This bill reauthorizes and expands the 1904 Belarus Democracy Act to address recent developments in Belarus, particularly the disputed 2020 presidential election and the country's role in supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The legislation rejects Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the legitimate leader of Belarus, recognizes opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as the democratic leader, and pledges continued U.S. support for pro-democracy movements. The bill establishes a full-time Special Envoy for Belarus position within the State Department to coordinate efforts promoting human rights and democracy, creates an annual strategic dialogue with the Belarus Democracy Movement, and authorizes funding for democratic initiatives, independent media, and civil society programs both inside and outside Belarus. It expands sanctions authority to target those supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, establishes a Voice of America service broadcasting in Belarusian, and creates a pathway for Belarusian nationals in Ukraine to participate in the Uniting for Ukraine program. The Special Envoy position and strategic dialogue provisions terminate five years after the bill's enactment, and the legislation requires the State Department to submit regular reports to Congress on Belarus's human rights situation, support for Russia, and opportunities for democratic elections scheduled for 2024 and 2025.
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