Summary
Places sanctions on Hungarian government officials who block aid to Ukraine or continue to buy oil and gas from Russia.
What problem does this solve?
Hungary continues to buy energy from Russia and has blocked financial aid to Ukraine, which helps Russia's war effort. This bill pressures Hungarian officials with personal sanctions to stop these actions and align with U.S. and E.U. partners.
Who does this affect?
- Senior officials of the Government of Hungary
What does this bill do?
Imposes sanctions on Hungarian officials
Requires the President to place sanctions on senior Hungarian government officials who block aid to Ukraine or approve the import of Russian oil and gas.
Blocks property and denies entry to the U.S.
Freezes any U.S.-based property of sanctioned officials and makes them ineligible to receive a visa or enter the United States.
Requires a report on U.S. involvement
Directs the Secretary of State and Treasury to report to Congress on any U.S. government actions that have helped Hungary purchase Russian oil and gas.
Establishes conditions to end sanctions
Terminates the sanctions if Hungary creates a public plan to end its use of Russian energy and stops blocking aid to Ukraine for at least 180 days.
Allows for a presidential waiver
Permits the President to pause the sanctions for up to 180 days if it is vital to U.S. national security.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 4(d)(4)
Header:
Exception relating to the provision of humanitarian assistance
Exempts humanitarian aid
Ensures sanctions do not apply to transactions related to humanitarian assistance, including the sale of food, medicine, or medical devices.
What is the real world impact?
•
Pressures Hungary to align with Western policy
Uses the threat of personal sanctions against Hungarian officials to force the country to stop supporting Russia's economy through energy purchases and to cease obstructing aid for Ukraine's defense.
When does this start?
Key actions, including imposing sanctions and submitting a report, must begin within 30 days after the bill becomes law.
Initial sanctions imposed
The President must impose the first round of sanctions on Hungarian officials no later than 30 days after the bill becomes law.
Report to congress
The Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of State must submit a report on U.S. facilitation of Hungarian energy purchases within 30 days.
Ongoing sanctions review
After the initial round, the President must review and impose sanctions every 180 days.