Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR441

Introduced
5/24/23  

Caption

Condemning the authoritarian repression of the Belarusian democracy movement by the Lukashenka regime and calling for the release of all political prisoners as well as free and fair elections.

Impact

The resolution calls for significant actions from the United States and its allies, including the urgent release of all political prisoners and individuals unlawfully detained for participating in peaceful demonstrations. It recognizes the fierce commitment of the Belarusian people to democratic governance, highlighting the need for protective measures for civil society actors against arbitrary arrests and violence. This positions HR441 to potentially lead to further diplomatic engagement and cooperation meant to bolster democratic movements in Belarus.

Summary

House Resolution 441 (HR441) is a resolution condemning the authoritarian repression of the Belarusian democracy movement under the rule of Alyaksandr Lukashenka. It reiterates the House of Representatives' non-recognition of the results of the August 9, 2020, presidential election in Belarus, which was deemed neither free nor fair by international observers. The resolution also expresses strong support for the Belarusian people's aspirations for democracy and human rights, urging for new free and fair elections under international oversight.

Contention

The bill is not without its contentious aspects. Critics of the Lukashenka regime argue that the continuation of its authoritarian policies has led to severe human rights abuses, including torture and unjust detentions of peaceful protestors. There is also a focus on the international community's responsibility to take strong punitive measures against the regime, which involves ongoing sanctions and potential diplomatic isolation. The ramifications of the resolution could stimulate polarized discussions about the effectiveness and approach of U.S. foreign policy toward Belarus and similar authoritarian regimes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR73

This resolution condemns the Belarusian presidential election of January 26, 2025, as neither free nor fair and calls on the Lukashenka regime to hold free and fair elections with credible international monitoring. The resolution also condemns the Lukashenka regime's (1) repression of the Belarusian democratic opposition, (2) support for Russia's war against Ukraine, and (3) complicity in the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children from Ukraine.The resolution supports additional sanctions against the regime and calls for continued support to the Belarusian democratic opposition.  

US HB3225

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

US HB8329

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2024

US HB3201

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

US SB3395

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2023

US HR1192

Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in countering the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.

US SR191

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023.

US SR688

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.

US HR369

Supporting the United States-Thailand alliance and urging the Government of Thailand to protect and uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression ahead of the 2023 general elections in Thailand, and for other purposes.

US HR357

Responding to growing threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance on World Press Freedom Day.

Similar Bills

US HR73

This resolution condemns the Belarusian presidential election of January 26, 2025, as neither free nor fair and calls on the Lukashenka regime to hold free and fair elections with credible international monitoring. The resolution also condemns the Lukashenka regime's (1) repression of the Belarusian democratic opposition, (2) support for Russia's war against Ukraine, and (3) complicity in the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children from Ukraine.The resolution supports additional sanctions against the regime and calls for continued support to the Belarusian democratic opposition.  

US SB3395

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2023

US HB3225

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

US HB3201

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

US HB8329

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2024

US SB5116

BRIDGE Act Belarus and Russia Investments in Democratic Governance during Exile Act

US SR547

A resolution acknowledging the two-year anniversary of Russia's further invasion of Ukraine and expressing support for the people of Ukraine.

US HR41

Underscoring continued support for the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russia's aggression, reiterating support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and its territorial waters, and calling for justice for all atrocity crimes committed by members of Russia's forces in Ukraine.