S. 2805: Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act

This bill is named the "Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act." Its main objective is to formally designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, particularly in light of its actions during the conflict in Ukraine. The key points of the bill are as follows:

Findings

The bill includes several findings that underpin its purpose, which state that:

• The Russian government has aggressed against Ukraine, targeting civilians, including children.
• Estimates from the Ukrainian government report the deaths and injuries of numerous children due to this aggression since February 2022.
• Reports indicate the abduction and deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russian forces since the start of the conflict.
• These actions are allegedly part of a broader strategy by the Russian government to assimilate Ukrainian children into Russian culture, undermining their Ukrainian identity.
• The bill points out that many of these abducted children may be subjected to re-education efforts or military training.

Designation Process

The bill establishes a process for the designation of the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism:

• The Secretary of State must report to Congress within 60 days after the bill's enactment. This report must certify whether:
• Kidnapped and deported Ukrainian children have been reunited with their families in a safe environment.
• Efforts for the full reintegration of these children back into Ukrainian society are taking place.
• If the Secretary of State is unable to make these certifications, Russia will automatically be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Criteria for Rescission

The bill also outlines the conditions under which this designation could be lifted:

• The Secretary of State can rescind the designation after 45 days if:
• Russia has not engaged in support for international terrorism for three months.
• Assurances are provided by the Russian government that it will not support acts of terrorism in the future.
• All abducted children have been safely reunited with their families.
• Efforts for the reintegration of these children into society have commenced.

Legal Framework

The bill specifies that the designation of state sponsors of terrorism aligns with existing U.S. laws, which define international terrorism and outline the conditions for such designation based on actions taken against civilians or support for terrorism.

Implementation Timeline

The implementation of this designation process will take place within a specified timeline post-enactment, focusing on the urgency of the humanitarian situation affecting the children of Ukraine.

Relevant Companies

None found.