Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR73

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

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.  

Impact

If passed, HR73 would reinforce U.S. governmental policy aimed at supporting democracy in Belarus. It would call for the release of over 1,200 political prisoners detained under the Lukashenka regime, which is accused of serious human rights violations including torture and unlawful detention. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for free and fair elections in Belarus under proper international monitoring, thereby creating a framework for potential engagement with democratic movements within the country.

Summary

HR73 is a resolution that strongly condemns the fraudulent presidential elections held in Belarus on January 26, 2025, which were marked by illegitimate vote manipulation and repression of opposition candidates. The resolution addresses the ongoing autocratic rule of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has been in power for over 30 years and has consolidated control through repressive tactics against civil society and political dissent. The resolution acknowledges the international concerns regarding these electoral practices, asserting that they do not reflect the will of the Belarusian people who seek a democratic future.

Contention

The resolution also addresses the Belarusian regime's complicity in supporting Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine, including the facilitation of military operations and the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children. The document discusses the need for continued sanctions against officials in the Lukashenka regime and encourages allied governments to impose similar measures. This aspect of the resolution might be contentious as it intertwines domestic issues of Belarusian governance with broader geopolitical dynamics involving Russia and Ukraine, potentially complicating diplomatic relations.

Congress_id

119-HRES-73

Policy_area

International Affairs

Introduced_date

2025-01-28

Overall_significance

In summary, HR73 serves as a strong statement of U.S. policy regarding Belarus, affirming support for the democratic aspirations of its citizens while seeking to hold accountable those involved in electoral fraud and human rights abuses. This resolution reaffirms the commitment of the U.S. to engage actively in promoting global democratic principles, especially in nations facing authoritarian governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR441

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.

US SCR7

A concurrent resolution condemning Russia's unjust and arbitrary detention of Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza who has stood up in defense of democracy, the rule of law, and free and fair elections in Russia.

US HCR27

Condemning Russia's unjust and arbitrary detention of Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza who has stood up in defense of democracy, the rule of law, and free and fair elections in Russia.

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.

US SR128

A resolution condemning the Russian Federation's kidnapping of Ukrainian children.

US HR749

Supporting 30 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the independent Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, highlighting their assistance to Ukraine, and supporting continued democratic resiliency.

US HR1148

Condemning the Iranian regime's terrorism, regional proxy war, internal suppression, and for other purposes.

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 HR149

Condemning the illegal abduction and forcible transfer of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation.

US SR700

A resolution supporting the efforts of the United States and international partners to facilitate a security environment that is conducive to holding free and fair elections in Haiti and promoting a durable return to democratic governance.

Similar Bills

US HR441

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.

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.