HRES 73119th CongressIn Committee

Condemning the fraudulent January 2025 Belarusian presidential election and the Lukashenka regime's continued autocratic rule, calling for continued support for the people of Belarus who seek a democratic future, and calling for free and fair elections in Belarus in line with international standards.

Introduced: Jan 28, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This House resolution expresses strong disapproval of the January 26, 2025 Belarusian presidential election, attributes the outcome to autocratic rule under Alyaksandr Lukashenka, and condemns ongoing repression of civil society and political opponents. It calls for free and fair elections in Belarus with credible international monitoring, and it urges continued U.S. support for Belarusians seeking a democratic future. The measure also endorses a tougher sanctions and accountability stance against regime officials, supports ongoing engagement with the Belarusian democratic opposition through a Strategic Dialogue, and demands the immediate release of political prisoners. While it sets a clear policy stance and recommended actions, it is a non-binding resolution and does not itself create new legal obligations or spending authority; it signals congressional intent to guide future diplomacy, sanctions, and aid decisions.

Key Points

1Condemns the fraudulent January 2025 Belarusian presidential election and the Lukashenka regime’s continued repression of the opposition.
2Calls for free and fair elections in Belarus with credible international monitoring to ensure Belarusians’ voices are accurately heard.
3Supports additional sanctions and accountability measures against Lukashenka regime officials and entities that undermine democracy or participate in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including specific regime actors (judges, police, state-owned businesses).
4Endorses continued support for the Belarusian democratic opposition and regular Strategic Dialogue between the United States and the Belarusian opposition as a channel for accountability and creative policy solutions.
5Demands the immediate release of more than 1,200 political prisoners and stands with Belarusians pursuing a democratic future free from repression; emphasizes allied cooperation on visas, sanctions, and dialogue to hold the regime accountable.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Belarusians who support democracy, civil society, opposition figures, journalists, and political prisoners; the Belarusian regime and its security apparatus; and the Belarusian people affected by repressive policies.Secondary group/area affected- U.S. policymakers and foreign affairs institutions (State Department, Congress, sanctions authorities), allied governments (EU, other partners), and international organizations involved in monitoring elections, sanctions, and human rights.Additional impacts- Potential tightening of sanctions and visa restrictions on regime officials and state-affiliated actors; increased diplomatic engagement with the Belarusian opposition through Strategic Dialogue; guidance for future U.S. foreign aid and programming in support of democratic civil society; a signaling effect that could influence international pressure on the Lukashenka regime and coordination with allies regarding Belarus and Ukraine-related issues. Note: As a resolution, it expresses Congress’s policy preferences and does not itself create new legal duties or spending.

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