July 29, 2025
Mr. Keating (for himself, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Ms. Kaptur, and Mr. Smith of New Jersey) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
To authorize an annual strategic dialogue to return democratic rule to Belarus, and for other purposes.
Section 1. U.S.–Belarus Strategic Dialogue
The Secretary of State is authorized to facilitate an annual strategic dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement that seeks to—
(1)
consider the efforts needed to return to democratic rule in Belarus, including the efforts needed to support free and fair elections in Belarus;
(2)
support the day-to-day functions of the Belarus democratic movement, which represents the legitimate aspirations of the Belarusian people;
(3)
ensure that Belarusians living outside the territory of Belarus have adequate access to essential services;
(4)
respond to the political, economic, and security impacts of events in Belarus and Russia on neighboring countries in the wider region;
(5)
ensure accountability, including through sanctions, for the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka for its human rights abuses and support for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine;
(6)
facilitate the release of political prisoners and other wrongfully detained individuals in Belarus including journalists; and
(7)
support Belarusian language and cultural programs, including by supporting Belarusian language independent media programs, and Belarusian civil society, including through efforts to restore democracy and the regular function of democratic institutions in Belarus.