HARM Act 2.0
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7415
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-09: 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
- 2026-03-27T08:06:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The bill, titled the "Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries Act" or "HARM Act 2.0," aims to address threats posed by the Wagner Group and its successor entities by requiring their designation as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs). It seeks to counter their involvement in mercenary activities, human rights abuses, and support for authoritarian regimes, which are seen as risks to international peace, security, and U.S. interests.
Key Provisions
- Findings and Policy Statement:
- Documents the Wagner Group's reorganization under the Russian Ministry of Defense after its leader's death in 2023, with successors like the Africa Corps, Redut PMC, and Patriot PMC continuing operations in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
- Declares these entities as engaging in terrorism (defined under existing U.S. law as violent acts intended to intimidate or coerce) and human rights violations.
- Establishes U.S. policy to designate these groups and related individuals as FTOs and SDGTs.
- Required Reports and Determinations:
- Secretary of State Report: Within an unspecified timeframe, the Secretary must submit a report to congressional committees listing successor entities, their leaders, affiliated groups under Russian Ministry control, and evidence of terrorist activities or grounds for sanctions under Executive Order 13224 (which blocks property and prohibits transactions with terrorism supporters).
- Comptroller General Review: Within 60 days of the State Department report, the Comptroller General evaluates its accuracy, completeness, and methods.
- Designation Determination: Within 30 days of the review, the Secretaries of State and Treasury, Attorney General, and Director of National Intelligence decide if listed entities or individuals qualify for FTO/SDGT status; if yes, they apply sanctions like asset freezes and transaction bans.
- Periodic Reviews: Ongoing updates to include new successors or affiliates.
- Annual Reports: For five years starting one year after enactment, the State Department (with input from Defense, Intelligence, and Treasury) submits unclassified reports (with possible classified annexes) on:
- Operations and deployments in key regions.
- Ties to the Russian military, including funding and command structures.
- Human rights abuses, war crimes, and international law violations.
- Financial networks and resource extraction.
- Sanctions effectiveness and recommendations for further actions.
- International cooperation.
- Specific focus on Russian paramilitary activities in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere.
- Definitions: Specifies "appropriate congressional committees" including Senate Foreign Relations, Senate Banking, House Financial Services, House Foreign Affairs, and House Judiciary.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces mandatory reporting and designation processes for Wagner successors, building on but not altering core laws like the Immigration and Nationality Act (which defines terrorist activity for immigration purposes) or Executive Order 13224 (terrorism sanctions framework).
- It formalizes a proactive U.S. policy to treat these Russian-linked groups as terrorists, potentially expanding existing sanctions regimes without creating new legal definitions of terrorism.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Increases workload for the State Department, Treasury, Justice Department, and intelligence community through required reports, determinations, and reviews; may enhance coordination on counter-terrorism efforts.
- On Citizens: U.S. citizens and residents could face restrictions on financial dealings or travel involving designated entities; immigrants or visa applicants linked to these groups may be inadmissible under terrorism-related grounds.
- On International Relations: Could heighten U.S.-Russia tensions by targeting state-affiliated groups; may strengthen alliances with affected countries (e.g., in Africa or Ukraine) through shared intelligence and sanctions, while pressuring authoritarian regimes supported by these mercenaries.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government: Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, and National Intelligence; congressional committees overseeing foreign affairs, finance, and judiciary.
- Russian Entities: Wagner Group successors (e.g., Africa Corps, Redut PMC, Patriot PMC) and their leaders, facing potential asset freezes, travel bans, and operational disruptions.
- International Actors: Governments and populations in Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America (especially Venezuela), impacted by these groups' activities; U.S. allies cooperating on sanctions.
- Private Sector: Financial institutions and businesses involved in resource extraction or dealings with Russia, subject to compliance with new designations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces executive authority under existing anti-terrorism laws but mandates congressional oversight via reports, ensuring accountability; designations could lead to civil or criminal penalties for violations without new trials.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's foreign affairs powers (Article I, Section 8) and does not infringe on free speech, as it targets conduct rather than expression.
- Political: Signals bipartisan U.S. commitment (introduced by members from both parties) to counter Russian influence abroad; may influence global norms on mercenary groups but risks escalation in U.S.-Russia rivalry without direct military implications.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-09: 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.
- 2026-02-09: 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.
- 2026-02-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries Act — issued 2026-02-09 — PDF (8 pages)