Bill · S. 2958· Senate(119-S-2958)
AGOA Extension and Bilateral Engagement Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 9/30/2025
- Last activity
- 9/30/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- John Kennedy
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "AGOA Extension and Bilateral Engagement Act of 2025," aims to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act through 2027. It mandates that the United States Trade Representative develop a strategy to expand trade and investment with AGOA beneficiary countries via bilateral agreements. Additionally, the bill calls for a comprehensive review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa. This review includes a report and certification regarding whether South Africa's actions undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. Finally, the President is required to submit a classified report identifying senior South African officials or leaders who may have engaged in corruption or human rights abuses.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill creates new strategies to facilitate bilateral trade and investment for U.S. businesses.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?+5
The bill mandates a strategy to expand and deepen trade and investment relationships through bilateral agreements with AGOA countries.
Is this likely to create jobs?+4
The extension of AGOA programs like the regional apparel article program supports continued trade and investment opportunities.
The opposite
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?-1
The bill's focus on geopolitical tension with South Africa does not directly provide benefit to veterans.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Extended Trade Opportunities: The bill extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act and its specific programs, such as the regional apparel article program and the third-country fabric program, through 2027 (Section 101). This extension could provide continued trade and investment opportunities for AGOA beneficiary countries.
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Strategic Trade Expansion: The United States Trade Representative is required to create a strategy to deepen trade and investment relationships through bilateral agreements, including prioritizing negotiations with at least five specific AGOAs beneficiary countries (Section 102).
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Increased Accountability for Corruption and Human Rights: The bill requires a report on senior South African government officials and African National Congress leaders who may have engaged in corruption or human rights abuses (Section 204). This could lead to the imposition of sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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National Security Concerns regarding South Africa: The bill expresses a sense of Congress that the foreign policy actions of the African National Congress—specifically those favoring the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and Hamas—undermine United States national security and foreign policy interests (Section 201).
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Potential Sanctions: The President is tasked with determining if senior South African government officials or leaders have engaged in conduct that meets the criteria for sanctions (Section 204). This could result in the imposition of sanctions against specific individuals.
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 Business Owners+5Good For Union Workers+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For African Americans+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+5Improves International Alliances+3Improves Veterans Benefits-1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+2
- 9/30/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Introduced in Senate