strategic review of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the Department of State to ensure that the mission and activities of the Bureau are fulfilling the current and projected needs of the Department of State, including assessments of:

(1) staffing needs for both domestic and international operations;
(2) facilities under chief of mission authority adhering to security standards;
(3) necessary security training provided to personnel under chief of mission authority for expected assignments and objectives;
(4) programs being carried out by personnel with the necessary experience and at commensurate grade levels.

d) The Secretary may transfer to, and merge with, any appropriation for embassy security, construction, and maintenance such amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2020 for any other purpose related to the administration of foreign affairs on or after December 30, 2019, if the Secretary determines such transfer is necessary to provide for the security of sites and buildings in foreign countries under the jurisdiction and control of the Secretary.

e) The Overseas Security Policy Board’s security standards for United States diplomatic and consular posts must apply to all such security personnel posts regardless of the duration of their occupancy.

Section 3: EMBASSY SECURITY AND PERSONNEL TRAINING

a) Individuals assigned permanently to or who are in long-term temporary duty status as designated by the Secretary at a high risk, high threat post shall receive security training described in subsection (b) on a mandatory basis in order to prepare such individuals for living and working at such posts.

(b) Security Training Described: Security training referred to in subsection (a)—

(1) is training to improve basic knowledge and skills; and

(2) may include—


(A) an ability to recognize, avoid, and respond to potential terrorist situations, including a complex attack;

(B) conducting surveillance detection;

(C) providing emergency medical care;

(D) ability to detect the presence of improvised explosive devices;

(E) minimal firearms familiarization; and

(F) defensive driving maneuvers.

This bill is then honorably presented to the Senate for consideration in order to improve U.S. foreign embassy security and is backed by Frank Doyle on April 19th, 2019

Senator Augusta Merriam
[Republican - State of New Hampshire]

"As the amendments are predominantly corrective and the Senate has considered this before, Mr. President, I move to head straight to a vote on the act from the Senator from Oregon."

[Agarntrop]

Senator Frank Doyle (D-OR):

"Mr. President, the purpose of this bill is simple. In the past few years it has become clear that personnel in the United States Foreign Service are not provided with adequate protection. Be it the 2012 Attacks in Benghazi, or the recent terrorist assault on the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, our diplomats who are just doing their jobs are dicing with death. There is a very real threat not just for those who are actively fighting to protect our freedoms, but also to those who are negotiating to promote American values and liberty around the world. By not adequately investing in embassy security, the bureaucrats at the U.S. State Department are throwing caution to the wind."

"PADA is an authorization bill. If passed, it would be the first authorization bill that has been enacted for the State Department in more than a decade. It does not allocate new funds; it simply moves additional funds specifically for security within Diplomatic and Consular Programs. It reauthorizes $10 billion for our diplomatic department, and distributes funds to embassies and programs that are determined to be in 'high risk' zones."

"The Act requires that the Secretary of State submits a congressional report that determines which embassies are to be designated as high-threat posts. The report will also contain recommendations for staffing and security requirements. After funds are appropriated, the bill requires that new safety standards are implemented to ensure that security hiring is of top-standard. It also institutes new training programs for diplomatic personnel to prepare them in the event of an attack. The training would include firearms training, emergency medical training, and the ability to detect the presence of explosives."

"Mr. President, this should not be a partisan bill. Our diplomats do us a service everyday with their advocacy for world peace. It is time that our government appropriately serves them. We have voted to pass this bill before; the only difference in the amended iteration is the year of authorized funds. I urge my colleagues to get this bills to the president desk as soon as possible; time is of the essence."

Official Name: Protecting American Diplomats Act of 2019
Nickname: PADA 2019

Sponsors: Sen. Frank Doyle (D-OR)

Cosponsors: Sen. Tim Westra (D-NJ), Sen. Rebekah Sharansky (D-IL), Sen. Erika Goldman (D-CT), Rep. Kathleen Nez (D|AZ-7), Rep. Caroline Simone (D|NY-12)

Overview: American diplomats know all too well the immense danger that they put themselves in while serving their country abroad. As defenders of the ideals of liberty, justice, and human rights, they put themselves at risk for the betterment of our world and the protection of our nation. It is imperative that those who are working towards wold peace are provided with the necessary resources to defend themselves from attack. It is the least our nation can do for those who are doing so much for us.

This Act seeks to authorize additional funds to be appropriated to improve the security of U.S. Embassies throughout the world. It provides funding for the management and operations of the Department of State at fiscally responsible levels, while strengthening security at our diplomatic facilities overseas. Our embassies and personnel are targets for those seeking to harm the United States, and more needs to be done to ensure their safety.

Section 1: AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS

The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State under “Administration of Foreign Affairs” to carry out the authorities, functions, duties, and responsibilities in the conduct of foreign affairs of the United States, and for other purposes authorized by law:

(1) DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS: For “Diplomatic and Consular Programs," $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;


(A) BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR: Of such amounts, not less than $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

(B) WORLDWIDE SECURITY PROTECTION: Of such amounts, not less than $3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for worldwide security protection.


(2) CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND: For “Capital Investment Fund”, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;


(A) EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS: For “Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs”, $535,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, of which funding for educational and cultural programs that occur in countries or regions that are at risk of, in, or are in transition from, conflict or civil strife should be prioritized.


(3) CONFLICT STABILIZATION OPERATIONS: Of such amounts, not less than $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 is authorized to be appropriated for "Conflict Stabilization Operations."

Section 2: EMBASSY SECURITY AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

a) Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report, in classified form, that contains an initial list of diplomatic and consular posts designated as high risk, high threat posts.

b) Designations Before Opening Or Reopening Posts: Before opening or reopening a diplomatic or consular post, the Secretary shall determine if such post should be designated as a high risk, high threat post.

c) The Secretary of State shall complete a strategic review of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security of the Department of State to ensure that the mission and activities of the Bureau are fulfilling the current and projected needs of the Department of State, including assessments of:

(1) staffing needs for both domestic and international operations;
(2) facilities under chief of mission authority adhering to security standards;
(3) necessary security training provided to personnel under chief of mission authority for expected assignments and objectives;
(4) programs being carried out by personnel with the necessary experience and at commensurate grade levels.

d) The Secretary may transfer to, and merge with, any appropriation for embassy security, construction, and maintenance such amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2020 for any other purpose related to the administration of foreign affairs on or after December 30, 2019, if the Secretary determines such transfer is necessary to provide for the security of sites and buildings in foreign countries under the jurisdiction and control of the Secretary.

e) The Overseas Security Policy Board’s security standards for United States diplomatic and consular posts must apply to all such security personnel posts regardless of the duration of their occupancy.

Section 3: EMBASSY SECURITY AND PERSONNEL TRAINING

a) Individuals assigned permanently to or who are in long-term temporary duty status as designated by the Secretary at a high risk, high threat post shall receive security training described in subsection (b) on a mandatory basis in order to prepare such individuals for living and working at such posts.

(b) Security Training Described: Security training referred to in subsection (a)—

(1) is training to improve basic knowledge and skills; and

(2) may include—


(A) an ability to recognize, avoid, and respond to potential terrorist situations, including a complex attack;

(B) conducting surveillance detection;

(C) providing emergency medical care;

(D) ability to detect the presence of improvised explosive devices;

(E) minimal firearms familiarization; and

(F) defensive driving maneuvers.

This bill is then honorably presented to the Senate for consideration in order to improve U.S. foreign embassy security and is backed by Frank Doyle on April 19th, 2019

Senator Augusta Merriam
[Republican - State of New Hampshire]

"As the amendments are predominantly corrective and the Senate has considered this before, Mr. President, I move to head straight to a vote on the act from the Senator from Oregon."

Sen. Anderson (R-MO)

"Seconded. Motion that the bill be passed by unanimous consent."

[Jovuistan]

Senator Augusta Merriam
[Republican - State of New Hampshire]

"As the amendments are predominantly corrective and the Senate has considered this before, Mr. President, I move to head straight to a vote on the act from the Senator from Oregon."

Sen. Anderson (R-MO)

"Seconded. Motion that the bill be passed by unanimous consent."

"Seconded."

[Yacothiaa]

And a bomb fell on everyone.

[Meelducan]

Senate Floor

"Without objection, the bill passes and is sent to the President, with recommendation that it be signed into law. The floor is open for motions."

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Senate Floor

"Without objection, the bill passes and is sent to the President, with recommendation that it be signed into law. The floor is open for motions."

Senator Goldman (D-CT): "Motion to receive the DOVE Act, Mr. President."

[Agarntrop]

Senate Floor

"Without objection, the bill passes and is sent to the President, with recommendation that it be signed into law. The floor is open for motions."

Senator Goldman (D-CT): "Motion to receive the DOVE Act, Mr. President."

Sen. Anderson (R-MO)

"Seconded."