WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4421

NOPE Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Richard Blumenthal and 8 co-sponsors

Expands Congress’s review of sanctions by including Russian energy actions and creates a defined energy-focused review period tied to ending the Ukraine war and reparations.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4421

NOPE Act of 2026 (S. 4421, 119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

  • Introduces the No Oil Profits for Enemies Act of 2026 (NOPE Act) to expand congressional review of sanctions actions related to Russia.
  • Aims to broaden the set of sanctions subject to review by Congress and to extend scrutiny specifically over energy-related actions tied to Russia.

Key provisions and changes

1) Expanded set of sanctions subject to congressional review
- Amends Section 216(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
- Adds new category:
- Includes any Executive Order addressing the national emergency related to blocking property of the Russian Federation’s government (Executive Order 14024) within the scope of actions reviewed by Congress.

2) Enhanced review of energy-related actions
- Amends CAATSA Section 216(a)(2) to explicitly cover energy actions:
- Adds a new subparagraph (iv) to capture actions (including licensing actions) concerning sanctions on crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or other Russian energy-origin products.
- Establishes a dedicated review period for energy-related actions:
- Defines a review period starting from enactment of this subparagraph and ending when the Secretary of State (in coordination with Treasury, Defense, and DNI) certifies to Congress that Russia has ended its war in Ukraine and committed to a just peace, including reparations for war damages.

3) Exceptions to initial congressional review during the review period
- Modifies the existing initial congressional review exception (Section 216(b)(3)):
- Replaces the existing phrasing so that a joint resolution is not required to delay an action if certain conditions apply.
- Adds a specific exception for energy-origin actions related to:
- Preservation of crew health or safety of an energy transport vessel,
- Emergency repairs or environmental mitigation for an energy transport vessel,
- Addressing urgent needs to mitigate an economic impact in a jurisdiction other than Russia.

Who/what is affected

  • U.S. Congress: expands oversight and requires ongoing (and potentially more robust) review of sanctions actions, especially those tied to energy sectors.
  • Executive Branch actions: broadens what is subject to review and potentially delay or require additional reporting, particularly sanctions tied to Russian energy exports and related emergency circumstances.
  • Russia-related energy sanctions: increases scrutiny over licensing and other actions affecting crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and other energy products of Russian origin.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: April 28, 2026; referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
  • No explicit dates for action beyond the energ y- related review period trigger:
    • The energy-related review period runs from enactment of the subparagraph until the Secretary of State (with Treasury, Defense, and DNI) certifies that Russia has ended its war in Ukraine and committed to a just peace including Ukraine war-damages compensation.
  • The bill modifies the initial congressional review mechanism to allow certain energy actions to proceed without a joint resolution during the ongoing energy review period, under specified emergency or safety circumstances.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Increases congressional oversight of sanctions policy, with a stronger emphasis on energy-related measures.
  • Could affect the speed and manner in which the executive branch can implement sanctions or licensing actions related to Russian energy.
  • Signals a heightened legislative role in sanction policy, particularly around an end-state certification regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and commitments to reparations.
  • The precise impact depends on future amendments, the administration’s response, and how the certification process interacts with ongoing sanctions authorities.

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

Sign in to ask a question.