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Smith urges reauthorization of Belarus Democracy Act as leverage against Lukashenko
House Foreign Affairs Committee · December 12, 2025
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Summary
Rep. Chris Smith told the committee his 2004 Belarus Democracy Act helped secure releases and should be reauthorized to pressure Lukashenko; he described the law as a visa-and-trade tool with historical impact.
Representative Chris Smith (R–N.J.) urged the House Foreign Affairs Committee to reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act, saying the 2004 law gave U.S. policymakers targeted authorities — visa bans and trade restrictions — that had previously helped secure the release of political prisoners.
"It is…
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