U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1939

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, 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.

Last Updated

2026-04-30T08:06:32Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act" (H.R. 1939) aims to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, by requiring U.S. sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for atrocities and aid blockages. It promotes an inclusive peace process, humanitarian access, civilian protection, and accountability for human rights abuses, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The act emphasizes U.S. leadership in diplomacy, support for women and youth, and coordination with international bodies like the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU).

Key Provisions

The legislation is divided into two titles: Sanctions Authorities (Title I) and Other Provisions (Title II).

Title I: Sanctions Authorities

• Report on International Crimes and Blocking Humanitarian Aid (Sec. 101): Within 60 days of enactment, the President must submit a report identifying foreign persons (non-U.S. individuals or entities) who, since April 2023, have committed or enabled genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, or systematically blocked humanitarian aid in Sudan. Updates are required annually for 5 years.
• Report on Violations of UN Arms Embargo on Darfur (Sec. 102): Within 60 days, a report must identify foreign persons violating the UN arms embargo on Darfur (established by UN Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1591). Annual updates for 5 years.
• Required Sanctions (Sec. 103): Based on the reports:
• For crimes/aid blockages: Impose at least 6 of 7 specified sanctions (e.g., asset freezes under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, bans on U.S. loans/credits over $10 million, opposition to international loans, procurement bans, visa denials/exclusions).
• For arms embargo violations: Impose at least 4 specified sanctions (excluding asset freezes and certain loans).
• Exceptions include humanitarian aid, U.S. compliance with international obligations, and national security activities. Waivers are possible if vital to U.S. national interests, with congressional notification.
• Termination of Sanctions (Sec. 104): Sanctions can end if the person is cleared of involvement, shows changed behavior with consequences paid, or termination serves U.S. interests (with 15-day congressional notice). Sanctions for aid blockages end upon a comprehensive peace agreement.
• Definitions (Sec. 105): Defines terms like "appropriate congressional committees" (key House and Senate panels on foreign affairs and finance), "foreign person" (non-U.S. individuals/entities), and "U.S. person" (citizens, residents, or U.S.-organized entities).

Title II: Other Provisions

• Strategy for Sudan (Sec. 201): Within 120 days, the President must submit a comprehensive strategy covering diplomacy for ceasefire/peace, multilateral actions for aid and embargo enforcement, civilian dialogues (emphasizing women/youth/marginalized groups), support for grassroots aid organizations, training for human rights defenders, and a sanctions plan targeting abusers and supporters of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Biennial implementation reports for 4 years.
• Special Envoy for Sudan (Sec. 202): Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 to extend the envoy's term from 2 to 5 years, change appointment to align with State Department rules (no Senate confirmation needed), and authorize $4 million annually (FY2025–2029).
• U.S. Influence at the UN (Sec. 203): Directs the Secretary of State and U.S. UN Representative to advocate for humanitarian access, atrocity documentation, civilian protection plans, and ending hostilities.
• Assistance for UN/AU/Multinational Forces (Sec. 204): Authorizes aid to deploy/sustain forces for civilian protection, humanitarian operations, and ceasefire monitoring, with conditions on use/transfer (requiring presidential consent and congressional notice). Also mandates engagement on additional protection options and technical assistance to the AU.
• Empowering Sudanese Women and Youth (Sec. 205): Requires facilitation of their leadership in conflict resolution, gender-based violence efforts, and humanitarian planning, aligned with the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017.
• Prohibition on Defense Equipment Sales (Sec. 206): Bans sales/exports of major defense equipment (e.g., advanced weapons systems) to countries identified as supporting RSF or SAF. Case-by-case waivers possible if vital to U.S. interests, with notification.
• Certification on Humanitarian Aid Restrictions (Sec. 207): Within 90 days, certify and report on countries restricting U.S. aid delivery in Sudan, including any waivers used under existing law (Foreign Assistance Act).
• Report on U.S. Weapons in Sudan (Sec. 208): Within 180 days, assess U.S.-origin weapons used by Sudanese belligerents, including types, supply chains, and prevention steps (unclassified with possible classified annex).

General Elements

• Statement of Policy (Sec. 2): Outlines U.S. goals for inclusive diplomacy, justice/accountability, unrestricted aid, atrocity prevention, and civilian-led democracy.
• Sense of Congress (Sec. 3): Urges sanctions on RSF/SAF leaders and family (unless they oppose atrocities), RSF designation, UN arms embargo expansion, UN funding for AU forces, and increased local aid funding.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 by extending the Special Envoy for Sudan's term from 2 to 5 years, simplifying appointment (no Senate advice/consent), and adding funding authorization.
• Builds on existing frameworks like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (for asset blocks), Arms Export Control Act (for defense sales), and Foreign Assistance Act (for aid restrictions), but mandates new reports, sanctions thresholds (e.g., minimum number of sanctions), and strategies not previously required.
• Expands UN arms embargo focus beyond Darfur to all of Sudan via advocacy and reporting.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The State Department, Treasury, Defense, USAID, and intelligence agencies face increased workload for reports, sanctions implementation, strategy development, and UN/AU coordination. Authorizes new funding for the Special Envoy and force assistance, potentially straining budgets without offsets.
• Citizens: Sudanese civilians may gain better humanitarian access, protection from atrocities, and support for peace/reconstruction, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups. U.S. citizens could see indirect effects through foreign aid allocations and immigration/visa processes affected by sanctions.
• International Relations: Strengthens U.S. pressure on foreign supporters of RSF/SAF (e.g., via sanctions and sales bans), enhances ties with UN/AU for peacekeeping, and promotes multilateral diplomacy. Could strain relations with embargo-violating countries or arms suppliers, while fostering alliances with humanitarian-focused partners.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Sudanese Parties: RSF and SAF leaders/personnel (targeted for sanctions), civilians (benefiting from aid/protection), women/youth/marginalized communities (empowered in processes), and grassroots organizations (funded/supported).
• Foreign Entities: Individuals/entities committing atrocities, blocking aid, or violating arms embargoes (subject to sanctions/visa bans); countries providing support to RSF/SAF (facing aid/sales restrictions).
• U.S. Government: Executive branch agencies (implementing mandates); Congress (receiving reports/notifications).
• International Actors: UN, AU, and multinational forces (receiving U.S. assistance/influence); global financial institutions (opposed on loans to sanctioned parties).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on executive authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Immigration and Nationality Act for sanctions and visa revocations, with provisions for classified evidence in reviews (limiting judicial challenges). Exceptions protect humanitarian efforts, aligning with international law obligations.
• Constitutional: Reinforces separation of powers by requiring congressional notifications/waivers while granting presidential flexibility (e.g., national interest waivers), consistent with U.S. foreign affairs prerogatives under Article II.
• Political: Signals strong U.S. commitment to human rights and democracy promotion in Africa, potentially influencing bilateral ties and global norms on accountability. As an introduced bill (not yet law), it reflects congressional intent to escalate pressure on Sudan's conflict without direct military involvement, emphasizing diplomacy and sanctions over intervention.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]

Cosponsors (32)

Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, 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.
• 2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, 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.
• 2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, 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.
• 2025-03-06: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, 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.
• 2025-03-06: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (25 pages)