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HR 854 108th Congress House

Belarus Democracy Act of 2004

Official title: To provide for the promotion of democracy, human rights, and rule of law in the Republic of Belarus and for the consolidation and strengthening of Belarus sovereignty and independence.

Introduced: February 13, 2003 Introduced by: Smith, Christopher H. Republican · New Jersey See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 24 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 20, 2004
Became Public Law No: 108-347.
Oct 20, 2004
Signed by President.
Oct 12, 2004
Presented to President.
Oct 6, 2004
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Oct 6, 2004
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR 10/7/2004 S10612-10613)
Oct 6, 2004
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR 10/7/2004 S10612-10613)
Oct 5, 2004
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Oct 4, 2004
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Oct 4, 2004
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H7989-7990)
Oct 4, 2004
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H7989-7990)
Oct 4, 2004
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 854.
Oct 4, 2004
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7989-7992)
Oct 4, 2004
Mrs. Davis, Jo Ann moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Feb 25, 2004
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jun 24, 2003
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1338)
May 9, 2003
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E920)
Apr 3, 2003
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Apr 3, 2003
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Apr 3, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on Europe.
Mar 10, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Mar 6, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims.
Feb 13, 2003
Introduced in House
Feb 13, 2003
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 13, 2003
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E241-242)
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 Latest action October 20, 2004

Became Public Law No: 108-347.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Belarus Democracy Act of 2003 - Authorizes the President to support primarily indigenous Belarusian groups that are committed to the support of democratic processes in various activities that may include: (1) observation of elections and the promotion of free and fair electoral processes, including the development of democratic political parties; (2) development of independent media supported by nonstate-controlled printing facilities; (3) support of human rights; and (4) establishment of international exchanges and advanced professional training programs for leaders and members of democratic forces that foster the growth of civil society.

Places economic sanctions on Belarus and bars senior Belarusian leaders and their immediate relations from entering the United States. Allows sanctions to be lifted only if the Belarusian Government meets specific democratic conditions. Affirms solidarity with the democratic forces in Belarus and calls upon the Government of Belarus to permit basic freedoms and allow free, fair and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections. Calls upon the Russian Government to use its influence to encourage democratic development in Belarus so that it can become an independent state that is integrated into Europe.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • S 700 Related bill Belarus Democracy Act of 2003
 Bill text 5 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 6
 Cosponsors 4
All 4 Democratic 3
D
Kaptur, Marcy
Ohio · Jun 18, 2003
 D
Pallone, Frank
New Jersey · May 7, 2003
HOEFFEL, JOSEPH
· Feb 13, 2003
 D
Hoyer, Steny H.
Maryland · Feb 13, 2003
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 854: Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. 108th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-854/
MLA
"H.R. 854: Belarus Democracy Act of 2004." 108th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-854/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 854, 108th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-854/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 854: Belarus Democracy Act of 2004](https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-854/)
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