A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House 392–14
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
The ``Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025'' requires the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons determined to be knowingly engaged in piracy. These sanctions include asset blocking and restrictions on visas, admission, or parole into the United States. The act addresses a surge in Somali pirate attacks and Houthi aggression in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It also establishes specific exceptions for humanitarian assistance and international obligations. Additionally, the President has the authority to waive these sanctions if deemed crucial to national security.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +2
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
By combating piracy in key shipping lanes, the act helps secure international trade routes.
- Scored +2
Is this likely to grow the economy?
By addressing piracy, the bill aims to stabilize global shipping markets which supports economic stability.
- Scored +2
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands presidential authority to impose specific sanctions on foreign persons.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill imposes strict entry restrictions and visa revocations for certain foreign persons.
- Scored -2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill allows classified information to be submitted ex parte and in camera, potentially limiting full judicial transparency.
- Scored -2
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The act limits the scope of judicial review for determinations based on classified information.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to pass The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not. Passed 392 yes · 14 no
06/23/2025 · Roll call 172 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Global Shipping Markets: By targeting piracy, the act addresses issues that have impacted global shipping markets due to Houthi attacks and Somali pirate surges (Section 2).
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Asset Blocking for Pirates: The President can block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests of foreign persons engaged in piracy that are in or come within the United States (Section 4(b)(1)).
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Visa and Entry Restrictions: The act makes known pirates inadmissible to the United States and makes them ineligible for visas or other documentation (Section 4(b)(2)(A)).
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Protection of Humanitarian Aid: Sanctions are prohibited from being applied to the sale of food, medicine, medical devices, or the provision and financing of humanitarian assistance (Section 4(c)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Visa Revocation: The act requires the immediate revocation of any existing visa or entry documentation held by an alien identified as being involved in piracy (Section 4(b)(2)(B)).
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Asset Seizure: Foreign persons found to be engaging in piracy may have their property and interests blocked and their transactions prohibited (Section 4(b)(1)).
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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — By combating piracy in key shipping lanes, the act helps secure international trade routes. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The act encourages working with allies and partners to combat global piracy.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — By addressing piracy, the bill aims to stabilize global shipping markets which supports economic stability.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands presidential authority to impose specific sanctions on foreign persons. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The act limits the scope of judicial review for determinations based on classified information. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill allows classified information to be submitted ex parte and in camera, potentially limiting full judicial transparency.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Stabilizing shipping routes benefits commercial business owners involved in maritime trade. Would farmers be better off under this? — The act includes exceptions to ensure the continued sale of agricultural commodities and food. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill imposes strict entry restrictions and visa revocations for certain foreign persons.
- 6/24/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 6/23/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 14 (Roll no. 172). (text: CR H2845-2846)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 14 (Roll no. 172). (text: CR H2845-2846)
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1998.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2845-2846, H2877-2878)
- Mr. Burchett moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 4/9/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
- 4/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/18/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 3/10/2025
- 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.
- Introduced in House
Jim CostaDemocrat · California
Young KimRepublican · California
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Brad ShermanDemocrat · California