Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act
Sen. Graham's Bill to Label Russia a State Sponsor of Terrorism Advances in Senate
This bill has been approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is now waiting for a vote by the full Senate. It is currently placed on the legislative calendar for future consideration. The bill is actively moving through the process.
Legislative Progress
The bill has strong bipartisan support in the Senate and has cleared the committee stage, but the executive branch often resists this specific label to keep diplomatic options open.
Key Points
- The bill requires the Secretary of State to certify within 60 days whether kidnapped Ukrainian children have been returned, whether Russia has stopped attacking civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine and Europe, and whether reintegration into Ukrainian society is underway. If these conditions are not met, the Secretary must immediately designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
From policy text
“If the Secretary of State cannot certify that all of the actions described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a) have occurred, the Secretary shall immediately designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism”
View in full text - Congress cites estimates that at least 19,546 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped, deported, or displaced to Russia or Russian-occupied territories since the February 2022 invasion, and that Russia continues these actions while forcing children into re-education camps and paramilitary organizations.
From policy text
“the Russian Federation has kidnapped, deported, or displaced at least 19,546 Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation, Russian-occupied territories, and other locations since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and continues to practice such illegal and inhumane actions.”
View in full text - The amended version of the bill adds new findings about over 110 Russian-linked sabotage and assassination incidents across Europe between 2022 and 2025, including a plot to place explosives on civilian aircraft, broadening the justification beyond kidnapped children to include attacks on European civilian infrastructure.
- The designation would trigger existing sanctions laws, including restrictions on foreign aid, a ban on arms sales, and export controls under the Arms Export Control Act, the Foreign Assistance Act, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.
From policy text
“the Secretary shall immediately designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism pursuant to-- (1) section 1754(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)); (2) section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780); (3) section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371)”
View in full text - The bill specifically shields frozen Russian sovereign assets from being seized to pay court judgments related to the terrorism designation, while preserving the right of terrorism victims to seek compensation through other legal channels.
From policy text
“no blocked or immobilized Russian sovereign asset (as defined in section 2(6) of the REPO for Ukrainians Act (division F of Public Law 118-50 (22 U.S.C. 9521 note))) shall be subject to attachment in aid of execution or execution of any judgment entered by a court of the United States against the Russian Federation arising from its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism pursuant to section 3(b).”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 246.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
US Senate Moves to Designate Russia a State Sponsor of Terrorism Over Kidnapped Ukrainian Children
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved a bipartisan bill (S. 2978) to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism unless it returns over 19,000 abducted Ukrainian children. The bill aims to exert maximum pressure on Moscow through severe economic and legal penalties.
Bill would name Russia terrorism sponsor for taking children
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced legislation demanding Russia return nearly 20,000 abducted Ukrainian children or face designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The bill, introduced by a bipartisan group including Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, carries 'real teeth.'
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(3)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.