Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025
The Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025 would require the President to impose targeted sanctions on foreign persons the President determines knowingly engage in piracy. The sanctions are designed to deter piracy and its disruption of global shipping, particularly around the Somali coast and the Gulf of Aden, by giving the United States tools to block assets and restrict entry for individuals or entities involved in piracy. The bill also emphasizes international cooperation to curb piracy and includes specific humanitarian carve-outs and exceptions related to international obligations. Key elements include asset blocking and visa/admission penalties for those involved in piracy, with safeguards and exceptions (humanitarian relief, compliance with international obligations, and intelligence/law enforcement activities). It provides implementation mechanisms under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), penalties for violators, a waiver process, and a framework for handling classified information in judicial reviews. Definitions clarify who counts as a “foreign person” and what constitutes “piracy.”
Key Points
- 1Creates a mandatory sanctions regime: The President must impose sanctions on any foreign person the President determines knowingly engages in piracy.
- 2Sanctions tools: Asset blocking (covering property in the United States, within the United States, or controlled by U.S. persons) and visa/admission bans (including revocation of visas and entry documentation).
- 3Important exceptions:
- 4- Compliance with international obligations (e.g., UN headquarters arrangements).
- 5- Humanitarian exceptions (permits for humanitarian aid, agricultural products, medicine, or related financial transactions and operations necessary for humanitarian assistance).
- 6- Intelligence, law enforcement, and national security activities are exempt from sanctions.
- 7Implementation and penalties: Uses authorities under IEEPA (sections 203/205) to carry out sanctions; penalties align with existing IEEPA penalties for violations.
- 8Waiver and process: The President may waive sanctions with a certification to House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees, given 15 days’ notice prior to effect.