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119-hr-3225119th Congress

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Introduced

Summary

Expanded sanctions and targeted measures would sharply broaden U.S. authorities to isolate Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime, punish human rights abuses, and counter Belarusian support for Russia's war in Ukraine. The bill also tightens definitions and labeling used to implement those measures and boosts support for independent media and information about Russia's invasion.

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  • Belarusian officials, security forces, state-owned enterprises, military officers, and facilitators of Wagner Group activities would face a wider set of mandatory and discretionary sanctions and penalties, with authorities for 180-day case-by-case waivers.
  • Independent media, civil society, and victims of abuse would get explicit U.S. policy backing and the statute adds participation in the abduction or deportation of Ukrainian children to the list of sanctionable conduct, including allegations of more than 2,400 children moved.
  • U.S. agencies and Congress would get new oversight and intelligence requirements, including a Director of National Intelligence report due within 90 days on Russian forces in Belarus, Wagner activity, responsibility for child abductions, weapons transfers from Iran, sanctions evasion, and migrant-related destabilization.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More U.S. aid for Belarus groups

If enacted, the U.S. could fund more Belarus democracy work. It would allow help for political parties, independent media, and tools to beat internet censorship and share facts about Russia’s war. Aid could support civil society, youth groups, women advocates, unions, and entrepreneurs, including tech and access to finance. It could also back Belarusian language and culture, help refugees and students in exile, and document human rights abuses. The United Transitional Cabinet and the Coordination Council would be eligible. These changes would start upon enactment and mainly help Belarusians, not U.S. households.

Broader sanctions tied to Belarus abuses

If enacted, the President would block property of foreign people tied to Belarus abuses. Targets include election manipulation, persecution, helping Russia’s war, or abducting Ukrainian children. The President could also sanction senior leaders, their family, and those who profit from them. Humanitarian trade in food and medicine would be allowed, and waivers could last up to 180 days with 15 days’ notice to Congress. Violations would face penalties under U.S. emergency powers, and current Belarus sanctions would stay until the President certifies major progress.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

NJ • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2025

  • Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

    SC • R

    Sponsored 5/7/2025

  • Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

    NJ • R

    Sponsored 12/9/2025

  • Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]

    OH • D

    Sponsored 2/10/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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