BANNED in Latin America Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4665
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-18T15:25:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill directs the Secretary of State to create and deliver a strategy to Congress focused on countering Iran's and Hezbollah's propaganda, missionary networks, and influence efforts in Latin America.
Key Provisions
- The Secretary of State must submit the strategy no later than 180 days after the bill becomes law.
- The strategy must cover:
- Steps to limit Iranian cultural centers that spread Iranian ideas, including diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and public outreach.
- Restrictions on travel and activities of Iranian diplomats, cultural attaches, and other agents through visa denials or sanctions.
- Efforts to improve U.S. intelligence agencies' ability to track and interrupt Iranian and Hezbollah networks, including ties to schools and nonprofit groups.
- Actions to block or limit Iran's HispanTV and Hezbollah's Al Mayadeen Espanol media outlets, similar to past measures against other Iranian channels.
- Plans to address Iran's Al Mustafa International University and related groups, including possible terrorist organization or global terrorist designations.
- The strategy must be submitted in unclassified form, with an option for a classified section.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a new requirement for the executive branch to produce this specific strategy. It does not amend or repeal any current statutes but adds a mandatory reporting and planning obligation to existing foreign policy authorities.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Requires the Department of State to lead strategy development and may increase workload for intelligence agencies involved in monitoring networks.
- Citizens: Indirect effects could include changes in U.S. public diplomacy or media access in Latin America.
- International relations: May affect U.S. cooperation with Latin American countries and relations with Iran through expanded sanctions and designations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress (as recipient of the strategy).
- Department of State and U.S. intelligence agencies (responsible for implementation).
- Iranian and Hezbollah-linked entities operating in Latin America.
- Media outlets such as HispanTV and Al Mayadeen Espanol.
- Academic and nonprofit organizations in Latin America connected to these networks.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The strategy includes use of sanctions and terrorist designations, which carry legal consequences for listed entities. The bill allows for a classified annex, reflecting standard practices for sensitive foreign policy documents.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2026-06-02: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Barring Adversarial Networks and Notorious Extremist Destabilizers in Latin America Act — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (3 pages)