Bill

HR 2619

No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act

119th Congress Introduced by Mark Amodei and 9 co-sponsors

The No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act bans U.S. ransom payments to deter hostage-taking, enhancing national security and changing how the government handles hostage situations.

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 2619

Summary of HR 2619: No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act

Purpose and Intent

The No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act (HR 2619) aims to prohibit the payment of ransom to individuals or groups who take hostages. The legislation seeks to deter hostage-taking by eliminating the financial incentive for such actions, thereby enhancing national security and protecting American citizens abroad.

Key Provisions

Prohibition of Ransom Payments: The bill explicitly forbids any U.S. government agency from making payments or providing any form of compensation to hostage-takers.
Legal Framework: It establishes a legal framework to ensure that any negotiations involving hostages do not include financial transactions that could be construed as ransom.
Reporting Requirements: The bill mandates that the government report on any incidents of hostage-taking and the measures taken to resolve such situations without resorting to ransom payments.
Penalties: There are provisions for penalties against individuals or entities that violate the terms of the bill by facilitating ransom payments.

Affected Parties

U.S. Government Agencies: All federal agencies involved in foreign affairs, national security, and law enforcement will be directly impacted by the new restrictions on ransom payments.
Hostage Situations: The bill affects how the U.S. responds to hostage situations involving American citizens abroad, potentially changing negotiation strategies.
Potential Hostage-Takers: The legislation aims to deter individuals and groups from engaging in hostage-taking by removing the financial incentive.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: April 3, 2025
Committee Actions:
- April 3, 2025: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary for consideration.
- April 9, 2025: Ordered to be reported by the Yeas and Nays with a vote of 45 in favor and 6 against.
- April 9, 2025: Committee consideration and mark-up session held.

Conclusion

The No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act represents a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding hostage situations, aiming to eliminate the practice of ransom payments and thereby reduce the incidence of hostage-taking. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for national security and foreign policy will be closely monitored.

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