WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 1998 · 119th Congress

Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025

Passed HouseInternational Affairs
IntroducedMar 10, 2025
Passed HouseJun 23, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Jun 24, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The House passed it 392–14. In the House, Iowa's representatives split: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks did not vote, Zachary Nunn yes. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 2 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 1998 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 2 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Jun 24, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Findings
  • Sec. 4 Sanctions
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025

    This bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person (individual or entity) that the President determines knowingly engages in piracy.

    The bill also applies civil and criminal penalties to persons that violate, attempt to violate, conspire to violate, or cause a violation of the regulations promulgated to carry out such sanctions.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Mar 10, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. Jun 24, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.Senate
    2. Jun 23, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. Jun 23, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 14 (Roll no. 172). (text: CR H2845-2846) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. Jun 23, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 - 14 (Roll no. 172). (text: CR H2845-2846) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. Jun 23, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
    6. Jun 23, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1998.House floor actions
    7. Jun 23, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2845-2846, H2877-2878)House floor actions
    8. Jun 23, 2025Mr. Burchett moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
    9. Apr 9, 2025Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.House committee actions
    10. Apr 9, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    11. Mar 10, 2025Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
    12. Mar 10, 2025Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
    13. Mar 10, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    14. Mar 10, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. Jun 23, 2025 · HousePassed 392–14
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks did not vote, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · needed two-thirds
      R 202 yes, 7 noD 190 yes, 7 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Jim Costa D-CA-21
    • Young Kim R-CA-40
    • Michael Lawler R-NY-17
    • Brad Sherman D-CA-32