Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2024

Bill: 118-s-1881
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2023-06-08
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Business investment and capital

Canada

Caribbean area

Civil actions and liability

Conflicts and wars

Congressional oversight

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Detention of persons

Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad

Elections, voting, political campaign regulation

Europe

Federal officials

Foreign and international banking

Foreign loans and debt

Foreign property

Free trade and trade barriers

Human rights

Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information

International organizations and cooperation

Latin America

Meat

Nicaragua

Political parties and affiliation

Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Protest and dissent

Russia

Sanctions

Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status

U.S. and foreign investments

Ukraine

United Nations
Latest action: action_date: 2024-05-07
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 371.

Summaries:

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 371 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1881 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 8, 2023 Mr. Rubio (for himself, Mr. Kaine , and Mr. Cassidy ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations May 7, 2024 Reported by Mr. Cardin , with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To reauthorize and amend the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2023 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Findings. Sec. 4. Sense of Congress. TITLE I—Reauthorization and amendment of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 Sec. 101. Extension of authorities of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018. Sec. 102. Enhancing sanctions on sectors of the Nicaraguan economy that generate revenue for the Ortega family. Sec. 103. Imposition of sanctions with respect to the Ortega administration’s abuses against the Catholic Church, political prisoners, and support for the invasion of Ukraine. Sec. 104. Coordinated diplomatic strategy to restrict investment and loans that benefit the Government of Nicaragua from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. TITLE II—Additional economic measures to hold the Government of Nicaragua accountable for human rights abuses Sec. 201. Statement of policy. Sec. 202. Review of participation of Nicaragua in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States free trade agreement. Sec. 203. Prohibition on new United States investment in Nicaragua. Sec. 204. Termination. TITLE III—Promoting the human rights of Nicaraguans Sec. 301. Support for human rights and democracy programs. Sec. 302. Support for Nicaraguan human rights at the United Nations. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives. (2) United states person The term United States person means— (A) an individual who is a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; and (B) any corporation, partnership, or other entity organized under the laws of the United States or the laws of any jurisdiction within the United States. 3. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The 2022 Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom made the following recommendations to the United States Government: (A) Maintain Nicaragua on the special watch list of the Department of State under section 402(b)(1)(A)(iii) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 ( 22 U.S.C. 6442(b)(1)(A)(iii) ) for engaging in or tolerating serious violations of religious freedom. (B) Impose targeted sanctions with respect to agencies and officials of the Government of Nicaragua responsible for violence and other punitive actions against places of worship, religious leaders, and organizations by freezing the assets of and barring the entry of certain persons into the United States, citing specific violations of religious freedom. (C) Collaborate with and encourage multilateral organizations, such as the Organization of American States— (i) to monitor and investigate violations of religious freedom that occur in Nicaragua; (ii) to work to identify perpetrators of religious freedom violations in Nicaragua; and (iii) to seek the repeal of problematic laws such as the foreign agents law passed in Nicaragua in 2020. (2) The Catholic Church in Nicaragua suffered— (A) 127 attacks in 2022; (B) 54 attacks in 2021; (C) 58 attacks in 2020; (D) 76 attacks in 2019; and (E) 81 attacks in 2018. (3) In a 2022 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Nicaragua was listed as an authoritarian regime and one of the least democratic countries in the Western Hemisphere, along with Cuba and Venezuela. (4) According to the 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices published by the Department of State, members of civil society and student leaders involved in the April 2018 protests in Nicaragua were subjected to torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. (5) According to human rights organizations, the Ortega regime has 150 political prisoners, including prisoners in solitary confinement. (6) In 2022, the Ortega regime rejected a United States envoy, declared the head of the European Union persona non grata, and closed the Vatican embassy in Managua. (7) On February 9, 2023, the authoritarian Ortega regime— (A) expelled 222 Nicaraguan nationals who had been unjustly imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights; and (B) stripped those nationals of Nicaraguan citizenship. (8) The invasion of Ukraine by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin poses a significant threat to global peace and stability in the Western Hemisphere. (9) The authoritarian regime of President Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua is providing diplomatic support to the Russian Federation and serving as an amplifier and repeater of Russian propaganda on a global scale. (10) The actions of the Government of Nicaragua are impeding development of a global consensus to reject and respond to crimes against humanity conducted by President Putin. (11) The Ortega regime has deepened the relationship between the Government of Nicaragua and the Government of the Russian Federation and is establishing diplomatic relations with the Government of the People Republic of China. 4. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Secretary of State, working through the head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, and in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, should engage in diplomatic efforts with partners of the United States, including the Government of Canada, governments of countries in the European Union, and governments of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, to impose targeted sanctions with respect to the persons subject to sanctions authorized by the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 in order to hold the authoritarian regime of President Daniel Ortega accountable for crimes against the Catholic Church, the clergy, and the people of Nicaragua; (2) the United States Government should continue— (A) to raise concerns about human rights and democracy in Nicaragua, and call attention to religious and opposition leaders and civil society, media, and faith-based organizations silenced by the Ortega regime; and (B) to enforce Executive Order 13851 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property of certain persons contributing to the situation in Nicaragua), and expand existing sanctions to other sectors of the economy of Nicaragua, such as the meat sector; and (3) the international community, including the Holy See, the International Red Cross, and the United Nations should coordinate efforts— (A) to improve the conditions of all political prisoners in Nicaragua; (B) to document all gross violations of internationally recognized human rights in Nicaragua; and (C) to call for the end of political persecution against members of religious organizations, including the Catholic Church. I Reauthorization and amendment of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 101. Extension of authorities of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 Section 10 of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by striking 2023 and inserting 2028 . 102. Enhancing sanctions on sectors of the Nicaraguan economy that generate revenue for the Ortega family Section 5(a) of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking or ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) to operate or have operated in the gold, cattle, or coffee sectors of the Nicaraguan economy or in any other sector of the Nicaraguan economy identified by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, for purposes of this paragraph. . 103. Imposition of sanctions with respect to the Ortega administration’s abuses against the Catholic Church, political prisoners, and support for the invasion of Ukraine (a) Expansion of activities triggering targeted sanctions Section 5(b) of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) The arrest or prosecution of a person, including a person who is a member of or an officer of the Catholic Church, because of the legitimate exercise by such person of the freedom of religion. (6) The conviction and sentencing of a person who is a member of an opposition party or independent civil society organization under politically motivated charges. (7) Gross violations of the internationally recognized human rights of prisoners. (8) Acts of providing significant goods, services, or technology to or expressing support for the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation that began on February 24, 2022. . (b) Modification of targeted sanctions prioritization Section 5(b)(2)(B) of the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 ( Public Law 117–54 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended— (1) by redesignating clauses (viii) and (ix) as clauses (ix) and (x), respectively; and (2) by inserting after clause (vii) the following new clause (viii): (viii) Officials of the Instituto de Previsión Social Militar (IPSM), commonly known as the Military Institute of Social Security of Nicaragua. . 104. Coordinated diplomatic strategy to restrict investment and loans that benefit the Government of Nicaragua from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration Section 4 of the Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f): (f) Diplomatic strategy To restrict investment in Nicaragua at the Central American Bank for Economic Integration The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall engage in diplomatic efforts with governments of countries that are partners of the United States and members of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (referred to in this section as CABEI ), including the governments of Mexico, Taiwan, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, and the Republic of Korea— (1) to oppose the extension by CABEI of any loan or financial or technical assistance to the Government of Nicaragua for any project in Nicaragua; (2) to increase the scrutiny of any loan or financial or technical assistance provided by CABEI to any project in Nicaragua; and (3) to ensure that any loan or financial or technical assistance provided by CABEI to a project in Nicaragua is administered through an entity with full technical, administrative, and financial independence from the Government of Nicaragua. ; and (3) in subsection (g), as so redesignated— (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5): (5) a description of the results of the diplomatic strategy mandated by subsection (f); and . II Additional economic measures to hold the Government of Nicaragua accountable for human rights abuses 201. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to seek a resolution to the political crisis in Nicaragua that includes— (1) a commitment by the Government of Nicaragua to hold free and fair elections that meet democratic standards and permit credible international electoral observation to replace the Ortega administration; (2) the cessation of the violence perpetrated against civilians by the National Police of Nicaragua and by armed groups supported by the Government of Nicaragua; and (3) independent investigations into the killings of protesters in Nicaragua. 202. Review of participation of Nicaragua in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States free trade agreement (a) Report required (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the participation of Nicaragua in CAFTA–DR, which includes— (A) an assessment of the benefits that the Ortega regime receives from the participation of Nicaragua in CAFTA–DR, including profits earned by Nicaraguan State-owned entities; (B) a description of the violations of commitments made by Nicaragua under CAFTA–DR; and (C) an assessment of whether Nicaragua qualifies as a nonmarket economy for the purposes of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2101 et seq. ). (2) Form The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. (b) CAFTA–DR defined In this section, the term CAFTA–DR means the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement— (1) entered into on August 5, 2004, with the Governments of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and submitted to Congress on June 23, 2005; and (2) approved by Congress under section 101(a)(1) of the Dominican Republic-Central American-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act ( 19 U.S.C. 4011(a)(1) ). 203. Prohibition on new United States investment in Nicaragua (a) Prohibition After the date of the enactment of this Act, a United States person, wherever located, may not make any investment in any sector of the economy of Nicaragua. (b) Implementation The President may exercise all authorities provided to the President under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out this section. (c) Penalties A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of this section or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1705 ) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of that section. (d) Exceptions (1) Exception for intelligence activities This section shall not apply with respect to activities subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq. ) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States. (2) Humanitarian exception The prohibition under subsection (a) does not apply with respect to any person for conducting or facilitating a transaction for the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices to Nicaragua, or for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Nicaragua. (e) National security waiver The President may waive the application of the prohibition under subsection (a) with respect to a person if the President— (1) determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and (2) submits to the appropriate congressional committees a notification of the waiver and the reasons for the waiver. 204. Termination The provisions of this title shall cease to have effect upon certification by the President to the appropriate congressional committees that a resolution to the political crisis in Nicaragua as described in section 201 has been reached. III Promoting the human rights of Nicaraguans 301. Support for human rights and democracy programs (a) Grants (1) In general The President may provide grants to private, nonprofit organizations to support programs that promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Nicaragua, including programs that document human rights abuses committed by the Ortega regime since April 2018. (2) Administration of programs Any program that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall be administered in consultation with members of the Nicaraguan opposition, including individuals in exile in Costa Rica and the United States. (3) Funding limitation Any entity owned, controlled, or otherwise affiliated with the Ortega regime is not eligible to receive a grant under this section. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on actions taken pursuant to this section. 302. Support for Nicaraguan human rights at the United Nations (a) Support To extend mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua The President shall direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States in the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly— (1) to seek to extend the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua under Human Rights Council Resolution 49/3 (2022) until a peaceful solution to the current political crisis in Nicaragua is reached, including— (A) a commitment to hold elections that meet democratic standards and permit credible international electoral observation; (B) the cessation of the violence perpetrated against civilians by the National Police of Nicaragua and by armed groups supported by the Government of Nicaragua; and (C) independent investigations into the killings of protesters; (2) to encourage international support to empower the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua to fulfil its mission to conduct thorough and independent investigations into all alleged human rights violations and abuses committed in Nicaragua since April 2018; and (3) to provide investigative and technical assistance to the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua as requested and as permitted under United Nations rules and regulations and United States law. (b) Support for further action The President may direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to urge the United Nations to provide greater action with respect to human rights violations in Nicaragua by— (1) urging the United Nations General Assembly to consider a resolution, consistent with prior United Nations resolutions, condemning the exile of political prisoners and attacks on religious freedom by the Ortega regime; and (2) assisting efforts by the relevant United Nations Special Envoys and Special Rapporteurs to promote respect for human rights and encourage dialogue towards a peaceful and democratic transfer of power in Nicaragua.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2024 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Sense of Congress. TITLE I—Reauthorization and amendment of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 Sec. 101. Extension of authorities of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018. Sec. 102. Enhancing sanctions on sectors of the Nicaraguan economy that generate revenue for the Ortega family. Sec. 103. Expansion of targeted sanctions with respect to the Ortega regime. Sec. 104. Coordinated diplomatic strategy to restrict investment and loans that benefit the Government of Nicaragua from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. TITLE II—Additional economic measures to hold the Government of Nicaragua accountable for human rights abuses Sec. 201. Statement of policy. Sec. 202. Review of participation of Nicaragua in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement. Sec. 203. Termination. TITLE III—Promoting the human rights of Nicaraguans Sec. 301. Support for human rights and democracy programs. Sec. 302. Support for Nicaraguan human rights at the United Nations. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives. (2) Human rights The term human rights means internationally recognized human rights. (3) United States person The term United States person means— (A) an individual who is a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; and (B) any corporation, partnership, or other entity organized under the laws of the United States or the laws of any jurisdiction within the United States. 3. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Secretary of State, working through the head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, and in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, should engage in diplomatic efforts with partners of the United States, including the Government of Canada, governments of countries in the European Union, and governments of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, to impose targeted sanctions with respect to the persons subject to sanctions authorized by the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 115–335 ) and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence To Conditions For Electoral Reform Act Of 2021 ( Public Law 117–54 ), in order to hold the authoritarian regime of President Daniel Ortega accountable for crimes and human rights abuses perpetrated against the people of Nicaragua and democratic political actors, civil society organizations, religious institutions, media, and academic institutions in Nicaragua; (2) the United States Government should continue— (A) to raise concerns about human rights and democracy in Nicaragua and call attention to the efforts by the Ortega regime to silence the people of Nicaragua and democratic political actors, civil society organizations, religious institutions, media, and academic institutions in Nicaragua; and (B) to enforce Executive Order 13851 ( 50 U.S.C. 1702 note; relating to blocking of certain persons contributing to the situation in Nicaragua); and (3) the international community, including the Holy See, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Nations should coordinate efforts— (A) to improve the detention conditions of all political prisoners in Nicaragua; and (B) to call for the end of political persecution of the people of Nicaragua and democratic political actors, civil society organizations, religious institutions, media, and academic institutions in Nicaragua. I Reauthorization and amendment of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 101. Extension of authorities of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 Section 10 of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 115–335 ) is amended by striking 2023 and inserting 2030 . 102. Enhancing sanctions on sectors of the Nicaraguan economy that generate revenue for the Ortega family Section 5(a) of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 115–335 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and moving such clauses 2 ems to the right; (2) in paragraph (3), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and moving such clauses 2 ems to the right; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and moving such subparagraphs 2 ems to the right; (4) by amending the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, to read as follows: (a) In general The President— (1) shall impose the sanctions described in subsection (c) with respect to any foreign person, including any current or former official of the Government of Nicaragua or any person acting on behalf of that Government, that the President determines— ; (5) in paragraph (1)(D), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (6) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) may impose the sanctions described in subsection (c) with respect to any foreign person that the President determines to operate or have operated in the gold sectors of the Nicaraguan economy or in any other sector of the Nicaraguan economy identified by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, for the purposes of this paragraph. . 103. Expansion of targeted sanctions with respect to the Ortega regime (a) Expansion of activities triggering targeted sanctions Section 5(b) of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 115–335 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking against persons associated with the protests in Nicaragua that began on April 18, 2018 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (5) The arrest or prosecution of a person, including a person who is a member of or an officer of the Catholic Church, because of the legitimate exercise by such person of the freedom of religion. (6) The conviction and sentencing of a person who is a democratic political actor or a member of an independent civil society organization for politically motivated charges. (7) The provision of significant goods, services, or technology to support the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation that began on February 24, 2022. . (b) Modification of targeted sanctions prioritization Section 5(b)(2)(B) of the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 117–54 ) is amended by inserting after clause (ix) the following: (x) Officials of the Instituto de Prevision Social Militar (IPSM), commonly known as the Military Institute of Social Security of Nicaragua. . (c) Reporting requirement Not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a period of 3 years, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of section 5 of the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to the Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 117–54 ), which shall include— (1) an update on the status of efforts to implement a coordinated strategy on the use of targeted sanctions under section 5(a)(1) of such Act; (2) a detailed description of concrete steps that have been taken under section 5(b)(1) of such Act to prioritize the implementation of the targeted sanctions required under section 5 of the Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 115–335 ); and (3) a detailed description of the results of the review of sanctionable targets required under section 5(b)(2) of the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to the Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 117–54 ). 104. Coordinated diplomatic strategy to restrict investment and loans that benefit the Government of Nicaragua from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration Section 4 of the Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (c), by inserting and paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (f) after subsection (b) ; (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); (3) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f): (f) Diplomatic strategy to restrict investment in Nicaragua at the Central American Bank for Economic Integration The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall engage in diplomatic efforts with governments of countries that are partners of the United States and members of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (referred to in this section as CABEI )— (1) to oppose the extension by CABEI of any loan or financial or technical assistance to the Government of Nicaragua for any project in Nicaragua; (2) to increase the scrutiny of any loan or financial or technical assistance provided by CABEI to any project in Nicaragua; and (3) to ensure that any loan or financial or technical assistance provided by CABEI to a project in Nicaragua is administered through an entity with full technical, administrative, and financial independence from the Government of Nicaragua. ; and (4) in subsection (g), as so redesignated— (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5): (5) a description of the results of the diplomatic strategy mandated by subsection (f); and . II Additional economic measures to hold the Government of Nicaragua accountable for human rights abuses 201. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States— (1) to seek a resolution to the political crisis in Nicaragua that includes— (A) a commitment by the Government of Nicaragua to hold competitive, free, and fair elections that meet democratic standards and permit credible international electoral observation; (B) the cessation of the violence perpetrated against civilians by the National Police of Nicaragua and by armed groups supported by the Government of Nicaragua; and (C) independent investigations into the killings of protesters in Nicaragua; and (2) to support diplomatic engagement in order to advance a negotiated and peaceful solution to the political crisis in Nicaragua. 202. Review of participation of Nicaragua in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (a) Report required (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the participation of Nicaragua in CAFTA-DR, which includes— (A) an assessment of the benefits that the Ortega regime receives from the participation of Nicaragua in CAFTA-DR, including profits earned by Nicaraguan state-owned entities; (B) a description of the violations of commitments made by Nicaragua under CAFTA-DR; and (C) an assessment of whether Nicaragua qualifies as a nonmarket economy for the purposes of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2101 et seq. ). (2) Form The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. (b) CAFTA-DR defined In this section, the term CAFTA-DR means the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement— (1) entered into on August 5, 2004, with the Governments of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and submitted to Congress on June 23, 2005; and (2) approved by Congress under section 101(a)(1) of the Dominican Republic-Central American-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act ( 19 U.S.C. 4011(a)(1) ). 203. Termination The provisions of this title, and any sanctions issued in accordance with the authorities of the Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) or the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to the Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 ( Public Law 117–54 ), shall cease to have effect upon certification by the President to the appropriate congressional committees that a resolution to the political crisis in Nicaragua as described in section 201 has been reached. III Promoting the human rights of Nicaraguans 301. Support for human rights and democracy programs (a) Grants (1) In general The Secretary of State and Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development may provide grants to private, nonprofit organizations to support programs that promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Nicaragua, including programs that document human rights abuses committed by the Ortega regime since April 2018. (2) Funding limitation Any entity owned, controlled, or otherwise affiliated with the Ortega regime is not eligible to receive a grant under this section. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on actions taken pursuant to this section. (c) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that before providing any grant under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development should consult with members of the Nicaraguan diaspora, including Nicaraguan individuals in exile in Costa Rica and the United States. 302. Support for Nicaraguan human rights at the United Nations (a) Support to extend mandate of the group of human rights experts on Nicaragua The President shall direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States in the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly— (1) to seek to extend the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua under Human Rights Council Resolution 49/3 (2022) until a peaceful solution to the current political crisis in Nicaragua is reached, including— (A) a commitment to hold elections that meet democratic standards and permit credible international electoral observation; (B) the cessation of the violence perpetrated against civilians by the National Police of Nicaragua and by armed groups supported by the Government of Nicaragua; (C) independent investigations into the killings of protesters; and (D) the restoration of Nicaraguan citizenship and restitution of political and civil rights for all Nicaraguan nationals unjustly stripped of their nationality, including the 222 Nicaraguan nationals arbitrarily imprisoned and expelled to the United States on February 9, 2023, and the 94 additional Nicaraguan dissidents stripped of their nationality on February 15, 2023; (2) to encourage international support to empower the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua to fulfil its mission to conduct thorough and independent investigations into all alleged human rights violations and abuses committed in Nicaragua since April 2018, including alleged crimes against humanity; and (3) to provide investigative and technical assistance to the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua as requested and as permitted under United Nations rules and regulations and United States law. (b) Support for further action The President may direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to urge the United Nations to provide greater action with respect to human rights violations in Nicaragua by— (1) urging the United Nations General Assembly to consider a resolution, consistent with prior United Nations resolutions, condemning the exile of political prisoners and attacks on religious freedom by the Ortega regime; and (2) assisting efforts by the relevant United Nations Special Envoys and Special Rapporteurs to promote respect for human rights and encourage negotiations that lead to free, fair, and democratic elections in Nicaragua.

May 7, 2024 Reported with an amendment

tv_txt: II 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1881 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 8, 2023 Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mr. Kaine ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations A BILL To reauthorize and amend the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2023 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Findings. Sec. 4. Sense of Congress. TITLE I—Reauthorization and amendment of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 Sec. 101. Extension of authorities of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018. Sec. 102. Enhancing sanctions on sectors of the Nicaraguan economy that generate revenue for the Ortega family. Sec. 103. Imposition of sanctions with respect to the Ortega administration’s abuses against the Catholic Church, political prisoners, and support for the invasion of Ukraine. Sec. 104. Coordinated diplomatic strategy to restrict investment and loans that benefit the Government of Nicaragua from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. TITLE II—Additional economic measures to hold the Government of Nicaragua accountable for human rights abuses Sec. 201. Statement of policy. Sec. 202. Review of participation of Nicaragua in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States free trade agreement. Sec. 203. Prohibition on new United States investment in Nicaragua. Sec. 204. Termination. TITLE III—Promoting the human rights of Nicaraguans Sec. 301. Support for human rights and democracy programs. Sec. 302. Support for Nicaraguan human rights at the United Nations. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives. (2) United states person The term United States person means— (A) an individual who is a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; and (B) any corporation, partnership, or other entity organized under the laws of the United States or the laws of any jurisdiction within the United States. 3. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The 2022 Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom made the following recommendations to the United States Government: (A) Maintain Nicaragua on the special watch list of the Department of State under section 402(b)(1)(A)(iii) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 ( 22 U.S.C. 6442(b)(1)(A)(iii) ) for engaging in or tolerating serious violations of religious freedom. (B) Impose targeted sanctions with respect to agencies and officials of the Government of Nicaragua responsible for violence and other punitive actions against places of worship, religious leaders, and organizations by freezing the assets of and barring the entry of certain persons into the United States, citing specific violations of religious freedom. (C) Collaborate with and encourage multilateral organizations, such as the Organization of American States— (i) to monitor and investigate violations of religious freedom that occur in Nicaragua; (ii) to work to identify perpetrators of religious freedom violations in Nicaragua; and (iii) to seek the repeal of problematic laws such as the foreign agents law passed in Nicaragua in 2020. (2) The Catholic Church in Nicaragua suffered— (A) 127 attacks in 2022; (B) 54 attacks in 2021; (C) 58 attacks in 2020; (D) 76 attacks in 2019; and (E) 81 attacks in 2018. (3) In a 2022 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Nicaragua was listed as an authoritarian regime and one of the least democratic countries in the Western Hemisphere, along with Cuba and Venezuela. (4) According to the 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices published by the Department of State, members of civil society and student leaders involved in the April 2018 protests in Nicaragua were subjected to torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. (5) According to human rights organizations, the Ortega regime has 150 political prisoners, including prisoners in solitary confinement. (6) In 2022, the Ortega regime rejected a United States envoy, declared the head of the European Union persona non grata, and closed the Vatican embassy in Managua. (7) On February 9, 2023, the authoritarian Ortega regime— (A) expelled 222 Nicaraguan nationals who had been unjustly imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights; and (B) stripped those nationals of Nicaraguan citizenship. (8) The invasion of Ukraine by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin poses a significant threat to global peace and stability in the Western Hemisphere. (9) The authoritarian regime of President Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua is providing diplomatic support to the Russian Federation and serving as an amplifier and repeater of Russian propaganda on a global scale. (10) The actions of the Government of Nicaragua are impeding development of a global consensus to reject and respond to crimes against humanity conducted by President Putin. (11) The Ortega regime has deepened the relationship between the Government of Nicaragua and the Government of the Russian Federation and is establishing diplomatic relations with the Government of the People Republic of China. 4. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Secretary of State, working through the head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, and in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, should engage in diplomatic efforts with partners of the United States, including the Government of Canada, governments of countries in the European Union, and governments of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, to impose targeted sanctions with respect to the persons subject to sanctions authorized by the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 in order to hold the authoritarian regime of President Daniel Ortega accountable for crimes against the Catholic Church, the clergy, and the people of Nicaragua; (2) the United States Government should continue— (A) to raise concerns about human rights and democracy in Nicaragua, and call attention to religious and opposition leaders and civil society, media, and faith-based organizations silenced by the Ortega regime; and (B) to enforce Executive Order 13851 ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property of certain persons contributing to the situation in Nicaragua), and expand existing sanctions to other sectors of the economy of Nicaragua, such as the meat sector; and (3) the international community, including the Holy See, the International Red Cross, and the United Nations should coordinate efforts— (A) to improve the conditions of all political prisoners in Nicaragua; (B) to document all gross violations of internationally recognized human rights in Nicaragua; and (C) to call for the end of political persecution against members of religious organizations, including the Catholic Church. I Reauthorization and amendment of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 and the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 101. Extension of authorities of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 Section 10 of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by striking 2023 and inserting 2028 . 102. Enhancing sanctions on sectors of the Nicaraguan economy that generate revenue for the Ortega family Section 5(a) of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking or ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) to operate or have operated in the gold, cattle, or coffee sectors of the Nicaraguan economy or in any other sector of the Nicaraguan economy identified by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, for purposes of this paragraph. . 103. Imposition of sanctions with respect to the Ortega administration’s abuses against the Catholic Church, political prisoners, and support for the invasion of Ukraine (a) Expansion of activities triggering targeted sanctions Section 5(b) of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) The arrest or prosecution of a person, including a person who is a member of or an officer of the Catholic Church, because of the legitimate exercise by such person of the freedom of religion. (6) The conviction and sentencing of a person who is a member of an opposition party or independent civil society organization under politically motivated charges. (7) Gross violations of the internationally recognized human rights of prisoners. (8) Acts of providing significant goods, services, or technology to or expressing support for the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation that began on February 24, 2022. . (b) Modification of targeted sanctions prioritization Section 5(b)(2)(B) of the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 ( Public Law 117–54 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended— (1) by redesignating clauses (viii) and (ix) as clauses (ix) and (x), respectively; and (2) by inserting after clause (vii) the following new clause (viii): (viii) Officials of the Instituto de Previsión Social Militar (IPSM), commonly known as the Military Institute of Social Security of Nicaragua. . 104. Coordinated diplomatic strategy to restrict investment and loans that benefit the Government of Nicaragua from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration Section 4 of the Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–335 ; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f): (f) Diplomatic strategy To restrict investment in Nicaragua at the Central American Bank for Economic Integration The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall engage in diplomatic efforts with governments of countries that are partners of the United States and members of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (referred to in this section as CABEI ), including the governments of Mexico, Taiwan, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, and the Republic of Korea— (1) to oppose the extension by CABEI of any loan or financial or technical assistance to the Government of Nicaragua for any project in Nicaragua; (2) to increase the scrutiny of any loan or financial or technical assistance provided by CABEI to any project in Nicaragua; and (3) to ensure that any loan or financial or technical assistance provided by CABEI to a project in Nicaragua is administered through an entity with full technical, administrative, and financial independence from the Government of Nicaragua. ; and (3) in subsection (g), as so redesignated— (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5): (5) a description of the results of the diplomatic strategy mandated by subsection (f); and . II Additional economic measures to hold the Government of Nicaragua accountable for human rights abuses 201. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to seek a resolution to the political crisis in Nicaragua that includes— (1) a commitment by the Government of Nicaragua to hold free and fair elections that meet democratic standards and permit credible international electoral observation to replace the Ortega administration; (2) the cessation of the violence perpetrated against civilians by the National Police of Nicaragua and by armed groups supported by the Government of Nicaragua; and (3) independent investigations into the killings of protesters in Nicaragua. 202. Review of participation of Nicaragua in the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States free trade agreement (a) Report required (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the participation of Nicaragua in CAFTA–DR, which includes— (A) an assessment of the benefits that the Ortega regime receives from the participation of Nicaragua in CAFTA–DR, including profits earned by Nicaraguan State-owned entities; (B) a description of the violations of commitments made by Nicaragua under CAFTA–DR; and (C) an assessment of whether Nicaragua qualifies as a nonmarket economy for the purposes of the Trade Act of 1974 ( 19 U.S.C. 2101 et seq. ). (2) Form The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. (b) CAFTA–DR defined In this section, the term CAFTA–DR means the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement— (1) entered into on August 5, 2004, with the Governments of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and submitted to Congress on June 23, 2005; and (2) approved by Congress under section 101(a)(1) of the Dominican Republic-Central American-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act ( 19 U.S.C. 4011(a)(1) ). 203. Prohibition on new United States investment in Nicaragua (a) Prohibition After the date of the enactment of this Act, a United States person, wherever located, may not make any investment in any sector of the economy of Nicaragua. (b) Implementation The President may exercise all authorities provided to the President under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out this section. (c) Penalties A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of this section or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1705 ) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of that section. (d) Exceptions (1) Exception for intelligence activities This section shall not apply with respect to activities subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq. ) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States. (2) Humanitarian exception The prohibition under subsection (a) does not apply with respect to any person for conducting or facilitating a transaction for the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices to Nicaragua, or for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Nicaragua. (e) National security waiver The President may waive the application of the prohibition under subsection (a) with respect to a person if the President— (1) determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and (2) submits to the appropriate congressional committees a notification of the waiver and the reasons for the waiver. 204. Termination The provisions of this title shall cease to have effect upon certification by the President to the appropriate congressional committees that a resolution to the political crisis in Nicaragua as described in section 201 has been reached. III Promoting the human rights of Nicaraguans 301. Support for human rights and democracy programs (a) Grants (1) In general The President may provide grants to private, nonprofit organizations to support programs that promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Nicaragua, including programs that document human rights abuses committed by the Ortega regime since April 2018. (2) Administration of programs Any program that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall be administered in consultation with members of the Nicaraguan opposition, including individuals in exile in Costa Rica and the United States. (3) Funding limitation Any entity owned, controlled, or otherwise affiliated with the Ortega regime is not eligible to receive a grant under this section. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on actions taken pursuant to this section. 302. Support for Nicaraguan human rights at the United Nations (a) Support To extend mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua The President shall direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States in the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly— (1) to seek to extend the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua under Human Rights Council Resolution 49/3 (2022) until a peaceful solution to the current political crisis in Nicaragua is reached, including— (A) a commitment to hold elections that meet democratic standards and permit credible international electoral observation; (B) the cessation of the violence perpetrated against civilians by the National Police of Nicaragua and by armed groups supported by the Government of Nicaragua; and (C) independent investigations into the killings of protesters; (2) to encourage international support to empower the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua to fulfil its mission to conduct thorough and independent investigations into all alleged human rights violations and abuses committed in Nicaragua since April 2018; and (3) to provide investigative and technical assistance to the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua as requested and as permitted under United Nations rules and regulations and United States law. (b) Support for further action The President may direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to urge the United Nations to provide greater action with respect to human rights violations in Nicaragua by— (1) urging the United Nations General Assembly to consider a resolution, consistent with prior United Nations resolutions, condemning the exile of political prisoners and attacks on religious freedom by the Ortega regime; and (2) assisting efforts by the relevant United Nations Special Envoys and Special Rapporteurs to promote respect for human rights and encourage dialogue towards a peaceful and democratic transfer of power in Nicaragua.