June 17, 2025
Mr. Steube introduced the following bill; which was 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
To address hostile and antisemitic conduct by the Republic of South Africa.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
The Government of the Republic of South Africa has, in recent years, engaged in repeated diplomatic and legal actions targeting the State of Israel and Jewish communities under the guise of international law.
(2)
These actions include the misuse of international legal institutions to advance politically motivated and antisemitic narratives inconsistent with objective human rights norms.
(3)
The Government of South Africa has increasingly aligned itself with authoritarian regimes and global actors hostile to United States national interests and democratic values.
(4)
United States taxpayer dollars must not be used to subsidize governments that engage in or legitimize such conduct.
Sec. 3. Statement of policy
It is the policy of the United States to—
(1)
oppose antisemitic actions and rhetoric in any international forum;
(2)
hold foreign governments accountable for abuse of international institutions for political targeting; and
(3)
respond proportionately to governments that engage in hostility toward United States allies and international stability.
Sec. 4. Suspension of direct assistance to the Government of South Africa
(a) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds may be obligated or expended to provide direct assistance to the Government of South Africa unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that such Government—
(1)
has ceased all formal support for international legal actions that unfairly target the State of Israel or Jewish individuals based solely on religious or ethnic identity;
(2)
has implemented meaningful reforms to address corruption within state institutions; and
(3)
has engaged constructively with United States diplomats regarding the normalization of international legal standards and the protection of religious minorities.
(b) Exceptions
The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to the following:
(1)
Humanitarian aid.
(2)
Public health programs administered by nongovernmental organizations.
Sec. 5. Targeted sanctions against South African officials
The President shall impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against any current or former official of the Government of South Africa who—
(1)
promotes or implements antisemitic policies or rhetoric in an official capacity;
(2)
uses public office to unjustly target the State of Israel or Jewish individuals through international courts or diplomatic platforms; or
(3)
engages in gross corruption, including the misuse of foreign aid or public funds.
Sec. 6. Report
(a) Initial report
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report detailing—
(1)
all legal, diplomatic, or rhetorical actions taken by the Government of South Africa in the past five years targeting the State of Israel, Jews, or Jewish institutions; and
(2)
a summary of United States assistance provided to South Africa, including military training, law enforcement support, and financial assistance.
(b) Annual update
The report required by subsection (a) shall be updated and resubmitted annually for 3 years following the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 7. Termination
The provisions of sections 4 and 5 shall terminate upon certification by the President to Congress that the Government of South Africa has—
(1)
ceased participation in politically motivated international legal actions against allies of the United States;
(2)
implemented institutional reforms sufficient to prevent further abuse of international law and reduction of corruption; and
(3)
taken concrete steps to improve diplomatic and security cooperation with the United States and its democratic allies.
Sec. 8. Rule of construction
Nothing in this Act may be construed to—
(1)
prohibit United States diplomatic engagement with the Government of South Africa;
(2)
restrict private humanitarian or charitable assistance; or
(3)
affect trade agreements or tariffs not directly linked to the behavior addressed in this Act.