Bill · S.Res. 855· Senate(119-SRES-855)
A resolution acknowledging that it is in the national interest of the United States to support democratic actors in the Russian Federation, commending the work of Russian civil society and independent media to expose and respond to the crimes of the government of Vladimir Putin and pursue accountability for such crimes.
- Introduced
- 9/16/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S4758-4759)
- Sponsored by
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 4
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution acknowledges that supporting democratic actors in the Russian Federation is in the national interest of the United States. It commends the work of Russian civil society and independent media in exposing and responding to the crimes of Vladimir Putin's government. The text details various actions by the Russian government, including the suppression of dissent, the invasion of Ukraine, and the restriction of independent information. It highlights the work of pro-democracy groups, independent media, and civil society in helping Ukrainian citizens, exposing sanctions violations, and assisting anti-war Russians. Finally, the Senate resolves to condemn Russian government actions, call on the Department of State to bolster support for pro-democracy Russian individuals and organizations, and commit to engagement with Russians living in exile.
Yes
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
The resolution condemns Russian government aggression and expresses solidarity with democratic actors and allies resisting authoritarian actions.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+4
The measure encourages diplomatic support through the Department of State for civil society and pro-democracy advocates.
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?+3
The resolution calls on the Department of State to bolster support for pro-democracy and anti-authoritarian actors opposing the Russian government's aggressive actions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Pro-Democracy Actors: Under resolved paragraph (2), the Senate calls on the Department of State, working through the Democracy Fund and consulting with the National Endowment for Democracy, to renew and bolster efforts to engage with and support pro-democracy Russian individuals and organizations who oppose the war against Ukraine and believe in a democratic future. This is positive because it aims to back people fighting for freedom and democratic values.
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Recognition of Civil Society and Independent Media: The resolution recognizes the strategic imperative of the United States to support democratic actors in the Russian Federation who are exposing and pursuing accountability for the crimes of Vladimir Putin's government, as stated in resolved paragraph (3). This explicitly acknowledges and values the work being done to help Ukrainian citizens, expose sanctions violations, collect evidence of war crimes, and help anti-war Russians avoid forced military drafts.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lack of Explicit Negative Provisions: The provided text of the resolution does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States. Therefore, no negative impacts can be identified from the 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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4Increases Counter Terrorism Funding+3
- 9/16/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S4758-4759)
- 5 Cosponsors added.
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi