summary
Introduced
09/10/2025
09/10/2025
In Committee
09/10/2025
09/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
A BILL To impose sanctions relating to undermining democracy in Pakistan.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act," aims to address concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights violations in Pakistan. The legislation requires the President to identify senior Pakistani government, military, and security officials who have committed gross human rights violations or undermined democracy, and then potentially impose sanctions against those individuals and their associated entities using provisions from the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The bill highlights several specific concerns, including allegations of military interference in the 2024 elections, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, the extension of military service chiefs' terms, and the use of military courts against civilians. Congress affirms its support for democracy in Pakistan and calls on the U.S. government to strengthen engagement with Pakistani authorities to uphold democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law. The bill provides exceptions for humanitarian assistance, international obligations, and U.S. national security activities, and includes a sunset provision that terminates the act on September 30, 2030. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes the interconnected nature of democracy, development, rule of law, and respect for human rights, and seeks to pressure Pakistani authorities to maintain civilian control over military and security forces.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (76)
Bill Huizenga (R)*,
Gabe Amo (D),
Yassamin Ansari (D),
Andy Barr (R),
Tom Barrett (R),
Ami Bera (D),
Jack Bergman (R),
Don Beyer (D),
Gus Bilirakis (R),
Sanford Bishop (D),
Suzanne Bonamici (D),
Brendan Boyle (D),
André Carson (D),
Joaquin Castro (D),
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D),
Lou Correa (D),
Jim Costa (D),
Jasmine Crockett (D),
Madeleine Dean (D),
Debbie Dingell (D),
Lloyd Doggett (D),
Sarah Elfreth (D),
Brian Fitzpatrick (R),
Valerie Foushee (D),
Maxwell Frost (D),
Sara Jacobs (D),
John James (R),
Pramila Jayapal (D),
Hank Johnson (D),
Julie Johnson (D),
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D),
Tom Kean (R),
Ro Khanna (D),
Young Kim (R),
Raja Krishnamoorthi (D),
Nick LaLota (R),
John Larson (D),
Mike Lawler (R),
Summer Lee (D),
Susie Lee (D),
Ted Lieu (D),
Barry Loudermilk (R),
Anna Luna (R),
Ryan Mackenzie (R),
Lucy McBath (D),
April McClain-Delaney (D),
Richard McCormick (R),
Kristen McDonald Rivet (D),
Jim McGovern (D),
Grace Meng (D),
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R),
John Moolenaar (R),
Jared Moskowitz (D),
Johnny Olszewski (D),
Ilhan Omar (D),
Frank Pallone (D),
Chris Pappas (D),
Jamie Raskin (D),
Deborah Ross (D),
Brad Schneider (D),
Kim Schrier (D),
Pete Sessions (R),
Jefferson Shreve (R),
Greg Stanton (D),
Haley Stevens (D),
Marilyn Strickland (D),
Suhas Subramanyam (D),
Eric Swalwell (D),
Shri Thanedar (D),
Dina Titus (D),
Rashida Tlaib (D),
Marc Veasey (D),
Tim Walberg (R),
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D),
Bonnie Watson Coleman (D),
Joe Wilson (R),
Last Action
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (on 09/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5271/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr5271/BILLS-119hr5271ih.pdf |
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