S.Amdt. 3757

The purpose of SA 3757, submitted by Mr. Merkley, is to add Section 1248 to the bill. This addition aims to deny entry into the United States for current or former foreign government officials who the Secretary of State determines were responsible for or complicit in the forced repatriation to the People's Republic of China of Uyghurs or members of other ethnic and religious groups who are likely to face persecution.

Key changes and additions include:

• Travel Restrictions: Officials described in the amendment are inadmissible to the U.S., ineligible for visas, and cannot be paroled into the country. Any current visas held by these officials must be revoked immediately.

• Waivers and Exceptions: The Secretary of State can grant a waiver if it is in the national interest or if circumstances have changed. There is also an exception to comply with international obligations, such as the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations.

• Enforcement and Penalties: The President may use authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement this section. Violators may face penalties, and the Secretary shall refer these officials to the Office of Foreign Assets Control to determine if their U.S. property and interests should be blocked.

• Accountability: The Secretary must provide reports to the appropriate committees of Congress every 180 days (after an initial 90-day report) detailing the officials subject to these restrictions and any waivers granted.

• Duration: This section is set to terminate 5 years after the date the Act is enacted.