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S 253 102th Congress Senate International Affairs Congressional oversight Criminal procedure Executive reorganization Government paperwork Human rights International courts Iraq Jurisdiction Kuwait Military occupation Persian Gulf War Prisoners of war Prosecution United Nations War crime trials War crimes

Geneva Conventions Enforcement Act of 1991

Introduced: January 23, 1991 Introduced by: McConnell, Mitch Republican · Kentucky See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 102nd Congress ended
It never became law before the 102nd Congress (1991–1992) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 18 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 23, 1992
Referred to the Subcommittee on International Law, Immigration, and Refugees.
Jun 17, 1991
Referred to the Subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East.
Jun 17, 1991
Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations.
Jun 6, 1991
Referred jointly to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Jun 6, 1991
Referred jointly to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Apr 22, 1991
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Apr 22, 1991
Held at the desk.
Apr 22, 1991
Received in the House.
Apr 18, 1991
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
Apr 18, 1991
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
Apr 18, 1991
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Voice Vote.
Apr 18, 1991
Measure laid before Senate.
Apr 18, 1991
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Apr 18, 1991
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 62.
Apr 18, 1991
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported to Senate by Senator Pell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
Apr 9, 1991
Committee on Foreign Relations. Hearings held.
Jan 23, 1991
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Jan 23, 1991
Introduced in Senate
 Amendments to this bill 2

Amendments propose changes to this bill. Members vote on amendments separately before the final bill vote. An agreed amendment becomes part of the bill; a failed amendment does not.

2 agreed to

AmendmentSponsorPurposeStatusLatest action
SAMDT 73 — To support and facilitate the carrying out of such duties and responsibilities as may be required of the U.S.… Agreed to Apr 18, 1991
SAMDT 72 — A bill to add a reference to the Geneva Convention relating to the use of environmental modification techniqu… Agreed to Apr 18, 1991
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Persian Gulf War Criminals Prosecution Act of 1991 - Title I: Actions by United States Agencies and Courts - Requires the President to direct Government agencies to collect and maintain evidence of crimes committed by Persian Gulf war criminals. Directs the President to consult with the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for the prosecution of such criminals.

Title II: International Criminal Tribunal - Urges the President, acting through the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, to propose to the Security Council the establishment of an international criminal tribunal for the prosecution of Persian Gulf war criminals. Urges the President to work with the coalition of nations participating in Operation Desert Storm to establish such tribunal if the Security Council fails to take action to do so.

Establishes the Office for the Prosecution of Persian Gulf War Criminals within the Department of State.

Title III: Congressional Oversight - Requires the President to report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on: (1) the proposal developed by the Office for the establishment of an international criminal tribunal; (2) evidence of crimes under international law that justifies the prosecution of Persian Gulf war criminals; and (3) Iraqi authorities who should be prosecuted for committing such crimes.

What's happening now April 23, 1992

Referred to the Subcommittee on International Law, Immigration, and Refugees.

 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 6
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 253: Persian Gulf War Criminals Prosecution Act of 1991. 102nd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/102-S-253/
MLA
"S. 253: Persian Gulf War Criminals Prosecution Act of 1991." 102nd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/102-S-253/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 253, 102nd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/102-S-253/.
Markdown link
[S. 253: Persian Gulf War Criminals Prosecution Act of 1991](https://openamerica.io/bill/102-S-253/)
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