Proposed legislation related to international law and human rights: July 17, 2025 – August 19, 2025
Kudos to Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) for highlighting human rights abuses through a series of Senate resolutions. A shame they found so little support for their cause.
S.Res.326 – A resolution remembering the 33rd anniversary of the bombing of the Embassy of Israel in Buenos Aries on March 17, 1992, and the 31st anniversary of the bombing of the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association building in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994, and recommitting to efforts to uphold justice for victims of the attacks.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by John Curtis (R-UT). Cosponsored by Jacky Rosen (D-NV). Referred to Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Stuck in committee.
S.2362 - Ending Lending to China Act of 2025. To oppose the provision of assistance to the People’s Republic of China by the multilateral development banks.
Introduced July 21, 2025 by John Barrasso (R-WY). Cosponsored by sixteen Republicans (Dave McCormick cosponsored on September 30) and no Democrats. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: The sixteen senators who cosponsored are pretty much the steady Trump Republicans in the Senate. Disappointed in Sen. McCormick.
Snarky comment: The bill does not propose ending borrowing from China by U.S.-based real estate developers.
S.Res.327 - A resolution condemning the persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority countries and encouraging the President to prioritize the protection of persecuted Christians in United States foreign policy.
Introduced July 21, 2025 by Josh Hawley (R-MO). Cosponsored by James Lankford (R-OK). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Thankfully still in committee.
No comment needed.
PM35 – July 21, 2025. From the President of the United States, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the continuation of the national emergency that was originally declared in Executive Order 13882 of July 26, 2019, with respect to the situation in Mali.
Comment: A Trump EO from his first term. Biden extended it through EO in 2022.
PM36 - July 21, 2025. From the President of the United States, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report of the continuation of the national emergency that was originally declared in Executive Order 13581 of July 24, 2011, with respect to significant transnational criminal organizations.
Comment: An EO from Barack Obama.
H.R.4577 – Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2025. To take measures with respect to certain property that is nationalized or expropriated by certain foreign governments, to amend section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to include expropriation of the assets of United States persons in acts, policies, and practices of foreign countries that are unreasonable or discriminatory.
Introduced July 21, 2025 by August Pfluger (R-TX). Cosponsored by 31 Republican representatives and 7 Democrats. Referred to Ways and Means and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: This bill does not cover all American property abroad. It has a narrow focus: American ships and related port property. In addition to the typical congressional definition of ships and boats, it identifies the following as “prohibited property” that would provoke US action: “Port, harbor, or marine terminal, including any relevant port infrastructure.” Of course, owned by the US or our citizens.
A truly useful element of the proposed legislation is its requirement that the Secretaries of Homeland Security, State, and Treasury formally identify what the United States considers “its” property abroad, related to this bill.
July 22, 2025, passed House, referred to Senate: H.R.1716 – Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2025.
H.R.1716 was introduced February 27, 2025 by Lisa McClain (R-MI). Cosponsored by Brad Sherman (D-CA). Referred to Financial Services and Foreign Affairs the same day. On March 5, markup session held. Both committees discharged for a full vote in the House on March 27, 2025 and it was immediately placed on the House calendar.
On July 21, 2025, this was one of many bills pushed through and passed under suspension of rules. It was sent to the Senate and referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on July 22, 2025. It is still in committee.
Congress.gov summary: This bill, in the event of a threat to U.S. interests by China, (1) requires additional reporting on the domestic and foreign financial activity of specified Chinese officials, and (2) prohibits certain financial transactions with specified Chinese officials.
Upon a determination by the President that such a threat exists, the bill requires the Department of the Treasury to (1) report to Congress on funds held by certain members of the Chinese Communist Party, including the total amount of funds, a description of the funds, and a list of related financial institutions; and (2) brief Congress on how these funds were acquired and any illicit or corrupt means employed to acquire or use the funds. These requirements are subject to specified exemptions and waivers.
After such a report is made, Treasury must prohibit significant transactions between U.S. financial institutions and these individuals (and their immediate family, if appropriate). The bill provides exceptions for intelligence, law enforcement, and national security activitie s. The President may waive the prohibition under certain circumstances.
July 22, 2025, passed House, referred to Senate: H.R.1764 – Aligning SEC Regulations for the World Bank’s International Development Association Act.
H.R.1764 was introduced March 3, 2025 by Maxine Waters (D-CA). No cosponsors. Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services the same day.
On March 5, markup session held. Discharged by Financial Services for a full vote in the House on March 21, 2025 and it was immediately placed on the House calendar.
On July 21, 2025, this was one of many bills pushed through and passed under suspension of rules. It was sent to the Senate and referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on July 22, 2025. It is still in committee.
Congress.gov summary: This bill exempts from securities regulations any securities issued by the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. The association provides loans and grants to developing countries. The Securities and Exchange Commission may suspend this exemption at any time.
The bill does not apply if, before the bill’s date of enactment, the Department of the Treasury reports that IDA is providing financial support to a country whose government has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, as determined by the Department of State.
July 22, 2025, passed House, referred to Senate: H.R.2384 – Financial Technology Protection Act of 2025.
H.R.2384 was introduced March 26, 2025 by Zachary Nunn (R-IA). Cosponsored by two Democrats and two Republicans. Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services the same day.
On April 2, markup session held. Discharged by Financial Services for a full vote in the House on May 6, 2025 and it was immediately placed on the House calendar.
On July 21, 2025, this was one of many bills pushed through and passed under suspension of rules. It was sent to the Senate and referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on July 22, 2025. It is still in committee.
Congress.gov summary: This bill establishes the Independent Financial Technology Working Group to Combat Terrorism and Illicit Financing. The working group must study and report on terrorist and illicit use of digital assets and other related emerging technologies and develop proposals to improve anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing efforts.
The working group terminates four years after the bill’s enactment or after the working group completes any ongoing activities, whichever is later.
In addition, the Department of the Treasury must (1) report on the potential use of digital assets and other emerging technologies by states, nonstate actors, and terrorist groups for the purpose of evading sanctions to threaten the national security of the United States; and (2) describe a strategy to mitigate and prevent this usage.
July 22, 2025, passed House, referred to Senate: H.R.1450 – OFAC Licensure for Investigators Act.
H.R.1450 was introduced February 21, 2025 by Joyce Beatty (D-OH). Cosponsored by Zachary Nunn (R-IA). Referred to Financial Services and Foreign Affairs the same day.
On March 5, markup session held. Discharged by both committees for a full vote in the House on March 27, 2025 and it was immediately placed on the House calendar.
On July 21, 2025, this was one of many bills pushed through and passed under suspension of rules. It was sent to the Senate and referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on July 22, 2025. It is still in committee.
Congress.gov summary: This bill requires the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to establish a pilot program to license eligible private sector firms to conduct nominal financial transactions as part of the firm’s sanctions-related investigations.
A firm that receives a license must submit monthly reports to OFAC on activities conducted under the license.
(OFAC, within the Department of the Treasury, is one of the primary agencies responsible for enforcing economic sanctions. OFAC requires firms to take various actions, such as ensuring that they are not engaging in transactions with entities subject to U.S. sanctions. A firm may also provide voluntary self-disclosures to OFAC with information from a firm’s investigation of suspicious activities.)
S.2380 - Quad Economic Security Act. To direct the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, to seek to establish an Economic Security Working Group within the Quad.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Michael Bennet (D-CO). Cosponsored by Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comments: The Quad is comprised of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Bennet properly gave President Trump for having revived the “Quad” in 2017 and to President Biden for elevating the “Quad” to leaders’ level.
It’s ironic and troubling that Trump did not attend the 2025 meeting of the Quad in India. Rubio attended the 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (in Washington, DC), which does not have quite the same impact.
S.2382 – Trusted Foreign Auditing Act of 2025. To amend the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to provide for disclosure regarding foreign jurisdictions that hinder inspections.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Rick Perry (R-FL). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day. Still in committee.
Alert: I would like more information about this proposed legislation, especially from my friends involved with fraud investigation. It appears to be legit. But since only Rick Perry (R-FL) is associated with this bill, it makes me wonder what the fine print is. I have a general rule of thumb: Never mess with Sarbanes-Oxley! This legislation amends SOX.
S.2384 – American Investment Accountability Act. To monitor United States investments in entities that are controlled by foreign adversaries.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Rick Perry (R-FL). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day.
Alert: As with S.2382 above, this is a Rick-Perry-only special. The bill purports to tighten reporting regulations for investments in and transactions with “foreign adversaries.” In addition to Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China, Perry named Venezuela and Cuba as “foreign adversaries.” Is that the reason he couldn’t get cosponsors? Or am I missing something?
S.Res.331 - A resolution calling upon the Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Cosponsored by three Republicans, seven Democrats, and one Independent (Angus King). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Still in committee.
Comment: The full text of the U.N.’s Convention on the Law of the Sea is here. The United States is the only major power that has not ratified this 1982 treaty. 169 countries have done so.
The U.S. has participated in every single negotiation from the earliest days to the latest amendments. Apparently we like to claim we recognize the UN’s “Convention on the Law of the Sea.” But we will not ratify it. Why? God only knows and she ain’t tellin’.
EC1336 – July 22, 2025. From the Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Corps, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office of Inspector General’s Semiannual Report for the period of October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
H.R.4586 – AIDA (African Diaspora Investment and Development Act). To establish a comprehensive strategy to support African and Caribbean diaspora engagement in development through reduced remittance costs, investment incentives, and institutional partnerships.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). Cosponsored by five Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to Ways and Means and Foreign Affairs and Financial Services the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: I recommend not dismissing this bill out of hand, but reading it in its entirety. Cherfilus-McCormick makes sound economic sense.
S.2387 - LEAD Act of 2025 (Leading Exports of Aerial Drones Act of 2025). To amend the Arms Export Control Act to address arms export controls for certain unmanned aircraft systems and items.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Tom Cotton (R-AR). Cosponsored by Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Ted Budd (R-NC). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: Drones as weapons of war are clearly addressed here. The bill lacks a certain amount of caution.
S.2400 - Art Market Integrity Act. To amend title 31, United States Code, to subject certain art traders to provisions relating to records and reports on monetary instruments transactions.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by John Fetterman (D-PA). Cosponsored by three Republicans (including Dave McCormick) and two Democrats. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: This targets money laundering.
S.2424 - THINK TWICE Act of 2025 (Tracking Hostile Industry Networks and Kit while Thwarting Weapons Imports from Chinese Entities Act of 2025). To require a report of, and a strategy to combat, arms sales of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Pete Ricketts (R-NE). Cosponsored by Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Rick Scott (R-FL). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day.
On October 30, 2025, Senator Risch sent this to the Senate for a full vote and it was placed on the Senate calendar. No movement since.
S.Amdt.3005 – “To amend the preamble.” Submitted July 23, 2025 by Rand Paul (R-KY).
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Senate amendment submitted. The resolution itself is still in committee.
Comment: Paul wishes to strike the preamble to S.Res.81, which calls on the UK, France, and Germany to initiate “snapback of sanctions” on Iran. Rand Paul wants to remove all suggestions of sanctions and focus instead on U.S. military strikes that have already occurred.
S.Amdt.3006 – ”In the nature of a substitute.” Submitted July 23, 2025 by Rand Paul (R-KY).
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Senate amendment submitted. The resolution itself is still in committee.
Comment: Paul wishes to strike the preamble to S.Res.81, which calls on the UK, France, and Germany to initiate “snapback of sanctions” on Iran. Rand Paul wants to remove all suggestions of sanctions and instead encourage peaceful resolution with Iran.
H.R.4736 - No Chinese Cars Act. To amend the Trade Act of 1974 to modify the authority of the Trade Representative to take actions with respect to certain foreign trade practices. No text available.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Haley Stevens (D-MI). No cosponsors. Referred to Ways and Means the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: Although the short title targets “Chinese cars,” this is a trade bill focusing on limiting trade with People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
July 24, 2025, passed House, referred to Senate: H.R.1549 - China Financial Threat Mitigation Act of 2025.
H.R.1549 was introduced February 24, 2025 by Roger Williams (R-TX). Cosponsored by Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Michael Lawler (R-NY). Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services the same day.
On March 5, markup session held. Discharged for a full vote in the House on March 21, 2025 and it was immediately placed on the House calendar.
On July 23, 2025, this was one of many bills pushed through and passed under suspension of rules. It was sent to the Senate and referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on July 24, 2025. It is still in committee.
Congress.gov summary: This bill requires the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with specified federal financial agencies, to report on the exposure of the United States to the activity of China’s financial sector.
The report must include:
- the effects that risks in China’s financial sector have on U.S. and global financial systems
- a description of the policies the United States is adopting to protect U.S. financial stability
- a description and evaluation of the reliability of Chinese economic data
- recommendations for additional actions to strengthen international cooperation to mitigate risks and protect U.S. interests.
S.2453 - Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience Authorization Act. To require the Secretary of Defense to establish and maintain a security cooperation initiative to strengthen cooperation among the defense industrial bases of the United States and allied and partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Introduced July 24, 2025 by Andy Kim (D-NJ). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
July 24, 2025 alert: July 24, 2025 meeting. 11:30AM(EDT), 116 Capitol (Senate side), Washington, D.C. Business meeting to consider the nominations of Michael G. Waltz, of Florida, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations during his tenure of service as Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, and to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the Rank of Ambassador, and the Representative of the United States of America in the Security Council of the United Nations. Meeting Details.
July 24, 2025 alert: July 29, 2025 meeting. 10:30AM(EDT), 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Hearings to examine certain nominations. Meeting Details.
July 24, 2025 alert: July 30, 2025 meeting. 10:00AM(EDT), 116 Capitol (Senate side), Washington, D.C. Business meeting to consider pending calendar business. Meeting Details
July 24, 2025 alert: July 30, 2025 meeting. 2:30PM(EDT), 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Hearings to examine finding opportunities for U.S.-Africa partnerships. Meeting Details.
S.2525 - Transnational Repression Policy Act. To address transnational repression by foreign governments against private individuals.
Introduced July 29, 2025 by Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Cosponsored by Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: This Act is composed of many critical parts. But perhaps its definition of transnational repression explains why it’s an important piece of legislation. And simultaneously, the reason it is unlikely to get bipartisan support.
In this Act, the term “transnational repression” refers to a range of tactics deployed by a foreign government, or agents or proxies of a foreign government, to reach beyond their borders to intimidate, silence, harass, coerce, or harm individuals, such as political dissidents, activists, journalists, political opponents, religious and ethnic minority groups, international students, and members of diaspora and exile communities.
EC1398 – July 29, 2025. From the President of the United States, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report of the continuation of the national emergency with respect to Lebanon that was declared in Executive Order 13441 of August 1, 2007.
Comment: Not sure why EC1398 was an executive communication and not a presidential message (PM). Also, this continued a GWB-era executive order that has been renewed throughout the Obama, Trump-1, and Biden administrations.
EC1405 – July 29, 2025. From the Acting President and Chairman, Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to a transaction involving U.S. exports to Kazakhstan. Referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day.
H.R.4780 - USTRx Act (Use Sovereignty To reduce Rx Act). To identify and take action against international trade practices of high income countries that unfairly exploit innovation by deviating from market-based policies and unfairly exploit United States innovation.
Introduced July 29, 2025 by Jodey Arrington (R-TX). Cosponsored by five Republicans and no Democrats. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: It’s the fault of all those bad, bad countries who take care of their citizens that prescription drugs are cheaper everywhere else! So let’s make those bad, bad countries pay! Oh, and let’s create a brand new position in the federal government that we also want to downsize and call that brand new position “Chief Pharmaceutical Trade Negotiator.” Because we have so much free money and need more federal agencies.
S.2550 - Critical Minerals Partnership Act of 2025. To provide for international cooperation to secure critical mineral supply chains.
Introduced July 30, 2025 by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Cosponsored by John Curtis (R-UT). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day.
Sent to the full Senate on October 30, 2025 and placed on calendar. No movement since.
S.2552 - PRC Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Moratorium Act. To amend the securities laws to prohibit brokers and dealers with certain connections to the People’s Republic of China from being members of a national securities association, to prohibit investment advisers with certain connections to the People’s Republic of China from registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Introduced July 30, 2025 by DAVE McCORMICK. Cosponsored by John Fetterman (D-PA). Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day. Still in committee.
S.2535 - Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act. To enable passenger vessels that were not built in the United States to receive coastwise endorsement.
Introduced July 30, 2025 by Mike Lee (R-UT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day. Still in committee.
S.2560 - Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act of 2025. To expand the imposition of sanctions under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 with respect to human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China and to counter the genocidal policies of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Introduced July 30, 2025 by Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Cosponsored by Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: This is a long, comprehensive bill. If you write or read about Human Rights, you may want to read the whole thing and comment on this post.
I find it fascinating that the Trump Republican emphasis seems to be on how China is “exploiting” the United States. While the Democratic and Romney Republican faction expresses horror at China’s human rights violations. Perhaps that best defines the great divide.
S.Res.346 - A resolution urging all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to spend a minimum of 5 percent of gross domestic product on defense.
Introduced July 30, 2025 by John Kennedy (R-LA). Cosponsored by six Republicans and no Democrats. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Thankfully still in committee.
Snarky comment: Wow! They are trying to one-up Trump! Is this the new Loyalty Test for Trump Republicans?
July 30, 2025 hearing. “Hearings to examine finding opportunities for U.S.-Africa partnerships.” Note that this was originally billed as “pending legislation.”
July 30, 2025: Transcripts of the February 19, 2025 meeting were made available. “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs.”
July 30, 2025: Transcripts of the February 26, 2025 meeting were made available. “Interdicting Illicit Drug Trafficking: A View from the Front Lines.”
EC1420 – July 30, 2025. From the Senior Bureau Official, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled “Determination under section 7034(k)(5) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (Div. A, P.L. 118-83).
EC1421 - July 30, 2025. From the Senior Bureau Official, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled “International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Updates to Certain Proscribed Countries and Other Changes.”
EC1425 – July 30, 2025. From the Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Corps, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office of Inspector General’s Semiannual Report for the period of October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
S.2573 - Foreign Property Ownership Transparency Act. To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the purchase of residential real estate in the United States by foreign individuals, entities, and governments.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day. Still in committee.
S.2574 - Prohibition of Agricultural Land for Foreign Adversaries Act. To prohibit certain persons from purchasing agricultural land in the United States.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: The “certain persons” who would be prohibited by this bill from buying agricultural land in the USA include any individual or entity associated with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the People’s Republic of China, and the Russian Federation.
S.2578 - Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Brazilian Amazon Act. To support United States investment opportunities, to strengthen bilateral collaboration in addressing criminal elements operating in the Brazilian Amazon.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Cosponsored by John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
S.2592 - Supporting Ukraine Act of 2025. To provide emergency supplemental appropriations in response to the crisis in Ukraine.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Cosponsored by Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Serious comment: This is a long bill, not merely a doodle thrown together at a DC bar. If defending Ukraine and exposing Vladimir Putin’s machinations are important to you, I recommend reading the text of the bill. These two women take no hostages.
S.2609 - Financial Technology Protection Act of 2025. To establish an Independent Financial Technology Working Group to Combat Terrorism and Illicit Financing.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Ted Budd (R-NC). Cosponsored by Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day. Still in committee.
S.2611 - Safeguarding the Integrity of the Human Rights Reports Act of 2025. To safeguard the integrity of the Department of State’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Cosponsored by eight Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: This bill needs to be cosponsored by every single Senator, regardless of party affiliation. It calls out the absurd attempts of the Trump regime to manipulate the data and results of this STANDARD Human Rights report. Another bill that is worth reading in its entirety. It’s not that long.
Thank you Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) for standing up for ethical reporting!
S.2626 - Strengthening United States Leadership at the IDB Act. To strengthen the leadership role of the United States at the Inter-American Development Bank.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Dave McCormick (R-PA). Cosponsored by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day.
On October 30, 2025, sent to full Senate and placed on calendar. No movement since.
S.Res.350 - A resolution recognizing widespread decades-long human rights abuses in Eritrea, including indefinite imprisonment, inhumane prison conditions, and the absence of democratic institutions, and expressing support for the rights and freedom of the Eritrean people.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Richard Durbin (D-IL). Cosponsored by Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Chris Coons (D-DE). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
S.Res.351 - A resolution requesting information on the Kingdom of Eswatini’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-VT). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: Amnesty International’s page on Human Rights violations in the Kingdom of Eswatini is long and troubling. Extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, gender-based violence… that’s just the start of the list.
I hope more Democrats will join this resolution. Perhaps it can eventually result in action.
S.Res.352 - A resolution requesting information on the Republic of South Sudan’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-VT). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: And here is Amnesty International’s page on South Sudan’s human rights violations. Tim Kaine is doing good work.
S.Res.353 - A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Costa Rica’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-VT). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: Here is Human Rights Watch’s page of Costa Rica’s Human Rights violations.
S.Res.354 - A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Panama’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-VT). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: Here is Refugee International’s page on US-enabled Human Rights violations in Panama.
S.Res.355 - A resolution requesting information on the Republic of Rwanda’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-VT). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: Here is Amnesty International’s page on Human Rights violations in Rwanda.
S.Res.356 - A resolution requesting information on the United Mexican States’ human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Tim Kaine (D-VA). Cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-VT). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: Here is Human Rights Watch’s page on Mexico’s Human Rights violations.
S.Res.358 - A resolution honoring the life of Dr. Paul Farmer by recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to adopt a 21st century global health solidarity strategy and take actions to address past and ongoing harms that undermine the health and well-being of people around the world.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Ed Markey (D-MA). Cosponsored by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: From the Partners in Health Web site, Paul Farmer, M.D., Ph.D., was Kolokotrones University Professor and chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, chief of the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, co-founder and chief strategist of Partners In Health, and chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda.
More on this dedicated physician and scientist is found on a Partners in Health page dedicated to his legacy.
S.2642 - SEIZE Act (Seized Iranian Arms Transfer Authorization Act of 2025). To authorize the President to treat as stocks of the United States any weapon or material seized by the United States while in transit from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Houthis in the Republic of Yemen.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Ted Budd (R-NC). Cosponsored by Mark Kelly (D-AZ). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: If “we” are serious about stopping terrorism in the Middle East, wouldn’t this be a no-brainer?
S.2646 - No Tax Treaties for Foreign Aggressors Act. To terminate the United States-People’s Republic of China Income Tax Convention if the People’s Liberation Army initiates an armed attack against Taiwan.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by John Cornyn (R-TX). Cosponsored by Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Catherine Cortez Mastor (D-NV). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: This bill is a positive, because it would specifically limit the termination of the 1984 tax treaty to Congress, not the President.
S.2647 - International Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025. To reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by James Risch (R-ID). Cosponsored by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Serious comment: This bill does in fact extend expiration of the 2000 bill to 2030, as it apparently expired in 2021. But. It does far more than that. If this is a topic that you write about or that otherwise interests you, please read the bill. It’s massive and also provides almost double the funding it previously had.
Snarky comment: Do Republicans realize this bill applies to all sex traffickers?
S.2657 - STOP China and Russia Act of 2025 (Severing Technology Transfer Operations and Partnerships between China and Russia Act of 2025). To impose sanctions relating to the support of the People’s Republic of China for the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Cosponsored by John Cornyn (R-TX. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day.
On October 30, 2025, sent to the full Senate and placed on the calendar. No movement since.
Serious comment: This bill would codify Trump’s 2020 Executive Order 13959, and expand it substantially because of China’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The original executive order merely referred to China’s exploitation of the United States. Shaheen and Cornyn tie that exploitation to China’s support of Russia’s Ukrainian invasion.
Doubly surprising, since Cornyn’s MAGA credentials are impeccable. Worth reading in full!
S.2666 - Foreign Robocall Elimination Act. To direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a taskforce on unlawful robocalls.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Ted Budd (R-NC). Cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-VT). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: As much as I would love this legislation, it is impractical. Foreign robocallers generally use VPNs, making it difficult to detect that they are not US-based. The only positive thing about this legislation: It calls for the FTC or DOJ to research and file a report on the extent of illegal robocallers, as well as to make recommendations for ways to combat them. Extend it to US-based robocallers, and this is a winner.
S.2667 - West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025. To prevent violence in the West Bank and authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to any foreign person endangering United States national security and undermining prospects for a two-state solution by committing illegal violent acts.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Cory Booker (D-NJ). Cosponsored by twenty-seven Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: If events in the Middle East interest you, please read this bill and do not rely on pundits’ skewed versions. On both sides.
S.2669 - To require the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy to strengthen multilateral deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. (No short title.)
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Michael Bennet (D-CO). Cosponsored by Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day.
S.2670 - STOP Scammers Act (Strengthening Targeting of Organized Predatory Scammers Act). To require the Secretary of the Treasury to designate certain covered organizations as Foreign Financial Threat Organizations.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Rick Scott (R-FL). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day. Still in committee.
S.2671 - Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights Act of 2025. To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require a section on reproductive rights in the Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Brian Schatz (D-HI). Cosponsored by seventeen Democrats, no Republicans, and no Independents. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: The bill would require the U.S. Department of State’s annual Human Rights Report to include sections not only on reproductive rights, but also on LGBTQ+ rights. It’s a strongly worded piece of legislation, pointing to numerous binding treaties and documents that would require the U.S. to consider reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights as human rights.
S.2672 - SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act (Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security in the West Bank Act). To codify Executive Order 14115 imposing certain sanctions on persons undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Peter Welch (D-VT). Cosponsored by three Democrats and one Independent (Bernie Sanders). Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: This was a Biden-era directive to OFAC, dated February 2024.
S.2674 - HARPOON Act (Helping Allies Respond to Piracy, Overfishing, and Oceanic Negligence Act). To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Defense to conduct or support capacity-building programs for foreign security forces to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Todd Young (R-IN). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
S.2678 - Global Fragility Reauthorization Act. To reauthorize the Global Fragility Act of 2019.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Chris Coons (D-DE). Cosponsored by Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: This bill not only extends the existing Global Fragility Act of 2019, it also proposes many amendments. Long bill.
S.Con.Res.20 - A concurrent resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to its principles and values.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Roger Wicker (R-MS). Cosponsored by four Democrats (including John Fetterman) and three Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations the same day. Still in committee.
EC1492 – August 1, 2025. From the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs), transmitting legislative proposals that the Department of Defense requests be enacted during the first session of the 119th Congress.
EC1494 – August 1, 2025. From the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs), transmitting legislative proposals that the Department of Defense requests be enacted during the first session of the 119th Congress.
H.R.4830 - Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act of 2025. To expand the imposition of sanctions under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 with respect to human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China and to counter the genocidal policies of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Christopher Smith (R-NJ). Cosponsored by John Moolenear (R-MI) and Thomas Suozzi (D-NY). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Judiciary and Financial Services and Ways and Means and Oversight and Government Reform and House Administration and Armed Services the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: Although I agree with the substance of this bill, which is similar to S.2560, I have qualms about one recurring aspect. And when I checked S.2560, this is also included in that piece of proposed legislation. Both bills hinge on presidential assessment of the matter. If Trump were to later decide his commercial interests outweighed crimes against humanity, the bill would essentially be null and void, or at minimum, unenforceable.
Please double-check my reading.
H.R.4839 - Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act. To allow the Secretary of Transportation to authorize vessels documented in allied foreign countries, owned by nationals of allied foreign countries, or crewed by allied foreign countries to engage in certain coastwise trade.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Ed Case (D-HI). Cosponsored by James Moylan (R-Guam). Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Ways and Means the same day. Still in committee.
H.R.4848 - No Tax Treaties for Foreign Aggressors Act of 2025. To terminate the United States-People’s Republic of China Income Tax Convention if the People’s Liberation Army initiates an armed attack against Taiwan.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Tony Gonzales (R-TX). No cosponsors. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: See also S.2646. The Senate version was bipartisan.
EC1549 – August 2, 2025. From the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, a six-month periodic report on the national emergency with respect to the advancement by countries of concern in sensitive technologies and products critical to the military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber-enabled capabilities of such countries that was declared in Executive Order 14105 of August 9, 2023.
EC1556 – August 2, 2025. From the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs), transmitting legislative proposals that the Department of Defense requests be enacted during the first session of the 119th Congress.
H.R.4899 - CANADA Act (Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments Act). To exempt goods imported by or for the use of small business concerns from the duties imposed by the national emergency declared on February 1, 2025, by the President.
Introduced August 5, 2025 by Chris Pappas (D-NH). Cosponsored by Maggie Goodlander (D-NH). Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means the same day. Still in committee.
Serious comment: This bill would exempt from tariffs all companies defined as small businesses. As a refresher, that definition is—
For the purposes of this chapter, a small-business concern, including but not limited to enterprises that are engaged in the business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries, shall be deemed to be one which is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its field of operation.
There are additional criteria, such as number of employees, gross revenue, and profits. But the above is the standard definition.
Snarky comment: I have a better idea. Why don’t we declare the national emergency done and over with, and REQUIRE President Trump to actually prove it as he’s supposed to by law?
H.R.4923 - Stop Foreign Propaganda Act. To impose sanctions on persons who knowingly provide content or media services to sanctioned foreign propaganda outlets.
Introduced August 8, 2025 by Tony Gonzales (R-TX). Cosponsored by Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Keith Self (R-TX). Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Judiciary and Financial Services and Oversight and Government Reform and Ways and Means the same day. Still in committee.
Comment: I know this will shock you. But this is a horrific bill. First, it leaves it up to the president to determine whether something is foreign propaganda, and if so, what if any sanctions should be imposed. In other words, these three House Republicans are abdicating their responsibility as members of Congress.
Second, and mind-blowing to the extreme, the bill refers solely to Iran. Not to China. Not to North Korea. And most definitely not to the Russian Federation. Its sole aim is to wipe out Iranian propaganda in the United States.
Sigh.
EC1676 – August 8, 2025. From the President, transmitting a Proclamation Adjusting Imports Of Copper Into The United States.
August 10, 2025 alert: Transcripts of the February 12, 2025 meeting were made available. “Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctiv and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests.”
August 13, 2025 alert: Transcripts of the January 28, 2025 meeting were made available. “Fees and Foreign Influence: Examining the Panama Canal and Its Impact on U.S. Trade and National Security.”
August 19, 2025 alert: Released S.Prt. 118-26, “Business Meetings of the Committee on Foreign Relations United States Senate During the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, First Session January 3, 2023 to January 3, 2024, Second Session January 3, 2024 to January 3, 2025.” You can download the 367-page PDF file by clicking on that link here. The link auto-opens to the TXT file, but toggle over to the PDF file to download for easier reading.
H.R.5006 - Health Privacy From Global Bureaucrats Act. To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the Treasury to take such actions as may be necessary to prohibit the release of taxpayer, patient, or vaccine data to the World Health Organization or a foreign government.
Introduced August 19, 2025 by Gregory Steube (R-FL). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means the same day. Still in committee.
If this post helped you in your research, please consider leaving a tip here: TIP JAR.
© 2025 Denise Elaine Heap. Please contact me for permission to quote.