HR 8696 United States House · 119th Congress

Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act

This bill officially designates the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, a status that triggers existing U.S. laws allowing for sanctions and restrictions on foreign aid and arms exports. The legislation is based on findings that the Russian government has supported international terrorism through actions in Chechnya, Ukraine, and Syria, as well as by utilizing mercenary groups like the Wagner Group. While the designation enables broader accountability measures, the bill includes specific protections to ensure that sanctions do not block the export of Ukrainian agricultural products or the provision of humanitarian assistance. The designation will remain in effect for five years or until the U.S. Secretary of State determines that negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine have begun.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced May 7, 2026 Last action May 7, 2026
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1
May 7, 2026
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
lower
May 7, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

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