Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6194
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Law
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-02T16:20:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation establishes a policy to protect United States persons from legal disadvantages when complying with U.S. sanctions or export controls. It aims to prevent foreign persons from obtaining compensation through U.S. courts for actions taken by U.S. persons in good faith to follow those sanctions.
Key Provisions
- Adds a new section (1660) to Title 28 of the U.S. Code that blocks civil actions in federal or state courts to enforce foreign court judgments or arbitral awards in two main situations: when the underlying claim stems from efforts to comply with U.S. sanctions that prevent contract performance, or when the foreign court or tribunal based its jurisdiction partly on the existence of U.S. sanctions or export controls.
- Allows any defendant to remove such an action to federal district court for dismissal.
- Includes a rule of construction that preserves certain rights, including actions by the U.S. government, claims by U.S. victims of terrorism, torture, or similar acts under specific laws, contractual disputes agreed to be resolved in U.S. courts or arbitration, and other claims under U.S. law not involving enforcement of foreign judgments.
- Defines "United States sanctions" to include restrictions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and related laws, but excludes import duties.
- Applies to civil actions pending on or after the date of enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces a new statutory limitation on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards in U.S. courts when those actions relate to compliance with U.S. sanctions. It does not alter existing sanctions authority or most domestic claims but creates an explicit bar on using U.S. courts to enforce foreign decisions arising from sanctions-related conduct.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Strengthens the practical effect of sanctions enforced by bodies such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control by reducing the risk of conflicting foreign legal claims.
- Citizens and businesses: Shields U.S. persons and entities from foreign litigation costs or liability when following sanctions rules.
- International relations: May limit the ability of foreign courts or parties to obtain remedies in U.S. courts for sanctions-related disputes, potentially affecting business dealings with sanctioned countries or entities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. individuals and companies subject to sanctions compliance requirements.
- Foreign persons or entities seeking to enforce judgments in U.S. courts.
- Federal and state courts handling recognition of foreign judgments.
- U.S. government officials and agencies responsible for sanctions and export controls.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure limits judicial comity by restricting enforcement of certain foreign decisions, which could raise questions about the balance between U.S. foreign policy powers and private litigation rights. It explicitly carves out protections for terrorism-related claims and U.S.-based dispute resolution, aiming to avoid broader interference with existing legal remedies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-03-26: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (6 pages)