Honduras Expropriation Accountability Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7807

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-04: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-03-27T21:55:55Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Honduras Expropriation Accountability Act (H.R. 7807) aims to authorize the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States (FCSC) to receive, determine, and provide for the payment of claims by U.S. persons against the Government of Honduras for the expropriation (government seizure) of their property occurring since January 1, 1979. This extends an existing U.S. legal framework for settling international claims to address historical property losses in Honduras.

Key Provisions

• Authorization for Claims Processing: The FCSC is empowered to handle claims related to property losses due to actions by the Honduran government, including its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities.
• Time Frame for Claims: Applies specifically to expropriations since January 1, 1979, for Honduras (distinct from timelines for other countries like Cuba).
• Filing Deadline: Claimants must file within 60 days after the bill's enactment.
• Eligibility: Limited to "nationals" of the U.S. (defined as U.S. citizens or entities owned by U.S. citizens) who owned the property at the time of expropriation.
• Amendments to Existing Law: Modifies Title V of the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to insert references to the Government of Honduras throughout relevant sections (501, 502, 503, and 505), expanding its scope without altering core procedures for claim adjudication or payment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expansion of Covered Governments: Adds the Government of Honduras to the list of foreign entities (previously including Cuba and the Chinese Communist regime) against which the FCSC can process expropriation claims under the International Claims Settlement Act.
• Customized Timeline: Introduces a specific start date (January 1, 1979) and filing period for Honduran claims, aligning with but differentiating from existing deadlines for other nations (e.g., post-1964 for Cuba).
• Broad Definition: Explicitly defines the "Government of Honduras" to include any local or subnational entities, ensuring comprehensive coverage of state actions.

These changes do not modify the FCSC's overall authority or payment mechanisms but integrate Honduras into the framework seamlessly.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The FCSC will gain additional workload to process and adjudicate new claims, potentially requiring resource allocation for investigations and hearings; no new funding is specified in the bill.
• On Citizens: U.S. individuals or businesses affected by Honduran expropriations since 1979 can seek compensation through a formal U.S. process, providing a pathway for financial redress that may otherwise be unavailable.
• On International Relations: Could pressure Honduras to address past property seizures, potentially straining diplomatic ties or encouraging negotiations; it signals U.S. commitment to protecting citizens' assets abroad but does not impose direct sanctions or penalties on Honduras.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Claimants: American citizens or U.S.-owned entities who lost property to Honduran government actions since 1979, as primary beneficiaries of the claims process.
• Government of Honduras: Subject to potential liability for claims, which may involve diplomatic or financial responses.
• Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (FCSC): Tasked with administering the claims, including filing, review, and certification for payment.
• U.S. Congress and State Department: Involved in oversight, with the bill referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; may influence broader foreign policy toward Honduras.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Establishes a structured, administrative process for claims under U.S. law, potentially leading to certified awards that could be used in international arbitration or negotiations; however, actual payment depends on future U.S. appropriations or settlements with Honduras.
• Constitutional Implications: None apparent; the bill operates within Congress's powers over foreign affairs and claims settlement, consistent with precedents like the Cuban Claims Act.
• Political Implications: Reinforces U.S. policy on protecting private property rights internationally, possibly appealing to constituencies with ties to Honduras; it may highlight bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for accountability in Latin American relations without escalating to punitive measures.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-04: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2026-03-04: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Honduras Expropriation Accountability Act — issued 2026-03-04 — PDF (3 pages)