119-hr-4804119th Congress

To authorize an annual strategic dialogue to return democratic rule to Belarus, and for other purposes.

Sponsored By: Representative Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would authorize the Secretary of State to organize an annual strategic dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement to advance a return to democratic rule. It would also promote accountability for the Lukashenka regime and boost Belarusian civil society, culture, and access to services.

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  • Belarusian democratic movement: Would receive coordinated U.S. engagement to support free and fair elections and the movement’s day-to-day operations.
  • Belarusians abroad: Would get improved access to essential services for people living outside Belarus.
  • Political prisoners and journalists: Would be the focus of efforts to secure releases of wrongfully detained individuals.
  • Neighboring countries: The dialogue would address political, economic, and security impacts from events in Belarus and Russia on the wider region.
  • Accountability and sanctions: Would push for accountability for human rights abuses and Belarus’s support for Russia’s war, including through the use of sanctions.
  • Culture and media: Would support Belarusian language programs, independent media, and civil society efforts to restore democratic institutions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Annual U.S. talks on Belarus democracy

If enacted, the Secretary of State would host yearly talks with Belarusian democratic leaders. The talks would plan steps to restore democracy and support free, fair elections. They would help the movement’s daily work and help Belarusians abroad get essential services. They would address regional political, economic, and security impacts. They would push accountability, including sanctions, and work to free political prisoners, including journalists. The talks would also support Belarusian language, culture, independent media, and civil society. This would start upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

    SC • R

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

  • Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]

    OH • D

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

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

    NJ • R

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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