Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-3407
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2021-12-15 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Alliances
Asia
Bulgaria
China
Collective security
Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
Computer security and identity theft
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Corporate finance and management
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Espionage and treason
Europe
Foreign aid and international relief
Foreign and international corporations
Foreign property
France
Georgia (Republic)
Germany
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
International exchange and broadcasting
International organizations and cooperation
Judicial procedure and administration
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
Military education and training
Military operations and strategy
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Navigation, waterways, harbors
Oil and gas
Pipelines
Poland
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Romania
Rule of law and government transparency
Russia
Sanctions
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Terrorism
Turkey
U.S. and foreign investments
Ukraine
User charges and fees
Visas and passports
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-12-15
text: 

Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense (GUARD) Act of 2021

 
This bill provides support for Ukraine and imposes sanctions related to Nord Stream 2, the pipeline constructed to increase exports of natural gas from Russia.
 
If Russia or any of its proxies militarily advance into Ukraine's territory or airspace beyond the area occupied as of December 15, 2021, the Department of State must designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. 
 
The bill authorizes the State Department to provide Foreign Military Financing assistance to Ukraine in FY2022. The bill also authorizes providing Ukraine with lethal assistance, such as anti-armor weapon systems and anti-aircraft weapons systems. 
 
From FY2022-FY2026, Ukraine shall have priority access to excess defense articles. 
 
During the same time period, the bill also authorizes providing Ukraine with assistance, including (1) International Military Education and Training assistance; (2) assistance to strengthen cybersecurity and intellectual property enforcement; (3) support and training for banking reform, subsidy reform, corporate governance, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises; and (4) assistance to combat corruption and improve the rule of law. 
 
Within 15 days of this bill's enactment, the President must impose sanctions on any entity responsible for planning, constructing, or operating Nord Stream 2, as well as any corporate officer of such an entity. The bill also subjects the President's authority to waive certain sanctions to congressional review. 
 
The bill requires reports to Congress on various topics, including a strategy on using U.S. diplomacy to support Ukraine. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-12-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2021-12-15
text: Introduced in Senate