Designating Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act (House)
Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1)
Bill Summary
House companion to S. 2978. Directs the Secretary of State to designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, placing Russia in the same category as Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Syria. This designation would trigger automatic sanctions and restrictions on U.S.-Russia relations.
Why It Matters
The House companion to the Senate SST designation bill, this ensures both chambers can act simultaneously to impose the most severe diplomatic isolation available under U.S. law on Russia.
Legislative Progress
Last Action: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
October 21, 2025● Live
Bill Details
Chamber
House
Committee
Foreign Affairs
Cosponsors
10LIVE
Introduced
2025-10-20
Take Action
The House companion to the Senate SST designation bill, this ensures both chambers can act simultaneously to impose the most severe diplomatic isolation available under U.S. law on Russia.
More Details →Capitol Switchboard
202-224-3121
Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME], a constituent from [YOUR CITY/ZIP]. I'm calling to urge Representative [REPRESENTATIVE'S NAME] to cosponsor H.R. 5797, which would designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. Russia has bombed hospitals, deported 19,000 children, and executed prisoners of war on camera. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin for these crimes. This designation places Russia alongside Iran and North Korea and triggers sweeping sanctions. Will Representative [REPRESENTATIVE'S NAME] cosponsor H.R. 5797? Thank you.
Read this script naturally. It is a guide, not a word-for-word requirement. Staffers appreciate callers who sound like constituents, not robots.
Bill Analysis
H.R. 5797, the House companion to S. 2978, was introduced by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1). It would statutorily designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism within 180 days, removing State Department discretion. The House bill has 10 cosponsors and is in committee. The Senate version (S. 2978) has already been reported out of committee and is on the Senate Calendar.
Key Provisions
Mandatory Designation
Same mechanism as S. 2978. Mandates Russia's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism within 180 days.
Sovereign Immunity Waiver
Allows U.S. citizens harmed by Russian operations to attach Russian state assets in U.S. courts.
Why It Matters
Russia's actions in Ukraine include systematic targeting of civilians, mass abductions of children, and deliberate destruction of energy infrastructure. These are textbook acts of terrorism. The designation creates statutory consequences that survive any future presidential election.
Advocacy Talking Points
- →Russia's actions meet the legal definition of state-sponsored terrorism.
- →The Senate companion is already on the Senate Calendar.
- →The designation creates statutory consequences that survive any future presidential election.
- →The author is a Republican former FBI counterintelligence agent.
Cosponsors
Updated Apr 22, 2026 - Data from Congress.gov
Priority Outreach for Cosponsorship
These House members sit on the Foreign Affairs and have not yet cosponsored this bill. Contact them to urge their support.Enter your ZIP above to highlight your own representatives.
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🇺🇦 300,000+ Ukrainians fled Putin's war & came here legally. Now they're in immigration limbo. The Ukrainian Adjustment Act (H.R. 3104) gives them a path forward. Call your rep: 202-224-3121 #UkrainianAdjustmentAct #HR3104 #StandWithUkraine
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