Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 160.
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
This bill, known as the "Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act," aims to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The legislation focuses on the kidnapping, deportation, and displacement of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation. Within 60 days of enactment, the Secretary of State must report to Congress on whether these children have been reunited with their families and if their reintegration into Ukrainian society is underway. If these conditions are not met, the Secretary of State is required to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The designation can be rescinded once specific criteria regarding the safety and reintegration of the children, as well as assurances against future terrorism, are met.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Would children be better off under this?
The bill aims to ensure the reunification of kidnapped and displaced children with their families.
- Scored +5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill strengthens the United States' stance in support of Ukraine and its sovereignty.
- Scored +1
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill notes that kidnapped children are being prepared for future deployment in the Russian Armed Forces.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection and Reunification of Children: The bill requires the Secretary of State to certify that kidnapped or deported Ukrainian children have been reunited with their families or guardians in a secure environment (Section 3(a)). This focuses on the welfare of children who have been displaced or targeted for "Russification" (Section 2).
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Reintegration into Society: The bill includes a requirement to ensure that the process of full reintegration of displaced children into Ukrainian society is underway (Section 3(a)). This provides a framework for restoring the lives of children affected by the invasion (Section 2).
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Accountability for Aggression: By providing a mechanism to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, the bill uses available tools to hold the country accountable for targeting civilians and children (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts on people are mentioned in the text of the bill.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill aims to ensure the reunification of kidnapped and displaced children with their families.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill strengthens the United States' stance in support of Ukraine and its sovereignty. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill notes that kidnapped children are being prepared for future deployment in the Russian Armed Forces.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill addresses the displacement and kidnapping of people across international borders. Does this make child care cost less? — The bill seeks to reunite children with their families and restore their domestic security. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill addresses the systematic targeting of Ukrainian children, though its primary focus is geopolitical rather than race-based.
- 9/16/2025
- Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 160.
- 9/15/2025
- Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota