NOPE Act of 2026

Bill Number

S. 4421

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-28: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Last Updated

2026-06-03T11:03:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The No Oil Profits for Enemies Act of 2026 (NOPE Act) amends the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) to increase Congress's oversight of executive branch actions on sanctions against Russia. It focuses on expanding review of sanctions related to Russian energy exports (like oil and gas) until Russia ends its war in Ukraine and compensates for damages.

Key Provisions

• Expanded Sanctions Under Review:
• Adds Executive Order 14024— which blocks property linked to harmful activities by the Russian government—to the list of sanctions requiring congressional review.
• Energy-Related Actions Subject to Review:
• Includes executive actions, such as issuing licenses or waivers, on sanctions for Russian crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or other energy products.
• Applies during a specific period: from the bill's enactment until the Secretary of State (consulting Treasury, Defense, and National Intelligence leaders) certifies to Congress that Russia has ended its Ukraine war and committed to a "just peace" including war damage compensation.
• Exceptions During Initial Review:
• Allows immediate executive action (without waiting for Congress) for Russian energy products used to:
• Protect crew health or safety on energy transport vessels.
• Handle emergency repairs, environmental protection, or mitigation on such vessels.
• Address urgent economic impacts in foreign countries (excluding Russia).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Broadens CAATSA Section 216:
• Previously limited congressional review to certain sanctions; now includes EO 14024 and energy-specific actions/licensing.
• Introduces a new "period for review" tied to Russia's actions in Ukraine, extending oversight indefinitely until certification.
• Adds narrow exceptions for humanitarian or emergency energy uses, preventing total freezes.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Limits State, Treasury, and other departments' flexibility to ease Russia energy sanctions (e.g., via licenses) without congressional approval, potentially slowing responses to global energy crises.
• Citizens and Economy: Could stabilize or raise global energy prices by restricting Russian exports, affecting U.S. consumers and allies dependent on imports.
• International Relations: Pressures Russia to end the Ukraine war; signals strong U.S. commitment to Ukraine, but may strain ties with countries buying Russian energy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Congress: Gains stronger role in foreign sanctions policy.
• Executive Branch: State Department, Treasury, Defense, and intelligence agencies face certification hurdles and review requirements.
• Russia: Faces prolonged energy sanctions, limiting revenue from exports.
• Ukraine: Benefits from leverage for peace and reparations.
• Energy Markets: Importers (e.g., Europe, Asia), shipping companies, and global consumers impacted by restricted Russian supplies.
• U.S. Allies: Nations like EU members balancing energy needs with anti-Russia stance.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Congressional War Powers: Reinforces Congress's constitutional authority over foreign affairs and spending (via sanctions), checking executive discretion—a recurring debate in U.S.-Russia policy.
• Enforceability: Certification requirement creates a high bar for lifting reviews, potentially leading to legal challenges if deemed overly restrictive.
• Political Dynamics: Bipartisan sponsors (Democrats and Republicans) highlight rare unity on Russia policy, but could fuel partisan fights over certification timing or energy exceptions.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]

Cosponsors (8)

Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-28: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
• 2026-04-28: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• No Oil Profits for Enemies Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-28 — PDF (5 pages)