United States 116th Congress Status: Died 1 R cosponsors

HR 8438 — Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020

Last action — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. Died in session

This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Expands the President's authority to impose sanctions related to Belarus to include activities surrounding the disputed 2020 Belarusian presidential election and subsequent government crackdown. The bill also expands authorized assistance to Belarus. The President may impose visa-blocking sanctions on any alien who (1) is a member of the Central Election Commission of Belarus or assisted in the manipulation of the August 9, 2020, presidential election, (2) is a government official responsible for the crackdown on independent media, (3) is an official of the Union State (an international organization consisting of Belarus and Russia), or (4) is a Russian individual who has significantly participated in the crackdown on the press or human rights abuses related to political repression in Belarus. (The President already has authority to impose such sanctions on certain aliens, such as senior leaders in the government of Belarus.) The bill also expands authorized assistance related to Belarus to include assistance to (1) counter internet censorship and surveillance technology, (2) support the work of women advocating for freedom and human rights, and (3) support political refugees fleeing the crackdown in Belarus.

Bill Text

We don't have the full text on file for this bill yet.

Read HR 8438 on the official United States source →

Action History

  1. Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

  2. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5915-5917)

  4. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8438.

  5. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5915-5920)

  6. Mr. Espaillat moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  7. Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

  8. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Introduced in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

International affairs Belarus Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies Canada Cardiovascular and respiratory health Computers and information technology Congressional oversight Detention of persons Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad Elections, voting, political campaign regulation Emergency medical services and trauma care Energy storage, supplies, demand Europe European Union Foreign aid and international relief Foreign and international corporations Foreign language and bilingual programs Foreign property Government lending and loan guarantees Historical and cultural resources Human rights Infectious and parasitic diseases Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information International exchange and broadcasting International organizations and cooperation Internet and video services Military operations and strategy National symbols News media and reporting Protest and dissent Refugees, asylum, displaced persons Religion Russia Sanctions Small business Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status Subversive activities U.S. and foreign investments United Kingdom Visas and passports Women's rights Internet, web applications, social media
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Frequently asked questions

What does HR 8438 do?
Expands the President's authority to impose sanctions related to Belarus to include activities surrounding the disputed 2020 Belarusian presidential election and subsequent government crackdown. The bill also expands authorized assistance to Belarus. The President may impose visa-blocking sanctions on any alien who (1) is a member of the Central Election Commission of Belarus or assisted in the manipulation of the August 9, 2020, presidential election, (2) is a government official responsible for the crackdown on independent media, (3) is an official of the Union State (an international organization consisting of Belarus and Russia), or (4) is a Russian individual who has significantly participated in the crackdown on the press or human rights abuses related to political repression in Belarus. (The President already has authority to impose such sanctions on certain aliens, such as senior leaders in the government of Belarus.) The bill also expands authorized assistance related to Belarus to include assistance to (1) counter internet censorship and surveillance technology, (2) support the work of women advocating for freedom and human rights, and (3) support political refugees fleeing the crackdown in Belarus.
Who sponsors HR 8438?
HR 8438 is sponsored by Christopher Smith (R).
What is the current status of HR 8438?
This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HR 8438?
Track HR 8438 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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