H.R. 8696: Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act

This bill, known as the "Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act," aims to officially designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The designation will be based on findings that highlight the government of Russia's long history of supporting acts of international terrorism, particularly under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin. Here’s a breakdown of the bill’s key components:

Findings

• The bill cites that U.S. policy identifies countries that repeatedly support acts of terrorism as state sponsors.
• Countries currently designated as state sponsors include Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria.
• Russia's government is said to have promoted terrorism against political opponents and foreign adversaries.
• The bill references Russia's military actions during conflicts, such as the Second Chechen War, which involved targeting civilians.
• Since 2014, particularly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has allegedly engaged in violence against Ukrainian civilians.
• Estimates suggest significant casualties among children and other civilians due to the ongoing conflict.
• There are reports of Russia engaging in the wrongful deportation and displacement of Ukrainian children.
• The support provided by Russia to the Syrian regime under Bashar Al Assad is highlighted as a contribution to terrorism.
• The bill discusses the use of mercenary groups, such as the Wagner Group, which are accused of committing violence against civilians in various countries.

Designation of Russia

If enacted, the bill will classify the Russian Federation as a country that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. This designation will activate certain legal provisions that may include:

• Sanctions as outlined under the Export Control Reform Act, the Foreign Assistance Act, and the Arms Export Control Act.
• Other provisions of U.S. law regarding counter-terrorism and foreign policy.

Limitations on Sanctions

The bill specifies that it will not impose sanctions on individuals involved in exporting agricultural products from Ukraine or providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring that aid to civilians will not be hindered by the sanctions against Russia.

Duration of the Designation

The designation as a state sponsor of terrorism will remain in effect until either:

• The Secretary of State determines that negotiations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine to end the conflict have begun; or
• Five years have passed since the enactment of this bill.

Implementation Guidelines

• Blocked or frozen assets of the Russian Federation are protected from being subject to attachment or execution in satisfaction of any judgments against Russia due to this designation.
• Assets will remain under the authority of the U.S. executive branch to manage in alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives, especially those supporting Ukraine.
• Victims of terrorism will still have the right to seek compensation from other legal sources.

Relevant Companies

None found