No Russian Tunnel to Crimea Act

Bill Number: H.R. 476
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-01-16: 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.
Last Updated: 2026-05-20T14:15:52Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "No Russian Tunnel to Crimea Act" (H.R. 476) aims to deter foreign involvement in infrastructure projects that strengthen Russia's control over the Crimean peninsula, which the U.S. recognizes as Ukrainian territory. It requires the U.S. President to impose sanctions on non-U.S. individuals or entities that knowingly help build, maintain, or repair tunnels or bridges linking the Russian mainland to Crimea, in response to Russia's 2014 annexation and 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Key Provisions

Mandatory Sanctions: The President must block assets (property and financial interests) of targeted foreign persons in the U.S. or under U.S. control, using powers from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA, a law allowing the President to regulate international economic transactions during emergencies).
Immigration Restrictions: Targeted individuals (aliens, meaning non-U.S. citizens) become inadmissible to the U.S., ineligible for visas or entry documents, and any existing visas are revoked immediately, affecting their ability to enter or benefit from U.S. immigration laws.
Exceptions:
Admissions required by U.S. international agreements, like those with the United Nations.
Humanitarian activities, such as providing food, medicine, or aid, and related transactions.
U.S. government operations for intelligence, law enforcement, or national security.
Implementation and Enforcement:
The President can use IEEPA tools to enforce the law, with penalties (fines up to $1 million or imprisonment up to 20 years) for violations.
Classified information can be used in court reviews without public disclosure.
The President may waive sanctions if they harm U.S. national security, but must notify key congressional committees (House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations) at least 15 days in advance.
Definitions:
"Foreign person": Any non-U.S. individual or entity.
"U.S. person": U.S. citizens, permanent residents, U.S.-based entities, or anyone in the U.S.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces mandatory sanctions specifically targeting infrastructure like tunnels or bridges to Crimea, which were not explicitly covered before. It builds on the IEEPA (1977 law) by requiring action in this scenario, rather than making it optional, and adds tailored immigration penalties under the Immigration and Nationality Act (1952 law). Unlike prior Russia-related sanctions (e.g., after the 2014 annexation), it focuses on potential future projects, such as a reported Russia-China tunnel discussion, and mandates presidential certification for waivers.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The President, State Department, and Department of Homeland Security gain enforcement duties, potentially increasing administrative workload for identifying and sanctioning targets. Congress receives oversight through waiver notifications.
Citizens: U.S. citizens and residents are unaffected directly but may face indirect economic ripple effects if sanctioned entities are major global players (e.g., in trade or finance).
International Relations: Could strain U.S. ties with Russia and partners like China by discouraging their infrastructure cooperation, signaling stronger U.S. support for Ukraine. It may escalate economic pressure on Russia amid its Ukraine conflict but risks retaliation, such as Russian countersanctions affecting U.S. interests.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Foreign Persons and Entities: Non-U.S. companies, officials, or individuals (e.g., Russian or Chinese firms) involved in Crimea-linked projects face asset freezes and travel bans.
Russia and Ukraine: Russia loses potential logistical support for its military presence in Crimea; Ukraine benefits from indirect pressure against the 2014 annexation.
U.S. Government: Executive branch implements sanctions; Congress oversees via committees.
International Partners: Entities from countries like China discussing projects with Russia could be deterred, affecting global business.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on IEEPA's broad executive powers, which courts have upheld in emergencies, but allows limited judicial review with classified evidence, potentially raising due process concerns for targets. Penalties align with existing sanctions laws, ensuring enforceability.
Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's role in foreign policy (via findings and oversight) while delegating implementation to the President, consistent with separation of powers. No direct constitutional challenges noted, but waivers tie executive discretion to congressional notification.
Political: Highlights bipartisan U.S. opposition to Russian aggression (introduced by Democrats and Republicans), potentially influencing broader sanctions strategy. It could politically isolate Russia internationally but invite criticism for targeting specific infrastructure without UN involvement.

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 (8)

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]

Recent Actions

2025-01-16: 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.
2025-01-16: 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.
2025-01-16: Introduced in House
2025-01-16: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

No Russian Tunnel to Crimea Act — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (8 pages)