Lawmakers Propose More Sanctions for Countries That Wrongfully Detain Americans
A bipartisan, bicameral group of four lawmakers announced Nov. 25 the introduction of a bill to create a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention (SSWD) designation, which would allow the State Department to impose sanctions and other penalties on countries that wrongfully detain Americans.
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The legislation also would authorize $2 million in FY 2026 for the State and Treasury departments to carry out sanctions against countries that wrongfully detain Americans. A bill summary says that “neither department is currently able to dedicate adequate resources to identifying and targeting individuals or entities engaged in wrongful detention or hostage taking for the purpose of effectively disrupting networks and promoting behavior change.”
The Countering Wrongful Detention Act was introduced by Reps. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., and French Hill, R-Ark., and Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Jim Risch, R-Idaho. The lawmakers said the U.S. should do more to protect its citizens abroad, especially in light of recent high-profile detentions by Russia and other hostile countries.
"The United States must create a more effective deterrent to preventing the wrongful detention of Americans abroad," said Risch, ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.