S. 2934: Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025, aims to limit the ability of individuals or entities to bring civil lawsuits in the United States that are connected to foreign judgments or arbitral awards when those judgments pertain to actions involving compliance with U.S. sanctions, particularly against Russia.

Key Objectives

• To protect U.S. persons from legal disadvantages resulting from their compliance with U.S. sanctions.
• To prevent foreign individuals or entities from receiving compensation related to actions taken against U.S. persons that comply with these sanctions.

Provisions of the Bill

• Limitation on Civil Actions: The bill prohibits any individuals or entities (except the U.S. government or its representatives) from filing civil actions in state or federal courts to enforce foreign judgments or arbitral awards if the claims are based on:
  • Conduct resulting from compliance with U.S. sanctions that hindered contract performance.
  • Jurisdiction asserted by the courts based partly on U.S. sanctions or related legislation.
• Removal and Dismissal: Any civil action intended to enforce such foreign judgments can be removed to a federal district court and will be dismissed.
• Preserving Certain Rights: The bill clarifies that it does not limit the authority of U.S. officials to act under existing laws, nor does it restrict the rights of certain victims of terrorism or related acts who may seek legal remedies.
• Definition of U.S. Sanctions: U.S. sanctions are defined as any restrictions on transactions related to foreign countries imposed by the U.S. for national security, foreign policy, or economic reasons, excluding import duties.

Application of the Bill

The limitations established by this bill will apply to any civil actions that are pending on or after the date of its enactment.

Overall Impact

This bill seeks to create a legal environment where U.S. persons are not penalized in civil courts for adhering to U.S. sanctions, particularly those targeting situations involving Russia. The aim is to ensure that compliance with these sanctions does not become the basis for foreign legal claims that could disadvantage American individuals and businesses.

Relevant Companies

None found.