Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025
- house
- senate
- president
Last progress May 5, 2025 (7 months ago)
Introduced on May 5, 2025 by Christopher Henry Smith
Sponsors (3)
House Votes
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.
Senate Votes
Presidential Signature
AI Summary
This bill updates the 2004 Belarus Democracy Act to support the Belarusian people and increase pressure on those who crush free elections and help Russia’s war in Ukraine. It requires asset freezes on people who rig elections, persecute activists or journalists, aid Russia’s invasion, or take part in abducting and moving Ukrainian children to Belarus. Earlier sanctions stay in place until Belarus shows real progress, like Russian troops leaving Belarus and abducted children being returned. Sanctions include carveouts so food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid can still reach people.
It funds practical help on the ground: independent media and internet freedom, civil society groups and human rights defenders, support for political refugees and Belarusians in exile, and programs to preserve Belarusian language and culture. It also helps small businesses and the IT sector. A report is due within 90 days on Russia’s military and nuclear presence in Belarus, the role of groups like Wagner, the transfer of Ukrainian children, weapons purchases, and any ways Belarus is helping Russia dodge export controls and sanctions. The United States is urged to work closely with allies, recognize democratic opposition groups for dialogue, and consider naming a Special Envoy for Belarus.
- Who is affected: Belarusian officials and others tied to election fraud, human rights abuses, or support for Russia’s war (they face targeted asset freezes); independent media and civic groups (added support); refugees and Belarusians in exile (aid and education); and U.S. partners working together on Belarus policy.
- What changes: stronger, longer‑lasting sanctions with humanitarian exceptions; existing sanctions remain until real progress, including returning abducted children and removal of Russian forces; more funding for free media, internet access, civil society, culture, and small business.
- When: a detailed report is due within 90 days after the bill becomes law; program funding is authorized through 2027.