Bill · S. 2752· Senate(119-S-2752)
U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act
- Introduced
- 9/10/2025
- Last activity
- 9/10/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- John Kennedy
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act requires the President to conduct a full review of the relationship between the United States and South Africa. This review is prompted by findings that South Africa has supported Hamas, cooperated with Russia and China, and mismanaged state resources. The President must submit a report and certify if South Africa has undermined U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. Additionally, the bill requires a classified report on South African officials who may be eligible for sanctions due to corruption or human rights abuses. If the President certifies that U.S. interests were undermined, South Africa's eligibility for certain trade preference programs will be terminated.
Yes
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
Seeks to align bilateral relations with U.S. strategic interests and deter cooperation with adversaries.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+3
Mandates a comprehensive review of diplomatic ties to ensure they serve national security interests.
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
Grants the President authority to certify and terminate foreign trade preferences based on national security reviews.
The opposite
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-4
Potential termination of trade preferences for South Africa may decrease bilateral trade volume.
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Business owners relying on trade with South Africa may face losses if trade preferences are terminated.
Is this likely to grow the economy?-3
Potential termination of trade preferences could disrupt economic activity and trade growth.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
National Security Protection: By deterring security cooperation with the PRC and the Russian Federation, the bill aims to protect U.S. national security interests, specifically regarding Russia's war in Ukraine (Section 3).
-
Accountability for Human Rights Abuses: The bill requires a report to identify senior South African officials and ANC leaders who have engaged in human rights abuses or corruption for potential sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Trade Benefits: If the President certifies that South Africa has undermined U.S. interests, the country will lose its eligibility for trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the Trade Act of 1974, which could impact economic activity (Section 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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves International Trade-4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 9/10/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Introduced in Senate