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119-s-1478119th CongressWALLET

Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Risch, James E. [R-ID]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would create a statutory system to protect U.S. nationals from wrongful or unlawful detention abroad by allowing the government to label offending countries and coordinate a federal response. It would also add mandatory travel-certification rules and an advisory council to guide policy and reporting.

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  • Families and detained individuals: Would strengthen services and formalize federal coordination for hostages and wrongful detainees, and require annual briefings to key congressional committees.
  • Travelers and airlines: Would require passengers traveling to destinations flagged for wrongful-detention risk to certify they reviewed the State Department advisory. Carriers and ticket agents would need to collect that certification while consular services remain available.
  • Designated countries and federal tools: Would create a “State Sponsors of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention” designation and trigger a comprehensive review of response tools such as sanctions, visa limits, export controls, and travel restrictions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Naming countries that detain U.S. nationals

If enacted, the Secretary of State could name a country a 'State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention.' The Secretary would tell Congress at least 7 days before a designation. The Department of State would publish and update a public list. After designation the Secretary would review sanctions, visa limits, aid, export rules, and travel restrictions. The Secretary must brief Congress within 60 days and then yearly for five years. A designation can end if the foreign government frees detainees and gives assurances.

Advisory council for hostage affairs

If enacted, the President would create an Advisory Council on Hostage Taking and Unlawful or Wrongful Detention. Members would include formerly detained U.S. nationals, family members, and experts. Members would serve three-year terms and would not be federal employees. They would not get pay but could receive travel expenses and per diem. The council would send an annual report and would end 10 years after enactment.

Protects U.S. travel and recognition rules

If enacted, the bill would say nothing in it may be read to stop U.S. citizens from traveling. It would also say the designation rules do not mean the U.S. formally recognizes any foreign government. This is a legal clarification that keeps travel rights and recognition rules separate.

Passenger certification for risky travel

If enacted, airlines and ticket agents who sell tickets in the U.S. to destinations with a D or K travel advisory would require the passenger to certify they read the advisory and understand the risks. The bill defines D as a risk of wrongful detention and K as a threat or use of violence or hostage-taking. The requirement would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Risch, James E. [R-ID]

ID • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 4/10/2025

  • Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 12/18/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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