RSF Terrorist Designation Act

Bill Number: H.R. 8301
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-15: 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: 2026-04-22T21:49:37Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The RSF Terrorist Designation Act (H.R. 8301) directs U.S. government officials to review whether the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan qualifies as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization under Executive Order 13224, which targets groups involved in terrorism by blocking their assets and prohibiting transactions. If designated, it mandates specific sanctions.

Key Provisions

Mandatory Review: Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury must jointly assess if RSF meets SDGT criteria and submit results, including a designation decision, to key congressional committees (House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations).
Sanctions if Designated:
Block all U.S.-based assets and transactions involving RSF.
Make RSF members (aliens) inadmissible to the U.S., ineligible for visas, and revoke existing visas.
Exceptions and Waivers:
Exemptions for U.N. obligations, humanitarian aid (e.g., food, medicine), U.S. intelligence/law enforcement, and national security waivers (with congressional notice).
Classified info can be used in court reviews without public disclosure.
Additional Report: Secretary of State must provide a report on RSF's support networks, operational sustainability without external aid, and U.S. security/foreign aid implications (unclassified with optional classified annex).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Introduces a congressional mandate for a specific review of RSF under existing Executive Order 13224, which previously allowed discretionary designations by the executive branch.
Overrides some procedural hurdles in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for asset blocking.
Adds tailored reporting requirements and exceptions not explicitly detailed in prior SDGT frameworks.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases workload for State and Treasury Departments; empowers President to act swiftly on sanctions; enhances congressional oversight via reports.
Citizens and U.S. Persons: Prohibits dealings with RSF, potentially affecting businesses or individuals with Sudan ties.
International Relations: Could strain U.S. ties with Sudan or RSF supporters (e.g., by identifying and pressuring aid providers); may disrupt humanitarian efforts unless exempted; signals stronger U.S. counterterrorism stance in Sudan conflict.
RSF Operations: Asset freezes and travel bans could limit funding and mobility if external support is curtailed.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Government: State Department, Treasury, President, and congressional foreign affairs committees.
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan: Primary target for potential designation and sanctions.
Supporters of RSF: Countries, entities, or individuals providing material aid (identified in reports).
Sudanese Nationals/Aliens: RSF-linked individuals face U.S. entry bans and visa revocations.
Humanitarian Organizations: Protected via exceptions but may face compliance challenges.
U.S. Businesses/Individuals: Restricted from transactions with RSF.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens executive counterterrorism powers while mandating congressional notification, balancing separation of powers; allows ex parte (one-sided, private) use of classified evidence in reviews, limiting challenges.
Constitutional: Relies on President's foreign affairs authority and emergency economic powers; exceptions preserve international treaty compliance (e.g., U.N. Headquarters Agreement).
Political: Pressures executive branch on Sudan policy amid ongoing conflict; could influence peace efforts or alliances by targeting RSF (a major Sudanese faction), with reports enabling public scrutiny of designations.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]

Recent Actions

2026-04-15: 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.
2026-04-15: 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.
2026-04-15: Introduced in House
2026-04-15: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

RSF Terrorist Designation Act — issued 2026-04-15 — PDF (8 pages)