Bill · H.R. 3201· House(119-HR-3201)
Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 5/5/2025
- Last activity
- 5/5/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and 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.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Smith
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025 reauthorizes and modifies the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. It establishes a U.S. policy to condemn the illegitimate regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his support for Russia's war in Ukraine. The bill provides funding and support for democratic opposition, independent media, and human rights defenders. It also mandates sanctions against Belarusian and Russian officials involved in human rights abuses or the abduction of Ukrainian children. Additionally, it requires reports on the Russian military presence in Belarus and the use of migrants to destabilize NATO borders.
Yes· 3 of 21
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+8
Funds independent media and counters internet censorship to protect free expression.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+8
Provides resources for independent media to counter state censorship.
Does this protect the right to vote?+7
Promotes free, fair, and transparent electoral processes in Belarus.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would high-income households be better off under this?-5
Targets assets of wealthy individuals deriving benefit from the Lukashenka regime.
Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this?-5
Imposes sanctions and asset blocking on those linked to the regime.
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?-5
Imposes sanctions and asset blocking on those linked to the regime.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Democratic Institutions: The bill provides assistance to the Coordination Council and the United Transitional Cabinet to help them participate in a peaceful transition of power (Section 3).
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Protection of Rights and Identity: It supports the protection of Belarusian language, culture, and national identity, as well as the work of women advocating for human rights (Section 4).
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Access to Information: The bill funds the expansion of independent radio, television, and internet media to counter censorship and provide truthful information (Section 4 and Section 5).
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Economic and Professional Development: It encourages the development of the private sector, specifically the IT sector, and provides entrepreneurship training and finance for small and medium enterprises (Section 4).
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Aid for Refugees: The act provides support for political refugees in European countries and the education of Belarusians in exile (Section 4).
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Accountability for Abuses: It mandates the blocking of assets for officials involved in the persecution of religious groups, human rights defenders, and the abduction of Ukrainian children (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risk to U.S. Citizens: The bill acknowledges the risk of detention and arbitrary enforcement of local laws against United States citizens in Belarus (Section 2).
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Economic Pressure: The use of mandatory sanctions against government officials and those deriving financial benefit from the regime could have broader economic ripple effects (Section 6).
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Legal Penalties: Any "United States person," including citizens or entities organized under U.S. law, who violates the sanctions provisions faces penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (Section 6).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+8Improves Voting Access+7Improves Voting Rights+7Improves Religious Freedom+6Improves Border Security+5Improves Gender Equality+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+8Improves Electoral Process+7Improves Privacy Rights+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+6Improves International Alliances+6Increases Foreign Aid+5Improves International Trade-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+6Good For Students+5Good For Women+5Good For Immigrants+4Good For Union Workers+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Business Owners+3Good For Billionaires-5Good For High Income Households-5Good For High Net Worth Individuals-5Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals-5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+4
- 5/5/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and 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.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
William KeatingDemocrat · Massachusetts
Joe WilsonRepublican · South Carolina