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
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
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
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Ted Lieu
DDemocratic
Co
Joe Wilson
RRepublican
Co
Mike Quigley
DDemocratic
Co
Steve Cohen
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HR 8696
Scope: US
Hi! I can help you understand HR 8696. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline