S.842 - No Hezbollah In Our Hemisphere Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.842, the "No Hezbollah In Our Hemisphere Act," aims to counter Hezbollah's terrorist activities in Latin America. The bill directs the Secretary of State to assess and address terrorist sanctuaries in the region and encourages Latin American countries to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. It also includes provisions for visa revocations for foreign officials of designated terrorist sanctuaries.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely lead to increased diplomatic pressure on Latin American countries to counter Hezbollah's presence. It could also result in sanctions, including visa restrictions, on individuals associated with governments that are deemed to be providing safe haven to Hezbollah. This may strain relations with some countries but could also enhance regional security cooperation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by disrupting Hezbollah's operations in the Western Hemisphere.
- Increased pressure on countries harboring terrorists, potentially leading to improved security measures.
- Strengthening alliances with countries that have already designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
- Protecting American citizens from potential terrorist threats emanating from Latin America.
- Promoting regional stability by countering the influence of Iran and its proxies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on diplomatic relations with countries that do not designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
- Risk of unintended consequences, such as destabilizing governments or harming innocent civilians.
- Possible economic repercussions for countries targeted by sanctions.
- The Act's sunset clause could limit its long-term effectiveness.
- Difficulty in accurately assessing and designating terrorist sanctuaries, leading to potential misapplication of sanctions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the federal government's power to conduct foreign policy and protect national security. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense. The bill's provisions for visa revocations and sanctions are subject to due process considerations, potentially implicating the Fifth Amendment. The sunset clause demonstrates legislative oversight, ensuring periodic review.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).