Bill > S1478

This bill aims to provide the United States government with additional tools to prevent and respond to the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals abroad. The bill establishes a framework for designating foreign countries as "State Sponsors of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention" based on criteria such as directly detaining U.S. citizens, failing to release detained nationals, or supporting such detentions. When a country is designated, the Secretary of State must conduct a comprehensive review of potential responses, including sanctions, visa restrictions, travel limitations, and export controls. The bill also requires air carriers to obtain passenger certifications when selling tickets to countries with high-risk travel advisories, specifically those marked with 'D' (risk of wrongful detention) or 'K' (threat of criminal or terrorist detention) indicators. Additionally, the legislation creates an Advisory Council on Hostage Taking and Unlawful or Wrongful Detention, composed of past detainees, their family members, and experts, who will provide recommendations to the government. The bill mandates an initial congressional report on existing hostage recovery components and their potential improvements, with the goal of enhancing the U.S. government's ability to protect and support citizens detained abroad. Throughout the bill, there is a clear emphasis on deterring state and non-state actors from using detention as a political tool against U.S. nationals.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1478/all-info