James Risch (R-ID)
Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 94.
Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote
A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.
This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 aims to give the United States government more tools to prevent state and non-state actors from detaining U.S. nationals for political leverage. It allows the Secretary of State to designate specific foreign countries as State Sponsors of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention based on certain criteria. The bill also requires travelers to certain high-risk areas to certify they have reviewed travel advisories. Additionally, it establishes an Advisory Council on Hostage Taking and Unlawful or Wrongful Detention to provide expert advice to federal officials. Finally, it mandates reports to Congress regarding hostage-related components and their efficiency.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The bill enhances diplomatic leverage by providing new tools to deter foreign actors from detaining U.S. nationals.
- Scored +4
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands the Secretary of State's authority to designate and sanction foreign countries.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates public lists of designated countries and required reports to Congress.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Deterrence of Unlawful Detention: By allowing the Secretary of State to designate countries as State Sponsors of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention, the government can use various tools—such as sanctions, visa restrictions, and travel restrictions—to deter actors from holding U.S. nationals (Section 101).
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Increased Traveler Awareness: Requiring air carriers or ticket agents to have passengers certify they have reviewed travel advisories for high-risk areas helps ensure individuals understand the risks of wrongful detention before they travel (Section 102).
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Expert Guidance and Representation: The creation of an Advisory Council ensures that the President receives recommendations from experts and, importantly, from people who have actually been detained or are family members of those taken hostage (Section 201).
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Government Accountability: The bill requires the President to submit reports on the structure and cost efficiency of hostage response components, ensuring these services are being managed effectively (Section 202).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Travel Burdens: Travelers heading to countries with 'D' or 'K' travel advisories must undergo a certification process where they must confirm they have reviewed advisories and understand the risks (Section 102).
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Potential Economic/Diplomatic Impact: The designation of a country as a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention triggers a review of various responses, including sanctions and restrictions on the export of goods, which could affect economic relations (Section 101, subsection d).
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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the Secretary of State's authority to designate and sanction foreign countries. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates public lists of designated countries and required reports to Congress.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill enhances diplomatic leverage by providing new tools to deter foreign actors from detaining U.S. nationals.
- 12/18/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/18/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 94.
- 6/5/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 4/10/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia