Bill > S842

This bill addresses Hezbollah's activities in Latin America by establishing a comprehensive strategy to counter the terrorist organization's regional networks. The legislation requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with other federal agencies, to conduct a comprehensive assessment within 180 days to determine which Latin American countries, regions, or jurisdictions qualify as "terrorist sanctuaries" based on Hezbollah's ability to operate freely, raise funds, recruit, and obtain safe haven. The bill encourages the State Department to pursue aggressive efforts against Iranian proxy networks, including demanding that governments take action against Hezbollah, working with international partners to expose entities cooperating with the group, and persuading Latin American countries to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. As a key enforcement mechanism, the bill allows the President to impose sanctions on government officials from designated terrorist sanctuary areas, which include revoking visas, making individuals inadmissible to the United States, and canceling existing entry documentation. The President can waive these sanctions on a case-by-case basis for national security interests, and any sanctions imposed will automatically terminate after five years. The bill aims to disrupt Hezbollah's growing infrastructure in Latin America, which has been focusing on criminal networks, money laundering, and sophisticated smuggling operations, particularly in countries like Peru, Colombia, Chile, and the Tri-Border Area.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/842/all-info