The BRIDGE Act provides comprehensive support for Russian and Belarusian individuals who have fled their countries due to political persecution and opposition to their governments' actions. The bill establishes a Russians in Exile Affairs Unit within the State Department to facilitate engagement with pro-democracy activists living abroad, coordinate efforts to combat Russian government harassment of exiles, and help them access financial services, travel documents, and work permits. The legislation authorizes $40 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to support independent media and civil society organizations serving Russian-speaking populations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and another $40 million annually for the same period to expand U.S. international media efforts targeting Russian audiences. The bill also expands support for exiled Belarusians by establishing visa processing for those considered stateless and extending recognition of expired Belarusian passports for travel purposes. Additionally, the BRIDGE Act codifies existing economic sanctions against Russia imposed through various executive orders, preventing their removal without presidential certification to Congress that sanctioned individuals have ceased their harmful activities.
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