Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

A bill to authorize the President of the United States to issue cyber letters of marque and reprisal, and for other purposes.

This bill would allow the President to authorize private individuals and companies to conduct cyberattacks against foreign targets in response to cyberattacks against the United States, similar to historical "letters of marque" that allowed privateers to attack enemy ships. The measure would essentially create a legal framework for government-sanctioned hacking operations carried out by non-government actors, affecting cybersecurity companies, tech firms, and potentially exposing the U.S. to international legal disputes. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

A resolution commending the courage, bravery, and resolve of the fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters of Cuba, whom 5 years ago, stood in the face of brutal harassment, beatings, and torture to protest against the Communist Cuban regime, demanding access to their fundamental rights to life, dignity, and freedom.

This resolution honors Cuban citizens who protested against the government five years ago and faced violence and abuse for demanding basic freedoms and human rights. The resolution recognizes their courage in standing up to what it describes as a repressive regime despite the serious risks they took. It has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for consideration.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This resolution would require the President to withdraw U.S. military forces from any military actions against Iran unless Congress has specifically authorized those actions through a formal vote. It essentially reasserts Congress's constitutional power to decide when the country goes to war, rather than allowing the President to conduct military operations independently. The measure affects military personnel, defense policy, and the balance of power between the President and Congress over decisions to use armed force.

Securing Partner Supply Chains Act

The federal government would create a new program to review and evaluate foreign investments in the United States, particularly those that might affect national security or critical industries. This screening initiative would help the State Department identify potential risks from foreign companies or investors buying American businesses, technology, or infrastructure. The effort would affect major corporations, foreign investors, and government agencies involved in evaluating deals that could impact American economic and security interests.

North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2026

The legislation would extend and update a law that supports efforts to promote human rights in North Korea, including programs that document abuses, assist defectors, and raise awareness about conditions there. The bill allows the U.S. government to continue funding and coordinating these humanitarian initiatives through various agencies and organizations working on North Korean issues. It affects diplomats, humanitarian workers, and organizations focused on international human rights advocacy.

A resolution condemning the People's Republic of China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, concerned with its implications on the rights and freedoms, as well as survival of the identity, of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and other affected communities, and calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to end its abuses and campaigns of transnational repression that undermine United States sovereignty and threaten the safety and freedoms of people in the United States.

Congress is expressing strong disapproval of China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, which it says threatens the rights and cultural identity of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and other minority groups in China. The resolution calls on the Chinese government to stop what lawmakers view as human rights abuses and efforts to suppress dissent among these communities, while also addressing concerns that China's repressive actions extend into the United States and threaten American citizens' freedoms.

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

EBOLA Act

The United States would be required to maintain its membership and participation in the World Health Organization, preventing the country from withdrawing from the international health agency. This affects American involvement in global disease monitoring, pandemic response coordination, and health emergencies that cross borders. The bill ensures the U.S. continues contributing to and benefiting from the WHO's work on infectious disease prevention and international health cooperation.

A resolution requesting information on Israel's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Congress is requesting the State Department to provide information about Israel's human rights record, as required by a 1961 law that ties U.S. foreign aid to countries' treatment of their citizens. The resolution asks for details on any human rights concerns in Israel so lawmakers can decide whether U.S. aid should continue or be adjusted. This affects the relationship between the United States and Israel, as well as how American taxpayer money is spent on foreign assistance.

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

This concurrent resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a congressional authorization for use of military force against Iran. Elements of the U.S. Armed Forces needed to defend the United States, an ally, or a partner from imminent attack are not covered by this requirement provided the President complies with a specified provision of the War Powers Resolution. (The provision generally requires the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities no more than 60 days after the President notifies or is required to notify Congress of such involvement, unless Congress authorizes such use. For more information on the War Powers Resolution, see CRS In Focus 13134 .)

Save Our Shrimpers Act

Save Our Shrimpers Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions (e.g., the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank) to oppose providing financial assistance for any project to support shrimp farming, shrimp processing, or the export of shrimp in a borrowing country. Treasury may waive this requirement with respect to a project upon notifying Congress that the waiver is in the national interest of the United States. The requirement expires seven years after the enactment of this bill.

Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance Act

This bill would restrict U.S. foreign aid money from going to international organizations that provide abortion services, promote certain views about gender identity, or advance what the bill describes as discriminatory equity practices. The restrictions would apply to nonmilitary assistance programs that help with development, health, and humanitarian work in other countries. Organizations receiving U.S. foreign aid would need to comply with these restrictions or lose their funding.

United States-Israel Agriculture Cooperation Improvement and Expansion Act

This bill would change how the BARD Fund (Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund) operates, which is a joint program between the United States and Israel that funds agricultural research projects. The modifications would affect agricultural scientists, farmers, and research institutions in both countries that rely on or participate in these collaborative research efforts. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

A resolution recognizing and honoring Cambodian veterans of the Khmer National Armed Forces for their sacrifices, their support of the Armed Forces of the United States, and their defense of freedom in Southeast Asia.

This resolution honors Cambodian soldiers who fought with the U.S. military during the Cold War era in Southeast Asia, recognizing their contributions to defending freedom in the region. The measure acknowledges the sacrifices these veterans made while supporting American armed forces operations in Cambodia. It has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for consideration.

SABER Act of 2026

The government would be allowed to use money from the Ukraine Support Fund to help Ukraine buy military equipment and defense services needed to fight back against Russian aggression and rebuild after the conflict. This gives Ukraine more flexibility in how it uses American financial support to strengthen its military and recover from the damage caused by the war. The change would affect how U.S. aid to Ukraine is spent, potentially allowing more of it to go directly toward weapons and military supplies rather than being restricted to other uses.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2026, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease.

This resolution calls for the United States to officially recognize June 19, 2026, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" to help educate the public about sickle cell disease, a serious inherited blood disorder that primarily affects Black Americans and people of African descent. The resolution emphasizes the importance of funding research to find better treatments and cures, improving early detection through screening programs, and developing ways to prevent complications from the disease. By designating this day, Congress aims to draw attention to the ongoing health challenges faced by sickle cell patients and encourage greater investment in finding solutions.

Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act

The legislation aims to strengthen U.S. military and security capabilities in the Arctic region, likely addressing concerns about increased activity from Russia and China in that area. The bill would affect military personnel, defense contractors, and potentially Arctic communities by directing resources toward infrastructure, technology, and strategic positioning in the far north. It has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for review and debate.

Energy Security Pacts Act

The legislation aims to strengthen America's and its allies' ability to access reliable energy sources and critical minerals needed for manufacturing, technology, and national defense. It would likely involve strategies to reduce dependence on potentially hostile countries for these resources and support domestic production or partnerships with friendly nations. This affects businesses in energy and manufacturing sectors, consumers who depend on affordable energy and products, and policymakers focused on national security.

BANNED in Latin America Act

The State Department would be required to develop and present a detailed plan to Congress for how the U.S. will counter efforts by Iran and Hezbollah to expand their political and military influence in Latin American countries. The strategy would address how these groups are trying to gain power and resources in the region, and what steps the U.S. government should take to prevent or limit their activities. This affects U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere and could influence how American diplomats and agencies work with Latin American governments.

A bill to repeal certain Acts that impose sanctions upon Syria.

The proposal would remove existing economic and trade penalties that the United States has placed on Syria, allowing American companies and individuals to do business with the Syrian government and economy again. This would affect American businesses, workers in trade-related industries, and could change how the U.S. relates to Syria internationally. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.