Bill · H.R. 2633· House(119-HR-2633)
U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/3/2025
- Last activity
- 7/22/2025 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 13.
- Sponsored by
- Ronny Jackson
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025," requires a comprehensive investigation into the relationship between the United States and South Africa. It mandates that the President conduct a full review of this bilateral relationship in consultation with various federal agencies. Additionally, the President must determine if South Africa has engaged in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. The legislation also directs the creation of a report identifying specific South African government officials and ANC leaders who may be eligible for sanctions due to corruption or human rights abuses. These findings and certifications are to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees.
Yes
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
The bill seeks to protect U.S. interests by deterring strategic cooperation between South Africa and adversary-aligned entities.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill mandates public reports and certifications regarding the bilateral relationship.
The opposite
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?-3
The bill's focus on sanctions and reviews could increase diplomatic friction between the U.S. and South Africa.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
National Security Protection: The bill aims to deter strategic political and security cooperation that could aid the Russian Federation's war in Ukraine or bolster the influence of the PRC (Section 3).
-
Accountability for Corruption: The Act requires the identification of senior South African government officials and ANC leaders who have engaged in corruption or human rights abuses, providing a basis for potential sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Section 6).
-
Transparency in Foreign Policy: By requiring the President to certify and release a determination on whether South Africa's actions undermine U.S. interests, the bill provides public and congressional clarity on the status of the bilateral relationship (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Imposition of Sanctions: The bill establishes a process to identify and potentially sanction specific South African government officials and ANC leaders, which could impact those individuals and their associated organizations (Section 6).
-
Diplomatic Friction: The requirement for a full review of the bilateral relationship and the potential for specific determinations regarding national security interests could influence the diplomatic standing of the South African government (Section 4 and Section 5).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement-3
- 10/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/22/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 13.
- 7/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/3/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
John JamesRepublican · Michigan
Troy NehlsRepublican · Texas
Elise StefanikRepublican · New York
W. SteubeRepublican · Florida