HR5797-119

What This Bill Does

This bill ties Russia's state-sponsor-of-terrorism status to the return of Ukrainian children taken during Russia's war against Ukraine. Within 60 days after enactment, the Secretary of State must report to Congress certifying whether kidnapped, deported, or forcibly removed Ukrainian children have been reunited with families or guardians in a secure environment and whether reintegration is underway. If the Secretary cannot make that certification, Russia must immediately be designated a state sponsor of terrorism under export-control, arms-export, foreign-assistance, and related laws. A later rescission is allowed only after the required waiting period and only if the Secretary certifies that Russia has not supported international terrorism during the preceding three months, has assured it will not support terrorism in the future, and all covered Ukrainian children have been returned and are being reintegrated.

Who Benefits and How

Ukrainian children and families benefit because the bill makes child return a statutory condition for avoiding or ending state-sponsor sanctions. Ukrainian government child-protection agencies benefit from U.S. pressure focused on reunification and reintegration. Ukraine accountability advocates benefit because the certification process keeps deportations and forced transfers in front of Congress. State Department sanctions staff benefit from a clear trigger linking certification failure to a terrorism designation.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Russian government entities face state-sponsor-of-terrorism designation if the Secretary cannot certify child return and reintegration. U.S. exporters subject to Russia controls face tighter compliance and licensing limits if the designation is triggered. State Department reporting staff must investigate, certify, report, designate, and later justify any rescission. Financial institutions with Russia exposure bear sanctions compliance risk from state-sponsor consequences.

Key Provisions

• Requires a 60-day State Department certification on return and reintegration of Ukrainian children.
• Requires immediate state-sponsor-of-terrorism designation if the certification cannot be made.
• Uses export-control, arms-export, foreign-assistance, and other state-sponsor authorities.
• Allows rescission only after certifications on terrorism support, future assurances, and child return.
• Keeps congressional oversight attached to both designation and rescission decisions.