H.R. 496: To oppose violations of religious freedom in Ukraine by Russia and armed groups commanded or otherwise supported by or acting on behalf of Russia.
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H.R. 496: To oppose violations of religious freedom in Ukraine by Russia and armed groups commanded or otherwise supported by or acting on behalf of Russia.
117th Congress · introduced 2021-01-28 · International Affairs · Latest: Star Print ordered on the bill.
federal
Follow this bill, step by step
- Where it came from: introduced 2021-01-28 · official record
- Who proposed it: Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2] · what a sponsor is
- What happened next: 1 recorded vote in our records. Latest: House roll call 129 (2022): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, HR496 (2022-04-27), Passed. See all
- Where it stands now: Star Print ordered on the bill. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
- If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.
Official title
To oppose violations of religious freedom in Ukraine by Russia and armed groups commanded or otherwise supported by or acting on behalf of Russia.
Plain summary
Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act This bill directs the President, when determining whether Russia is a country of particular concern for religious freedom under certain federal laws, to consider incidents occurring in the parts of Ukraine that Russia (or any Russia-affiliated non-state group) occupies, controls, or recognizes as independent. (The United States may take certain actions, such as withdrawing development assistance, against a country of particular concern for religious freedom.)
Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.
What a vote does
A “Yea” vote
If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.
A “Nay” vote
If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.
PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).
What does this mean? (plain words)
Official text
To oppose violations of religious freedom in Ukraine by Russia and armed groups commanded or otherwise supported by or acting on behalf of Russia.
Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House)
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The strongest published arguments
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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes
Officials and money
Sponsor: Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2] · 24 cosponsors
Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: H.R. 496, Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act (2021-05-05)
Cosponsors on this site
Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), Andy Harris (R-MD), Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Marc A. Veasey (D-TX), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Lisa C. McClain (R-MI), Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL), Dina Titus (D-NV), Scott Perry (R-PA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
Sponsor's campaign money: Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2] reported raising $1.0 million (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.
Recorded votes
- House roll call 129 (2022): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, HR496 (2022-04-27): Passed
Words on this page, explained (1)
- Bill
- A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.
Sources
- Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House)
- Congress.gov
- Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-117hr496.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/117/hr>
Record fed-us-cong117-hr496 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong117 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong117