summary
Introduced
02/13/2019
02/13/2019
In Committee
12/18/2019
12/18/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to strengthen the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to combat international cybercrime, and to impose additional sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation, and for other purposes. This bill imposes limits on any U.S. withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), amends provisions related to cybercrimes, and imposes sanctions on Russian individuals involved in various activities. No funds may be used to withdraw the United States from NATO unless the Senate passes a resolution consenting to the withdrawal. The bill also authorizes expedited transfers of excess defense articles to NATO member countries. This bill establishes in the Department of State the Office of Cyberspace and the Digital Economy, to serve as the lead policy body on issues including international cybersecurity and Internet freedom. Offenses relating to the manufacture, distribution, and possession of communication-intercepting devices shall be unlawful under federal anti-money laundering laws. It shall also be a crime to intentionally traffic in the means to access protected computers, including computers that are part of a voting system. Property related to such crimes, including proceeds gained from the crime, shall be subject to criminal and civil forfeiture. The President shall impose sanctions on (1) Russian individuals and entities that facilitate or benefit from Russian President Vladimir Putin's corruption, and (2) those that knowingly engage in significant financial transactions with individuals that support or facilitate Russian malicious cyber activities. The bill also imposes sanctions for supporting various other Russia-related activities, including Russian interference in democratic processes. The bill permanently reauthorizes the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which authorizes the President to impose sanctions against foreign persons responsible for gross violations of human rights. The bill establishes requirements for reporting on a wide variety of matters concerning Russian economic, military, and political activities.
AI Summary
This bill imposes limits on any U.S. withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), amends provisions related to cybercrimes, and imposes sanctions on Russian individuals involved in various activities.
Specifically, the bill:
- Prohibits the use of funds to support efforts by U.S. government officials to withdraw the U.S. from NATO without the Senate approving withdrawal by a two-thirds vote.
- Authorizes expedited transfers of excess defense articles to NATO member countries.
- Establishes an Office of Cyberspace and the Digital Economy in the Department of State to serve as the lead policy body on international cybersecurity and internet freedom issues.
- Makes it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, or possess devices for intercepting communications, and allows for criminal and civil forfeiture related to such offenses.
- Prohibits interference with voting systems as part of a federal election.
- Expands sanctions related to Russian interference in democratic processes and elections, support for the development of crude oil resources in Russia, and violations of freedom of navigation.
- Requires various reports on Russian activities, including on chemical and biological weapons programs, oligarchs and parastatal entities, sanctions coordination with allies, and the personal wealth of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Establishes a National Fusion Center to coordinate the U.S. government's response to hybrid threats from Russia, and authorizes the Countering Russian Influence Fund to support programs in Europe and Eurasia.
The bill aims to strengthen NATO, combat Russian cyber and election interference, and increase sanctions and accountability for Russia's malign activities.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 389. (on 12/18/2019)
Official Document
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