Bill · H.R. 8433· House(119-HR-8433)
Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act
- Introduced
- 4/22/2026
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, 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
- Joe Wilson
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 7
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Countering Russia's War on Faith Act" aims to address the persecution of religious groups in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. It requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to jointly submit a detailed report to Congress regarding efforts by the Russian Federation to suppress religious freedoms. This report must document the destruction of religious sites and the persecution of various religious minorities. Following the report, the President is required to certify whether specific individuals and entities have engaged in such conduct. If the President provides an affirmative certification, they must impose applicable sanctions on those persons.
Yes
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?+7
The bill mandates reporting on religious persecution and requires the President to impose sanctions on those responsible for violating religious freedoms.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires the executive branch to submit detailed, unclassified reports to Congress regarding religious persecution in Ukraine.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
The bill demonstrates U.S. support for religious freedom in Ukraine, which aligns with international human rights commitments.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Accountability for Human Rights Violations: The bill requires a detailed report from the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense regarding the persecution of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other religious minorities (Section 3(a)(1)). This ensures that the actions of the Russian Federation regarding religious suppression are formally documented and presented to Congress.
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Protection of Religious Freedom: By requiring the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons certified to have engaged in the persecution or discrimination of religious groups, the bill provides a mechanism to target those responsible for violating these freedoms (Section s 3(b) and 3(c)).
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Documentation of Property Loss: The bill mandates the identification of churches, synagogues, and mosques that have been destroyed, seized, or repurposed (Section 3(a)(2)). This provides a formal record of the loss of religious facilities and property.
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Assessment of Human Impact: The report requires an assessment of the number of people subjected to imprisonment or forced displacement due to their religious affiliations (Section 3(a)(3)(A)), which shines a light on the human cost of the occupation.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts for individuals or groups are explicitly mentioned within the provided text.
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 Religious Freedom+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3
- 7/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/23/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/22/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, 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.
- 5 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.
Brendan BoyleDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Marcy KapturDemocrat · Ohio
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey
Sarah McBrideDemocrat · Delaware
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois
David RouzerRepublican · North Carolina
Jamie RaskinDemocrat · Maryland