§6444 Report to Congress

Summary

When the President decides to act under the powers in section 6441 and use one of the measures listed in paragraphs (9)–(15) of section 6445 (or when the President names a country as a country of particular concern under section 6442), the President must send Congress a report within 90 days. The report must say which actions will be taken, describe the religious‑freedom violations that led to the action, explain the purpose of the action, and describe any multilateral talks sought or held. It must also include an evaluation — done with the Secretary of State, the Ambassador at Large, the Commission, the Special Adviser, the parties in section 6443(c) and (d), and others the President chooses — of the effects on the foreign government, the country’s people, the U.S. economy and other interested parties, and U.S. interests in democracy, human rights, and security. That evaluation must list policy tools being used in the country, including programs for democratic stability, economic growth, and counterterrorism. The President may keep parts of the evaluation from the public but must give the full evaluation to Congress. The report must also state that non‑economic options to stop the severe violations have been reasonably exhausted, including the consultations required under section 6443. If, before the 90 days are up, the President certifies to Congress that one more period of time is needed under section 6441(b)(3) or 6442(c)(3), the President may delay sending the report until that single additional period ends, which may not exceed 90 days.