Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith (Republican-NJ)May 5, 2025

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, 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.

US would increase pressure on Belarus's undemocratic government and its support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

This bill would update and strengthen a law from 2004 to support democracy and human rights in Belarus. It would expand sanctions against officials in Belarus who undermine democracy, abuse human rights, or help Russia's war in Ukraine. The bill also aims to help independent media and civil society groups within Belarus.

What Would Change

Today, the US has existing laws and sanctions related to Belarus. After this bill, the US policy and actions would be significantly updated and strengthened. Sanctions against certain Belarusian and Russian individuals would become mandatory, and the scope of US assistance for democracy and human rights in Belarus would expand to address more recent events, such as the abduction of Ukrainian children and Belarus's deeper involvement in Russia's war.

Key Provisions

Renames the existing law to the "Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025" to reflect updated goals.
Expands US policy to condemn Belarus's fraudulent elections, human rights abuses, and its support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the abduction of Ukrainian children.
Increases US support for independent media, civil society groups, human rights defenders, and democratic opposition in Belarus.
Makes certain sanctions mandatory against Belarusian officials and Russian actors involved in election manipulation, human rights abuses, aiding Russia's war, or promoting the "Union State" with Russia.
Requires the withdrawal of Russian forces from Belarus, an end to Belarus's support for Russia's war, and the return of all abducted Ukrainian children before sanctions can be lifted.

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HR 3201 · 119th Congress · May 5, 2025 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity