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Belarus Democracy Act of 2003

Introduced: March 25, 2003 See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 108th Congress ended
It never became law before the 108th Congress (2003–2004) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 25, 2004
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3173)
Mar 25, 2003
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4379-4380)
Mar 25, 2003
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4378-4379)
Mar 25, 2003
Introduced in Senate
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 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.

Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year for Voice of America and RFE/RL, Incorporated (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) for radio broadcasting to the people of Belarus in languages spoken in that country.

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.

What's happening now March 25, 2004

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3173)

 Related & companion bills 1
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 700: Belarus Democracy Act of 2003. 108th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/108-S-700/
MLA
"S. 700: Belarus Democracy Act of 2003." 108th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/108-S-700/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 700, 108th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/108-S-700/.
Markdown link
[S. 700: Belarus Democracy Act of 2003](https://openamerica.io/bill/108-S-700/)
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