Dina Titus (D-NV)
Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026 aims to defend democracy and human rights while holding the Government of Turkey accountable for political repression and censorship. It addresses concerns regarding the crackdown on journalists, lawyers, and political opposition since the 2016 coup attempt. The bill seeks to pressure Turkey to comply with international law and binding judicial rulings. It includes provisions to limit security assistance based on human rights improvements. Furthermore, it establishes mechanisms for sanctions and visa restrictions against those responsible for rights violations. Finally, it directs support toward civil society and independent media.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +8
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?
The bill directly promotes press freedom and aims to end censorship of expression in Turkey.
- Scored +6
Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people?
The bill advocates for human rights improvements which would benefit LGBTQIA+ people targeted by the Turkish government.
- Scored +5
Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?
The bill's focus on human rights protections provides specific support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Turkey.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Release of Detained Individuals: The bill advocates for the unconditional release of all journalists, media workers, prisoners of conscience, and political prisoners (Section 5; Section 4).
-
Protection of Legal Rights: It promotes the protection of lawyers by calling for the repeal of laws that restrict their professional duties and the right to legal counsel (Section 7).
-
Support for At-Risk Groups: The bill directs assistance toward civil society organizations and independent journalists, including those operating in exile (Section 12).
-
Safeguarding Digital Freedom: It seeks to end the crackdown on internet expression and provides for support for digital rights advocates working on privacy and cybersecurity (Section 6; Section 12).
-
Protection of U.S. Residents: The policy aims to protect United States persons and lawful permanent residents from harassment or retaliation by the Turkish government (Section 4).
-
Human Rights Documentation: It provides support for the documentation of human rights violations and raises awareness regarding political prisoners (Section 10).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Limitations on Security Assistance: The bill may restrict funds for Foreign Military Financing and other security assistance programs for the Government of Turkey unless specific human rights conditions are met (Section 9).
-
Imposition of Sanctions: The President is authorized to impose sanctions on Turkish government officials involved in the detention of prisoners or the restriction of free expression (Section 8).
-
Visa Restrictions: The bill allows for visa restrictions on individuals engaged in extraterritorial counter-dissident activities and their family members (Section 8).
-
Financial Opposition: The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to instruct international financial institutions to oppose loans or grants that enable the violation of human rights in Turkey (Section 8).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The bill directly promotes press freedom and aims to end censorship of expression in Turkey. Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people? — The bill advocates for human rights improvements which would benefit LGBTQIA+ people targeted by the Turkish government.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — The bill's focus on human rights protections provides specific support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Turkey.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill uses diplomatic tools and conditional assistance to pressure Turkey toward human rights compliance.
- 7/30/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and 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.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.