A resolution establishing the Senate Human Rights Commission.

This resolution proposes the establishment of the Senate Human Rights Commission , building upon the work of the existing Senate Human Rights Caucus. The Commission's primary purpose is to create a formalized, bipartisan forum within the Senate for discussing international human rights issues and promoting internationally recognized human rights, as outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its duties include monitoring the state of human rights worldwide, raising awareness about critical violations through regular briefings, hearings, and private roundtables, and maintaining records of its activities. The Commission is also tasked with collaborating extensively with other congressional committees, the executive branch, and various human rights and civil society organizations to advance human rights initiatives. It will be composed of 10 members of the Senate , with five selected from the majority party and five from the minority party, appointed by the President of the Senate, and will have two co-chairpersons. Importantly, the Commission will not have legislative jurisdiction , nor the authority to take legislative action on bills or resolutions, and it will not encroach upon the jurisdiction of other Senate committees. The Commission is authorized to employ staff and incur expenses, with a financial cap of $200,000 per fiscal year, and is scheduled to cease operation on January 1, 2029.