BLOCK PUTIN Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8219
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-20: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2984)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-21T13:02:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The BLOCK PUTIN Act (H.R. 8219) aims to pressure Hungary to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and natural gas and to stop blocking financial or security aid to Ukraine. It does this by authorizing sanctions on certain Hungarian officials.
Key Provisions
- Findings: Documents Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's efforts to cut Russian energy imports (e.g., EU's REPowerEU plan reducing reliance by ~90%), and Hungary's increased dependence on Russian energy (~30% rise since 2022, providing Russia ~$6.7 billion) and blocking of EU aid/sanctions.
- Sense of Congress and Policy: Declares U.S. interest in diversifying Europe from Russian energy and ensuring EU support for Ukraine; sets policy to hold Hungary accountable.
- Sanctions on Hungarian Officials:
- Applies to senior Hungarian government officials who, after enactment:
- Block/delay aid to Ukraine via EU, NATO, or other channels.
- Approve/facilitate Russian oil/gas imports.
- Sanctions include: asset freezes (using International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA—a law allowing presidential economic actions in emergencies) and visa bans/revocations (making them ineligible to enter the U.S.).
- President must impose sanctions within 30 days, then every 180 days.
- Exceptions and Waivers:
- No sanctions if Hungary adopts a public plan to end Russian energy dependence by 2028 and stops blocking Ukraine aid for 180+ days.
- Other exceptions for U.S. international obligations, intelligence/law enforcement, or humanitarian aid.
- President can waive for 180 days if vital to U.S. security and the official commits to stop for 1 year.
- Termination: Ends 30 days after Secretary of State certifies Hungary's compliance (energy diversification plan + 180 days no blocking).
- Report: Treasury and State must report within 30 days (and detail) any U.S. facilitation of Hungary's Russian energy purchases since Oct. 2025 (e.g., licenses, volumes, values).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces targeted sanctions on Hungarian officials not previously authorized, expanding use of IEEPA for asset blocks and linking immigration laws (Immigration and Nationality Act) to foreign policy goals.
- No broad changes to prior Russia sanctions but adds secondary pressure via Hungary-specific triggers and reporting on U.S. exemptions.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Burdens President, State, and Treasury with timely sanctions, reports, and certifications; requires ongoing monitoring of Hungarian actions.
- Citizens: Minimal direct U.S. impact; Hungarian officials lose U.S. assets/visas, potentially affecting travel/business.
- International Relations: Strains U.S.-Hungary ties (NATO ally); pressures Hungary/Slovakia in EU/NATO; indirectly boosts Ukraine aid and cuts Russian energy revenue.
Main Stakeholders
- Hungarian Government/Officials: Primary targets; face financial/travel restrictions unless compliant.
- U.S. Executive Branch (President, State, Treasury): Implements/enforces.
- Ukraine: Benefits from unblocked EU aid.
- EU/NATO Members: Affected by Hungary's vetoes; aligns with broader anti-Russia efforts.
- Russia: Loses energy revenue if Hungary diversifies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on IEEPA (bypasses some notice requirements) and immigration statutes; includes waivers/certifications for congressional oversight.
- Constitutional: Expands executive foreign policy powers but with legislative checks (reports, termination).
- Political: Targets democratic ally (Hungary) over energy/Ukraine policy, risking NATO friction; highlights U.S. leverage in transatlantic security amid Russia tensions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-20: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2984)
- 2026-04-09: 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.
- 2026-04-09: 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.
- 2026-04-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Barring Leverage and Obstruction that Contributes to Kremlin Profits Undermining Transatlantic Interests and NATO Act — issued 2026-04-09 — PDF (14 pages)