Bill · H.R. 7055· House(119-HR-7055)
Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/14/2026
- Last activity
- 1/14/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, 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 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2026," aims to reauthorize and amend existing laws regarding investment and sanctions in Nicaragua. It expands targeted sanctions to include the gold sector and specific abuses against the Catholic Church and political prisoners. The legislation also establishes a diplomatic strategy to restrict loans from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. Additionally, it mandates a review of Nicaragua's participation in the CAFTA-DR trade agreement. Finally, it prohibits new United States investment in Nicaragua and provides for grants to support human rights and democracy programs.
Yes
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?+8
The bill expands targeted sanctions to protect people, including members of the Catholic Church, from prosecution for exercising religious freedom.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+5
The bill includes a humanitarian exception allowing for the sale of medicine and medical devices to Nicaragua.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
The bill encourages diplomatic coordination with international partners and the United Nations to address human rights.
The opposite
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-5
The bill mandates a review of Nicaragua's participation in the CAFTA-DR trade agreement, which could lead to trade restrictions.
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?-3
The bill restricts new investment and financial assistance to Nicaragua, which may negatively impact the broader economy.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Religious Freedom: The bill expands targeted sanctions to include the arrest or prosecution of persons, including members or officers of the Catholic Church, due to the exercise of religious freedom (Section 103).
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Defense of Political Opposition: Sanctions are expanded to include the conviction and sentencing of individuals belonging to opposition parties or independent civil society organizations under politically motivated charges (Section 103).
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Human Rights Documentation and Support: The President may provide grants to private, nonprofit organizations to support programs that promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, including documenting abuses since April 2018 (Section 301).
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International Accountability: The bill directs the U.S. to use its influence at the United Nations to extend the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua to investigate alleged violations (Section 302).
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Humanitarian Safeguards: The bill includes a humanitarian exception that allows for the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices to Nicaragua (Section 203).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Economic Restrictions on Investment: The bill prohibits United States persons from making any new investment in any sector of the Nicaraguan economy (Section 203).
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Restrictions on Financial Assistance: The legislation directs a diplomatic strategy to oppose the extension of loans or financial assistance by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) to the Government of Nicaragua (Section 104).
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Economic Pressure via Trade Review: The Secretary of State is required to assess the benefits the Ortega regime receives from the CAFTA-DR free trade agreement (Section 202).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Religious Freedom+8Improves Poverty Reduction-3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3Improves International Trade-5
- 1/14/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, 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
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida