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S 1909

Establishes the New York state familial search policy and the release of information for familial DNA searches

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom O'Mara

Codifies sanctions and boosts U.S. engagement, development, people-to-people programs, and cybersecurity in the Western Balkans to reinforce democracy and resilience.

REFERRED TO INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY
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Bill Summary · S 1909

Summary of S. 1909 — Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act

Overview

S. 1909, the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, was introduced in the Senate on May 22, 2025. The bill aims to strengthen democracy, prosperity, and resilience in the Western Balkans through sanctions codification, development assistance, people-to-people programs, educational and cultural engagement, cybersecurity cooperation, and enhanced monitoring of foreign influence campaigns. The primary sponsor is Senator Jeanne Shaheen, with Senator Roger Wicker as a cosponsor. It has been read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Key Provisions (by section)

  • Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
  • Sec. 2. Findings. — Sets forth findings supporting U.S. interests in the Western Balkans.
  • Sec. 3. Sense of Congress. — Contains non-binding statements reflecting Congressional intent.
  • Sec. 4. Definitions. — Establishes terms used throughout the bill.
  • Sec. 5. Codification of sanctions relating to the Western Balkans. — Codifies sanctions related to the region into law.
  • Sec. 6. Democratic and economic development and prosperity initiatives. — Authorizes or outlines programs to bolster democracy and economic growth.
  • Sec. 7. Promoting cross-cultural and educational engagement. — Supports cultural and educational exchanges.
  • Sec. 8. Peace Corps in the Western Balkans. — Expands Peace Corps activities in the region.
  • Sec. 9. Young Balkan Leaders Initiative. — Institutes a leadership exchange program targeting emerging leaders.
  • Sec. 10. Supporting cybersecurity and cyber resilience in the Western Balkans. — Enhances cybersecurity cooperation and resilience efforts.
  • Sec. 11. Sense of Congress regarding an interim agreement. — Addresses a potential interim diplomatic or political agreement with the region.
  • Sec. 12. Reports on Russian and Chinese malign influence operations and campaigns in the Western Balkans. — Requires monitoring and reporting on malign influence efforts.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Governments and institutions of Western Balkan countries (e.g., democracy and governance reforms, economic development initiatives, cyber resilience).
  • U.S. government agencies (e.g., State Department, USAID, potentially others involved in sanctions and development assistance).
  • Participants in Peace Corps programs and recipients of cross-cultural/educational exchanges.
  • Civil society, universities, and cultural organizations engaged in exchanges and leadership development.
  • Stakeholders involved in cybersecurity cooperation and resilience projects.
  • General public and organizations monitoring foreign influence campaigns.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: May 22, 2025.
  • Action: Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • Status: No floor passage or further actions listed at this time; a typical path would involve committee consideration and potential amendments before floor debate.

Potential Impact

  • Strengthens U.S. sanctions framework related to the Western Balkans.
  • Expands diplomatic and development engagement to promote democracy and economic growth.
  • Increases people-to-people connections through the Peace Corps and the Young Balkan Leaders Initiative.
  • Bolsters regional cybersecurity cooperation and resilience.
  • Enhances oversight of Russian and Chinese influence campaigns in the region, informing policy responses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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