Bill · H.R. 8718· House(119-HR-8718)
Countering Russia’s Forced Recruitment and Kidnapping in Africa Act
- Introduced
- 5/7/2026
- Last activity
- 5/7/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, 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
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Countering Russia's Forced Recruitment and Kidnapping in Africa Act," aims to impose sanctions on foreign persons and governments involved in recruiting African nationals for the war in Ukraine. It addresses findings that individuals are being lured through false pretenses to serve as combatants or laborers. The Secretary of State is tasked with creating a list of these entities and individuals. Following this, the President has the authority to impose various financial and travel-related sanctions. These sanctions include blocking property, restricting loans, and denying visas. The goal is to counter deceptive recruitment and human rights violations occurring across the African continent.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+6
Protects young adults in Africa from deceptive recruitment into military service.
Would women be better off under this?+6
Specifically targets the recruitment of African women into hazardous drone factories.
Would men be better off under this?+6
Protects men from forced recruitment and deception into combat roles.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
Sanctions may restrict business dealings for identified foreign entities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Victims of Deception: The bill ensures that individuals who are victims of fraud, coercion, or deception related to these recruitment activities are not included on the sanctioned list. (Section 4(b))
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Humanitarian Exceptions: Sanctions will not be applied to transactions involving the sale of food, medicine, or medical devices, nor to the provision or financing of humanitarian assistance. (Section 5(c)(2))
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Countering Exploitation: By targeting those who facilitate the recruitment of people under false pretenses—such as those being sent to dangerous combat roles or hazardous factory conditions—the bill seeks to address potential human rights violations. (Section 2 and Section 3)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Restrictions on Organizations: The bill imposes significant financial burdens on listed foreign persons or governments, including prohibiting loans from United States financial institutions exceeding $10,000,000 and blocking transactions involving property within the United States. (Section 5(b)(1) and (3))
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Disruption of International Aid and Trade: The President is directed to prohibit various forms of support, such as loans or project assistance, from agencies like the International Development Finance Corporation and the Millennium Challenge Corporation to listed entities. (Section 5(b)(5))
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Travel and Entry Restrictions: Individuals identified on the list will be denied visas, excluded from the United States, and may have their current visas revoked immediately. (Section 5(b)(7))
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 Men+6Good For Women+6Good For Young Adults+6Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Business Owners-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 9/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, 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
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
Michael TurnerRepublican · Ohio