Countering Russian Trafficking Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9450
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T16:46:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 9450: Countering Russian Trafficking Act
Purpose
This legislation aims to address the systematic abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children by Russian state and non-state actors since February 2022, which Congress classifies as a severe form of trafficking in persons. It directs the imposition of sanctions to disrupt these activities and respond to associated human rights violations.
Key Provisions
- Findings: Documents Russia's coordinated efforts involving federal ministries, regional administrations, children's rights offices, rehabilitation camps, the Russian Orthodox Church, and private adoption networks to transfer, deport, indoctrinate, and re-educate Ukrainian children, often resulting in financial benefits and facilitation of additional trafficking.
- Sense of Congress: Declares the actions as one of the most egregious human-trafficking crimes of the 21st century, warranting an aggressive sanctions response.
- Designations and Sanctions: Requires the President, within 180 days of enactment, to apply sanctions under Executive Order 13581 (on transnational criminal organizations) and Section 111 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to specified covered persons.
- Covered Persons: Includes Russian federal and regional entities, rehabilitation or patriotic education camps, affiliated church organizations, private adoption agencies in occupied Ukrainian territory, and any persons who benefit from, support, or are controlled by these entities.
- Reporting Requirements: Mandates an interim unclassified list of covered persons submitted to congressional committees within 120 days, with provisions for classified annexes and responses to congressional requests for determinations.
- Implementation: Directs the President to issue necessary regulations, guidance, and advisories within 180 days.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill does not amend existing statutes but mandates the application of current sanctions authorities (Executive Order 13581 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act) specifically to Russian actors involved in Ukrainian child transfers.
- It introduces new procedural requirements, such as timelines for designations, list submissions, and congressional consultations, to focus these tools on this particular issue.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires coordination across executive branch entities, including those handling sanctions (e.g., Treasury and State Departments), to identify targets, update regulations, and enforce measures, potentially increasing administrative workload.
- Citizens: U.S. persons and entities may face restrictions on dealings with sanctioned Russian-linked individuals or organizations, affecting financial transactions, travel, or business activities.
- International Relations: Targets Russian government and affiliated groups, which could escalate tensions with Russia while supporting Ukraine; it may also influence global efforts against trafficking and child abductions in conflict zones.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Russian federal ministries, regional administrations, children's rights offices, and affiliated camps or programs.
- Entities of the Russian Orthodox Church and subordinate organizations involved in placements or re-education.
- Private adoption agencies, foster networks, and intermediaries operating in Russian-occupied Ukrainian areas.
- Ukrainian children, families, and displaced persons impacted by the transfers.
- U.S. executive branch officials responsible for sanctions implementation and congressional committees overseeing foreign affairs and financial services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on existing executive sanctions powers without creating new criminal penalties, emphasizing trafficking definitions from the Trafficking Victims Protection Act; includes a rule of construction preserving broader presidential authority.
- Constitutional: Reinforces the executive branch's role in foreign policy and sanctions while incorporating congressional oversight through reporting and request mechanisms.
- Political: Positions the U.S. response within ongoing Ukraine-related policies, potentially aligning with international war crimes considerations but remaining focused on domestic sanctions tools.
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
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Countering Russian Trafficking Act — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (7 pages)