A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the culpability of Hun Sen for violations of international humanitarian law after 1978 in Cambodia (the former People’s Republic of Kampuchea and the State of Cambodia).
Latest action (15 Oct 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
S.Res. 309 is a Senate resolution expressing the "sense of the Senate" regarding Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's alleged responsibility for human rights abuses committed after 1978. It does not carry the force of law but states Senate opinion. The resolution recounts allegations against Hun Sen, including his role during the Vietnamese-backed occupation of Cambodia, violence against political opponents before and after the 1993 election, a 1997 coup that reportedly led to civilian deaths and forced displacement, and a 1998 crackdown on demonstrators protesting election irregularities. Based on these allegations, the resolution calls for the United States to compile evidence on Hun Sen's conduct, share existing and future information with an appropriate international tribunal, cooperate with other countries and organizations on gathering such evidence, work with other nations toward holding Hun Sen and those under his authority accountable, and support a tribunal investigating his potential criminal responsibility.
The resolution primarily concerns U.S. foreign policy toward Cambodia and Hun Sen personally, and would affect how the U.S. government approaches information-sharing and cooperation with international bodies regarding possible war crimes or human rights prosecutions. It does not create new legal obligations, sanctions, or programs, but signals a policy stance the Senate wanted the executive branch to adopt.
The bill was introduced on October 15, 1998, by Senator Jesse Helms, with Senator Mitch McConnell as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. According to the official record, it did not receive a vote and no further action was taken; the resolution did not advance beyond introduction.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This resolution was introduced on October 15, 1998, in a previous session of Congress, but it did not receive a vote.
Common questions
- What does S.Res. 309 do?
- S.Res. 309 is a Senate resolution expressing the "sense of the Senate" regarding Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's alleged responsibility for human rights abuses committed after 1978. It does not carry the force of law but states Senate opinion. The resolution recounts allegations against Hun Sen, including his role during the Vietnamese-backed occupation of Cambodia, violence against political opponents before and after the 1993 election, a 1997 coup that reportedly led to civilian deaths and forced displacement, and a 1998 crackdown on demonstrators protesting election irregularities. Based on these allegations, the resolution calls for the United States to compile evidence on Hun Sen's conduct, share existing and future information with an appropriate international tribunal, cooperate with other countries and organizations on gathering such evidence, work with other nations toward holding Hun Sen and those under his authority accountable, and support a tribunal investigating his potential criminal responsibility. The resolution primarily concerns U.S. foreign policy toward Cambodia and Hun Sen personally, and would affect how the U.S. government approaches information-sharing and cooperation with international bodies regarding possible war crimes or human rights prosecutions. It does not create new legal obligations, sanctions, or programs, but signals a policy stance the Senate wanted the executive branch to adopt. The bill was introduced on October 15, 1998, by Senator Jesse Helms, with Senator Mitch McConnell as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. According to the official record, it did not receive a vote and no further action was taken; the resolution did not advance beyond introduction.
- Has S.Res. 309 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Oct 1998, S.Res. 309 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S.Res. 309?
- S.Res. 309 was sponsored by Sen. Jesse Helms [R-NC, 1973-2002] (Republican-NC), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S.Res. 309?
- Introduced (15 Oct 1998).
Related bills in International Affairs
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
El Salvador TPS Act of 2026
Recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.
Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as “Peace Month” and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.