Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 1998
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-06-24: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T19:13:19Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025 aims to combat maritime piracy, particularly in regions like the Somali coast and the Gulf of Aden, by mandating U.S. sanctions against foreign individuals or entities involved in such activities. It responds to a recent surge in piracy attacks that have disrupted global shipping and endangered lives, emphasizing international cooperation to enhance maritime security.

Key Provisions

Findings and Sense of Congress: The bill highlights historical and recent piracy incidents, including high attack rates off Somalia in 2011, a decline until 2023, and a resurgence linked to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. It expresses Congress's view that the U.S. should actively work to end piracy worldwide and collaborate with allies to address threats in key areas.

Sanctions Requirement: The President must impose sanctions on any foreign person (non-U.S. individual or entity) determined to knowingly engage in piracy, defined as acts violating U.S. federal piracy laws (Chapter 81 of Title 18, U.S. Code, which covers crimes like seizing ships on the high seas).
Asset Blocking: Freezes and prohibits transactions involving the person's property in or controlled by the U.S., using powers from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA, a law allowing economic measures during national emergencies).
Visa and Immigration Restrictions: Bars such persons from entering the U.S., revokes existing visas immediately, and cancels related entry documents under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Exceptions and Waivers:
Sanctions on visas do not apply if needed to meet U.S. obligations under UN agreements.
No sanctions for humanitarian activities, such as providing food, medicine, or aid transport.
Exemptions for U.S. intelligence, law enforcement, or national security operations.
Sanctions do not extend to importing goods (defined as physical items like products or materials, excluding data).
The President can waive sanctions if vital to U.S. national security, with 15 days' notice to key congressional committees.

Implementation and Enforcement:
Uses IEEPA authorities for enforcement, with penalties (fines or imprisonment) for violations.
Classified information can be used in court reviews without public disclosure, but this does not create a right to such review.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act introduces a specific mandate to apply IEEPA sanctions and immigration restrictions directly to piracy, which was not previously required by law. While IEEPA already allows broad economic powers, this bill targets piracy explicitly, linking it to U.S. criminal definitions and requiring presidential action without needing a separate emergency declaration for these cases. It also codifies exceptions for humanitarian aid and waivers, streamlining application while preventing overreach.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The President, State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Treasury will face increased responsibilities for identifying pirates, imposing sanctions, and managing waivers, potentially straining resources for monitoring global shipping lanes.
Citizens and Economy: U.S. citizens in shipping, trade, or maritime industries may benefit from reduced piracy risks, stabilizing global supply chains and lowering insurance costs for vessels. However, enforcement could indirectly raise compliance burdens for U.S. businesses dealing with international transactions.
International Relations: Encourages U.S. partnerships with allies (e.g., in anti-piracy operations), which could strengthen coalitions against threats like those from Somalia or the Houthis. It may strain relations with countries harboring pirates if sanctions lead to diplomatic tensions, but waivers provide flexibility.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Foreign Pirates and Entities: Individuals or groups engaged in piracy face asset freezes, travel bans, and legal penalties, deterring activities in high-risk areas.
U.S. Government Agencies: Executive branch officials (President, State, DHS, Treasury) must implement and enforce the law; Congress oversees via notifications.
Shipping and Maritime Industries: Global shippers, crews, and companies benefit from enhanced security but may encounter indirect effects from sanctions on international partners.
International Allies and Partners: Countries cooperating on anti-piracy (e.g., in the Indian Ocean) gain support, while nations in piracy-prone regions could see U.S. pressure for joint action.
Humanitarian Organizations: Protected from sanctions, allowing uninterrupted aid delivery in affected areas.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Builds on established laws like IEEPA and immigration statutes, ensuring sanctions are constitutionally grounded in foreign affairs powers (Article II of the U.S. Constitution). The use of classified evidence in reviews upholds national security but limits transparency, potentially challenging due process in rare court cases.
Constitutional: Reinforces executive authority in international economic policy without infringing on Congress's role, as it requires legislative oversight for waivers.
Political: Signals bipartisan commitment to maritime security amid rising geopolitical threats (e.g., Houthi conflicts), potentially influencing U.S. foreign aid or military presence in the region. It avoids broad trade disruptions by excluding goods imports, balancing security with economic interests.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]

Recent Actions

2025-06-24: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
2025-06-23: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-06-23: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 14 (Roll no. 172). (text: CR H2845-2846) (Roll call 172)
2025-06-23: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 14 (Roll no. 172). (text: CR H2845-2846) (Roll call 172)
2025-06-23: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2025-06-23: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1998.
2025-06-23: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2845-2846, H2877-2878)
2025-06-23: Mr. Burchett moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-04-09: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
2025-04-09: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
2025-03-10: Introduced in House
2025-03-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-23 — PDF (10 pages)
Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-10 — PDF (8 pages)
Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-24 — PDF (9 pages)