Ocean County Leader

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), has introduced the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2024 (HR 8329). This legislation aims to strengthen U.S. support for the people of Belarus in their struggle against what is described as Lukashenka’s brutal dictatorship.

The bill, co-sponsored by Reps. Bill Keating (D-MA), Tom Kean (R-NJ), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), and Joe Wilson (R-SC), seeks to promote democracy and human rights in Belarus while increasing pressure on Lukashenka to respect the sovereignty of his citizens.

“The democracy-loving people of Belarus don’t want to see their country subjugated to Russia, and they certainly don’t want to participate in Russia’s war on Ukraine and its egregious war crimes—including the trafficking of innocent Ukrainian children,” said Rep. Chris Smith, who has authored four laws supporting democracy in Belarus.

“Sadly, Lukashenka has chosen to ignore the will of his people and has taken a different path,” Smith continued. “My new legislation reauthorizes and strengthens the four laws I have authored on Belarus—including the landmark Belarus Democracy Act of 2004—by providing new tools to sanction Lukashenka’s gross human rights abuses and to support patriotic Belarusians in their work for a free Belarus.”

Ranking Member Keating stated that "the people of Belarus have been steadfast in their opposition to the Lukashenka regime and their commitment to human rights, rule of law, and freedom of expression.” He added that "the Belarus Democracy Act reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the Belarusian democratic opposition."

Chairman Kean expressed that "Alyaksandr Lukashenka is an illegitimate dictator." He emphasized that it was crucial for the U.S. and its allies to send a clear message to Lukashenka, stating that it will never be business as usual for him as long as he represses the rights of his people and aids Vladimir Putin’s imperial ambitions.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) underscored the need to combat Russian aggression and its influence in the region. She called on all nations to uphold their obligations to protect human rights and hold free and fair elections.

Rep. Joe Wilson expressed gratitude for the bill, stating that it reaffirms U.S. support for the people of Belarus opposing the Lukashenka regime.

Among its provisions, HR 8329 would reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 for the fourth time following the Government of Belarus’ involvement in Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. It would also expand the list of Belarusian authorities who may be subject to U.S. sanctions and state that it is U.S. policy not to recognize Lukashenka as the legitimately elected leader of Belarus.