Bill · H.R. 3225· House(119-HR-3225)
Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 5/7/2025
- Last activity
- 5/7/2025 — 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
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to reauthorize and modify the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 under a new title, the "Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025". It establishes a policy of condemning the Lukashenka regime for undemocratic elections, human rights violations, and support for Russia's war in Ukraine. The legislation expands the scope of targeted sanctions against individuals and entities involved in political repression, the abduction of Ukrainian children, and cooperation with the Russian military. It also provides for assistance to support democracy, civil society, and the Belarusian people's aspirations for sovereignty. Additionally, it mandates intelligence reports regarding Russian military presence and the impact of Belarusian actions on NATO security.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+7
The act supports independent media, journalists, and the right to free expression against repression.
Does this send more money or help to other countries?+7
The bill authorizes assistance to support democracy, civil society, and the Belarusian people.
Would women be better off under this?+6
The bill specifically supports women advocating for democracy and human rights in Belarus.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Political Prisoners: The bill maintains a policy of demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus (Section 3).
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Empowerment of Civil Society: Assistance is authorized to support various groups, including human rights defenders, journalists, and independent trade unions (Section 4).
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Protection of National Identity: The act supports the development of Belarusian language and cultural education to protect national identity (Section 4).
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Support for Those Fleeing Repression: Provisions include supporting political refugees in neighboring European countries and the education of Belarusians in exile (Section 4).
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Economic Development of the Private Sector: The bill aims to enhance the development of the private sector, particularly in information technology, through entrepreneurship training and increased access to finance (Section 4).
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Assistance for Women: The bill specifically supports the work of women advocating for freedom, human rights, and human progress in Belarus (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Sanctions on Officials: The bill mandates sanctions against government officials, security members, and law enforcement involved in the persecution of various groups (Section 6).
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Impact on the 'Union State': Sanctions may be applied to any individual who is a member of or works toward the furtherance of the "Union State" between Russia and Belarus (Section 6).
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Restrictions on Business Entities: The legislation targets entities that provide support to the military and industrial sectors of Belarus (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Children+5Good For Immigrants+5Good For Union Workers+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+7Improves Religious Freedom+6Improves Gender Equality+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Foreign Aid+7Improves Diplomatic Engagement+5Improves International Alliances+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+4
- 2/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2025
- 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.
Marcy KapturDemocrat · Ohio
William KeatingDemocrat · Massachusetts
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey
Joe WilsonRepublican · South Carolina