Bill · H.R. 8696· House(119-HR-8696)
Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act
- Introduced
- 5/7/2026
- Last activity
- 5/7/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Lieu
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act seeks to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism. This designation is intended to allow the United States to use various tools to hold Russia accountable and isolate it economically and diplomatically. The bill cites several findings regarding Russia's actions, including attacks on civilians in Chechnya and Ukraine, and the use of mercenary networks. The designation would take effect upon the enactment of the Act. It includes a sunset provision that terminates the designation upon certain negotiations or after five years.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this send more money or help to other countries?+5
The bill authorizes the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's foreign policy interests.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+4
The designation aligns U.S. policy with actions taken by the European Parliament and other allies against Russia.
Would children be better off under this?+2
The bill seeks to hold Russia accountable for the kidnapping and harm of Ukrainian children.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Economic and Diplomatic Isolation of Russia: The designation is intended to help hold the Russian Federation accountable, reduce its war machine, and isolate it economically and diplomatically (Section 2, Finding 19).
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Support for Ukraine: The bill allows the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, and other officials to use frozen Russian assets to further U.S. foreign policy interests, including support for Ukraine (Section 4(b)).
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Protection of Humanitarian and Agricultural Trade: The Act ensures that transactions involving the export of agricultural products from Ukraine or the provision of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine are not subject to sanctions (Section 3(b)).
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Victim Rights Preservation: The bill clarifies that nothing in its provisions limits the rights of terrorism victims to seek compensation from other legal sources (Section 4(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Asset Seizure Restrictions: The bill stipulates that no blocked or frozen assets of the Russian Federation or its agencies can be subject to attachment, execution, or other judicial processes to satisfy judgments against Russia resulting from this designation (Section 4(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Foreign Aid+5Improves International Alliances+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 5/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois
Joe WilsonRepublican · South Carolina