Sponsors (3)
The bill strengthens U.S. leverage, accountability, and transparency to deter Salvadoran government abuses and sanctions evasion, but does so at the risk of diplomatic friction, reduced development and humanitarian assistance in El Salvador, and added compliance and liability costs for U.S. entities.
Victims of Salvadoran government abuses are more likely to see accountability because senior officials and enablers can be sanctioned, denied visas, and blocked from U.S. financial systems.
U.S. taxpayers and the American public will be less likely to fund or indirectly subsidize Salvadoran officials engaged in human-rights abuses because assistance can be suspended and reporting/blocks on aid are required.
U.S. national-security and foreign-policy leverage is increased by withholding assistance and using influence at multilateral banks, giving the U.S. stronger tools to press for rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms in El Salvador.
Diplomatic relations and cooperation with El Salvador may be disrupted—U.S. ability to negotiate on migration, counternarcotics, and other shared priorities could weaken while sanctions and public naming are in effect.
Suspending U.S. and multilateral financing risks cutting off development, health, education, and other programs in El Salvador, harming beneficiaries there and potentially increasing migration and regional instability that affect U.S. communities.
Broad definitions and a lowered mens rea standard ('should have known') increase liability risk for businesses and individuals, potentially subjecting foreign branches and U.S.-based actors to extra‑territorial obligations and enforcement.
Based on analysis of 6 sections of legislative text.
Imposes targeted sanctions, visa bans, asset and financial restrictions on Salvadoran officials/associates, blocks loans and U.S. funds to El Salvador until a presidential certification, and requires a crypto-corruption report.
Introduced December 18, 2025 by James P. McGovern · Last progress December 18, 2025
Imposes targeted U.S. sanctions and visa bans on specified Salvadoran officials and foreign persons who engage in gross human rights violations, deprive U.S. residents of constitutional rights, or assist such actors. Blocks property and financial transactions, directs U.S. representatives at international financial institutions to oppose or suspend loans to El Salvador (except humanitarian assistance), requires a public report on Salvadoran government use of cryptocurrencies for corruption, and bars congressional funds to El Salvador until the President makes a specified certification to Congress.