Moldova Support Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 8176

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-02: 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

2026-06-30T08:07:07Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Moldova Support Act of 2026 (H.R. 8176) aims to strengthen U.S.-Moldova relations by requiring the U.S. Secretary of State—the head of the U.S. Department of State—to facilitate ongoing strategic dialogues with Moldova, submit reports on U.S. support strategies, and maintain sanctions on specific individuals and entities linked to corruption or malign foreign influence. It underscores U.S. backing for Moldova's democracy, European Union (EU) accession by 2030, energy independence, and resistance to Russian aggression, especially amid the Ukraine war.

Key Provisions

• Sense of Congress (Sec. 2): Expresses congressional support for Moldova's pro-democracy and pro-EU efforts, highlights Russian threats to its sovereignty and energy security, and praises U.S. aid as a success in fostering bilateral ties.
• U.S.-Moldova Strategic Dialogue (Sec. 3): Mandates annual dialogues covering:
• Defense and security cooperation.
• Moldova's EU integration, with U.S. aid, investments, and public-private partnerships.
• Economic and energy ties, including support for the Straseni-Gutinas transmission line project to boost U.S. business opportunities and Moldova's energy independence.
• Reaffirmation of Moldova's territorial integrity.
• Expansion of the U.S. State Partnership Program with North Carolina and American Spaces (cultural/educational centers) in Moldova.
• Strategy Report (Sec. 4): Requires a report to Congress within 30 days of enactment, including:
• A 4-year strategy to enhance bilateral relations and EU accession without conflicting with Moldova's international obligations.
• U.S. actions since January 20, 2025, to counter Russian and Chinese influence.
• List of active and canceled U.S. foreign aid programs related to Moldova since that date.
• Steps to support Moldova's EU and NATO cooperation.
• Maintenance of Sanctions (Sec. 5): Prohibits lifting existing U.S. sanctions (penalties like asset freezes or visa bans) on named persons/entities—such as former Moldovan politicians Ilan Shor and Vlad Plahotniuc, the Shor Party, and Russian-linked figures/companies—without written certifications, briefings, and consultations with Congress confirming they have ceased corrupt or rights-violating behavior.
• Definitions (Sec. 6): Specifies "appropriate congressional committees" as the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Restricts the Secretary of State's ability to waive or terminate sanctions or visa ineligibility under prior laws (e.g., section 7031(c) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022), adding mandatory congressional certifications and oversight.
• Introduces new requirements for annual strategic dialogues and a comprehensive 4-year strategy report, formalizing U.S. policy toward Moldova.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: U.S. Department of State must allocate resources for dialogues, reports, and counter-influence efforts; Treasury involved in sanctions enforcement.
• Citizens: Moldovans gain enhanced U.S. support for energy security, economy, and democracy; U.S. citizens/businesses benefit from expanded trade/investment opportunities.
• International Relations: Bolsters U.S.-Moldova-EU-NATO alignment, counters Russian destabilization (e.g., via energy weaponization in Transnistria), and signals U.S. commitment to European stability amid Ukraine conflict.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government: State Department (dialogues/reports), Congress (oversight), and Treasury (sanctions).
• Moldovan Government and Citizens: Benefits from aid, EU/NATO support, and energy projects; reinforced sovereignty.
• Sanctioned Individuals/Entities: Ilan Shor, Shor Party, Vlad Plahotniuc, Russian-linked persons (e.g., Igor Yuryevich Chayka), and affiliates face prolonged restrictions.
• U.S. Businesses and States: Opportunities in energy (e.g., Straseni-Gutinas project) and North Carolina's State Partnership Program.
• Russia and China: Increased U.S. scrutiny of their influence in Moldova.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Enhances congressional checks on executive foreign policy via mandatory certifications/consultations, potentially limiting presidential flexibility on sanctions.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign affairs and appropriations; no apparent conflicts.
• Political: Bipartisan (introduced by Reps. Keating, Lawler, Ross); positions U.S. firmly against Russian influence in Eastern Europe, supporting Moldova's President Maia Sandu's pro-EU government while targeting pro-Russian actors.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-02: 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.
• 2026-04-02: 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.
• 2026-04-02: Introduced in House
• 2026-04-02: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Moldova Support Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-02 — PDF (8 pages)