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Smith urges reauthorization of Belarus Democracy Act as leverage against Lukashenko
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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 the template for the Mandinsky Act and the Global Mandinsky Act," Smith said in explaining the statute's precedent (transcript wording). He said the law historically enabled the United States and European partners to constrain Lukashenko's inner circle and that reauthorization would provide an additional tool to press for accountability.
Smith said the statute once placed roughly 200 people on a list of persons barred from trade or visas and credited that approach with helping secure the release of some prisoners. He also argued that Lukashenko has acted in concert with Russia and should face stronger measures.
The committee heard no testimony from State Department or Treasury officials about implementation details; Smith asked colleagues to pursue reauthorization so the executive branch has ‘‘another potent tool in the president’s quiver.’’ The hearing concluded without a committee vote.
