Tunisia Democracy Restoration Act

The Tunisia Democracy Restoration Act is a bill that would, if enacted, aim to push back against an authoritarian turn in Tunisia by implementing targeted sanctions and restricting U.S. assistance. It creates a framework to suspend certain security-assistance funds, publish and regularly update a sanctions list of individuals deemed to undermine Tunisia’s democracy or commit serious human rights abuses, and impose penalties on those on the list through mechanisms authorized by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The bill also requires the Executive Branch to develop a congressional strategy within six months to help restore Tunisia’s democratic institutions and sets a four-year sunset, after which the act would expire unless reauthorized. The act envisions a pathway for some sanctions to be eased if Tunisia restores the democratic constitution of 2014, holds free and fair elections under that constitution, and releases political prisoners. It includes exemptions for international commitments (e.g., United Nations and Vienna Conventions) and allows limited waivers for national-security reasons. Overall, the bill ties U.S. aid and entry restrictions to Tunisia’s democratic progress and creates ongoing congressional oversight through required reporting and a scheduled review period.