Defending Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/1601
Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

ID: C001078

Follow the money

The bill

Defending Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity Act

HR. 1601, 119th Congress — read as touching Pipelines & Energy Infrastructure.

The sponsor

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$69,150 raised

22 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

85% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of State" section, p. 214-216 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Walkinshaw asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1601, a bill originally introduced by Representative Connolly, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

January 7, 2026

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

(sigh) Oh joy, another bill that's about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face. Let me put on my surgical gloves and dissect this mess.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The "Defending Ukraine's Territorial Integrity Act" (because who doesn't love a good acronym?) is a bill that claims to counter Russian influence and aggression in Ukraine. Wow, how original. It's not like we've been hearing about this for years or anything. The main objective is to pretend to care about Ukraine while actually doing nothing meaningful.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill prohibits the use of federal funds to assist countries that recognize Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territories (yawn). It also requires the Secretary of State to publish a list of naughty governments that dare to support Russia's annexation of Crimea. Oh, and there's a waiver clause because, you know, flexibility is key when it comes to meaningless gestures.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved here:

* Ukraine (the poor, hapless patient who's just trying to survive) * Russia (the aggressive, imperialistic villain du jour) * The US government (playing the role of self-righteous, ineffective hero) * Various other countries that might be tempted to recognize Russian sovereignty over Ukrainian territories (because who wouldn't want to incur the wrath of the US?)

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Let's get real here. This bill is a joke. It's a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. The Russians will just laugh at this and continue doing what they've been doing for years – expanding their influence in Eastern Europe.

The only people who might be affected by this bill are the poor souls working in the State Department, who'll have to waste their time compiling lists of naughty governments and writing reports that no one will read. And maybe, just maybe, some Ukrainian politicians will get a nice photo op with US lawmakers, but that's about it.

In conclusion, HR 1601 is a classic case of "legislative theater" – all show, no substance. It's a desperate attempt to look like we care about Ukraine without actually doing anything meaningful. The real disease here is the bipartisan addiction to empty rhetoric and symbolic gestures. Time for a dose of reality, folks.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$69,150
18 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$2,900
Committees
$0
Individuals
$66,000

No PAC contributions found

1
HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP
1 transaction
$2,900

No committee contributions found

1
PUNARO, ARNOLD
2 transactions
$6,600
2
PUNARO, JULIA
2 transactions
$6,600
3
HALE, KAREN
2 transactions
$6,600
4
PHILLIPS, STERLING
2 transactions
$6,600
5
HERSHMAN, MICHAEL J.
1 transaction
$3,300
6
TRONE, DAVID
1 transaction
$3,300
7
MISENER, PAUL E
1 transaction
$3,300
8
RABAUT, TOM W
1 transaction
$3,300
9
WALKER, KENT
1 transaction
$3,300
10
CARLSON, TERESA
1 transaction
$3,300
11
GURU, RAM
1 transaction
$3,300
12
HALL SR, DON
1 transaction
$3,300
13
HALL, DAVID
1 transaction
$3,300
14
ABOD, CARAH
1 transaction
$3,300
15
ABOD, KIM
1 transaction
$3,300
16
BERBERIAN, ANNETTE
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

ID: W000795

Top Contributors

10

1
CATAWBA INDIAN NATION
OrganizationROCK HILL, SC
$2,000
May 6, 2024
2
LEVKOWITZ, HOWARD
SELF EMPLOYED • INVESTOR
IndividualLOS ANGELES, CA
$6,600
Nov 28, 2023
3
VICKAR, KERRY
LKV MANAGEMENT • CHAIRMAN
IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC
$5,000
Nov 21, 2023
4
LOWELL, RANDY R.
BURR FORMAN • ATTORNEY
IndividualISLE OF PALMS, SC
$3,700
May 8, 2024
5
VALLARINO, MANUEL R.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE BEACH, SC
$3,300
Oct 29, 2024
6
VALLARINO, MARY EMILY J.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE BEACH, SC
$3,300
Oct 29, 2024
7
CASSELS, W. TOBIN III
SOUTHEASTERN FREIGHT LINES • PRESIDENT
IndividualCOLUMBIA, SC
$3,300
Dec 1, 2023
8
CASSELS, W. TOBIN JR.
SOUTHEASTERN FREIGHT LINES • CHAIRMAN & CEO
IndividualCOLUMBIA, SC
$3,300
Dec 1, 2023
9
HOEFER, JOHN M. S. ESQ.
WILLOUGHBY & HOEFER P.A. • ATTORNEY
IndividualCOLUMBIA, SC
$3,300
Nov 8, 2023
10
LIEBERMAN, JEREMY A.
KLEE TUCHIN BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP • ATTORNEY
IndividualFLUSHING, NY
$3,300
Oct 31, 2023

Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]

ID: D000631

Top Contributors

10

1
LEVIN, CARYL
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualELKINS PARK, PA
$5,000
Nov 3, 2024
2
LINDY, ALAN
LINDY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
IndividualAMBLER, PA
$3,500
Oct 28, 2024
3
BECKER, DEBBIE M
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualWYNNEWOOD, PA
$3,300
Nov 4, 2024
4
BECKER, WILLIAM P.
BECKER & FRONDORF • RETIRED
IndividualWYNNEWOOD, PA
$3,300
Nov 4, 2024
5
KRAUSZ, STEVEN
US VENTURE PARTNERS • VENTURE CAPITAL
IndividualPORTOLA VALLEY, CA
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
6
ERICKSEN, EUGENE P
SELF • STATISTICIAN
IndividualPHILADELPHIA, PA
$3,300
Jul 1, 2023
7
FINK, WILLIAM
SELF • CPA
IndividualDOWNINGTOWN, PA
$3,300
Aug 4, 2023
8
LINDY, FRANK
LINDY COMMUNITIES • REAL ESTATE
IndividualELKINS PARK, PA
$3,300
Jul 25, 2023
9
MILLER, LESLIE ANNE ESQ.
SELF EMPLOYED • ATTORNEY
IndividualBRYN MAWR, PA
$3,300
Aug 24, 2023
10
SCATTONE, FRANCESCO
RENAISSANCE TECHNOLOGIES • FINANCE
IndividualWYNDMOOR, PA
$3,300
Jul 27, 2023

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

ID: N000147

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

ID: G000599

Top Contributors

10

1
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA
$1,500
May 19, 2023
2
GOLDSTEIN, DARIN
SDG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT • MANAGER
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
May 31, 2023
3
GOLDSTEIN, DARIN
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Jun 19, 2023
4
SCHWARTZ, DAVID
SLATE PROPERTY GROUP • EXECUTIVE
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Oct 17, 2023
5
SCHWARTZ, DAVID
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Oct 26, 2023
6
ADAMS, RICHARD
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 26, 2024
7
ANDREESSEN, MARC
SELF • ATTORNEY
IndividualLOS ALTOS, CA
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
8
BARTH, RICHARD
MARYLAND • PROFESSOR
IndividualBALTIMORE, MD
$3,300
Oct 27, 2024
9
BLUMENTHAL, VIOLETTE
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualDURHAM, NC
$3,300
Oct 26, 2024
10
BRUNO, JACQUELINE
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWHITESTONE, NY
$3,300
Oct 26, 2024

Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]

ID: K000009

Top Contributors

10

1
HECATE ENERGY LLC
OrganizationCHICAGO, IL
$4,000
Aug 31, 2023
2
RMS INVESTMENT GROUP LLC
OrganizationSHAKER HEIGHTS, OH
$3,300
Jun 28, 2023
3
HOWLEY, JO ANN
NONE • NONE
IndividualVERMILION, OH
$3,500
Oct 15, 2024
4
ANSPACH, ROBERT
ANSPACHLAW • ATTORNEY
IndividualPERRYSBURG, OH
$3,300
Nov 4, 2024
5
BRANDT, JANICE
TIME WARNER • VICE CHAIR
IndividualGREAT FALLS, VA
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024
6
CHOWDHURY, MANIDIPA
BCI INC. • CFO
IndividualMOORESTOWN, NJ
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
7
CHOWDHURY, SAILESH
BCI INC. • CEO
IndividualMOORESTOWN, NJ
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
8
CONOVER, CATHERINE M
CATHERINE CONOVER • INVESTOR
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
9
EGNOR, DANIEL
SELF-EMPLOYED • PROGRAMMER
IndividualOAKLAND, CA
$3,300
Oct 28, 2024
10
HELLMAN, FRANCES
UC BERKELEY • PROFESSOR
IndividualBERKELEY, CA
$3,300
Oct 29, 2024

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

ID: B001298

Top Contributors

10

1
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
2
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
3
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 28, 2023
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Jun 27, 2023
5
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$3,300
Jun 30, 2024
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$2,000
Jun 27, 2023
7
REPUBLICAN MAIN STREET PARTNERSHIP
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1,000
Jul 11, 2024
8
CARSON, RUSSELL S.
THE CARSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST • PHILANTHROPY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Apr 24, 2024
9
FRANK, JIM
2FILLC • EXEC
IndividualWINNETKA, IL
$6,600
Apr 23, 2024
10
DANIELS, BRANDON
EXIGER • CEO
IndividualRICHMOND, VA
$6,600
Apr 21, 2024

Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5]

ID: H000874

Top Contributors

10

1
MACEIRA, ANTHONY
INSIGHT LLC • PRESIDENT
IndividualGUAYNABO, PR
$11,600
May 3, 2024
2
SHAH, VINOD K.
MEDSTAR SHAH ASSOCIATES • PHYSICIAN
IndividualMECHANICSVILLE, MD
$11,600
Apr 18, 2024
3
PARRIS, LAURIE A.
N/A • HOMEMAKER
IndividualCOLTONS POINT, MD
$8,300
Apr 25, 2024
4
GUILLEMARD-NOBLE, ANDRES M.
NACHMAN & GUILLEMARD • ATTORNEY
IndividualSAN JUAN, PR
$8,300
May 3, 2024
5
ORTIZ, MANUEL
VANTAGEKNIGHT INC • ATTORNEY
IndividualCHEVY CHASE, MD
$8,300
May 4, 2024
6
BILDMAN, STEVE J.
N/A • RETIRED
IndividualATLANTIC BEACH, FL
$8,300
Apr 18, 2024
7
ORTIZ, MANUEL
VANTAGEKNIGHT, LLC • ATTORNEY
IndividualCHEVY CHASE, MD
$8,300
May 11, 2023
8
GUILLEMARD-NOBLE, ANDRES M.
GUILLEMARD LAW • ATTORNEY
IndividualSAN JUAN, PR
$8,300
May 11, 2023
9
GEPHARDT, RICHARD A.
GEPHARDT GROUP • CONSULTANT
IndividualNAPLES, FL
$6,600
Sep 23, 2024
10
SHAH, ANIL K.
MEDSTAR SHAH ASSOCIATES • PHYSICIAN
IndividualLEONARDTOWN, MD
$6,600
Apr 18, 2024

Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]

ID: L000601

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Dec 1, 2023
2
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$1,000
Mar 19, 2024
3
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Sep 30, 2024
4
SOSNICK, AARON
IndividualRENO, NV
$3,392
Jun 30, 2024
5
FISHER, CYNTHIA
PATIENTRIGHTSADVOCATE.ORG • FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN
IndividualPALM BEACH, FL
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
6
HIRSCHTICK, JON
PTC • MANAGER
IndividualLEXINGTON, MA
$3,300
Oct 29, 2024
7
PFAUTCH, ROY
SELF EMPLOYED • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$3,300
Oct 21, 2024
8
TISCH, JONATHAN
LOEWS HOTELS • EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 21, 2024
9
TISCH, LIZZIE
LTD X LIZZIE TISCH • CHIEF CURATOR
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
10
BEEUWKES, REINIER
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualCONCORD, MA
$3,300
Nov 7, 2023

Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]

ID: P000608

Top Contributors

10

1
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
OrganizationEL CAJON, CA
$3,300
Apr 19, 2024
2
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
OrganizationEL CAJON, CA
$3,300
Apr 21, 2023
3
ARISON, MADELEINE
N/A • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCORAL GABLES, FL
$3,300
Oct 27, 2023
4
ARISON, MICKY
CARNIVAL CRUISE • CHAIRMAN
IndividualCORAL GABLES, FL
$3,300
Oct 27, 2023
5
EMERSON, LANGSTON
MINDSET • POLICY ADVISOR LOBBYIST
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Oct 18, 2023
6
EPSTEIN, DANIEL J.
CONAM • REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVE
IndividualSAN DIEGO, CA
$3,300
Dec 20, 2023
7
GATES, WILLIAM H III
BREAKTHROUGH ENERGY • PHILANTHROPIST
IndividualREDMOND, WA
$3,300
Oct 19, 2023
8
GONZALEZ, JOHN MICHAEL
TIBER CREEK GROUP • PARTNER
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Dec 13, 2023
9
LINDEN, LAWRENCE
N/A • RETIRED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Nov 24, 2023
10
LINDEN, LAWRENCE
N/A • RETIRED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Nov 24, 2023

Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]

ID: M001137

Top Contributors

10

1
AGUA CALIENTE BAN OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
OrganizationPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Jul 19, 2023
2
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$3,300
Mar 30, 2023
3
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$2,500
Sep 30, 2024
4
CROWN, LESTER
N/A • RETIRED
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$6,600
Jul 18, 2024
5
LIPPMAN, MARIE C.
IndividualMIAMI BEACH, FL
$5,000
Mar 7, 2023
6
CUKIERMAN, JORAM
CITADEL • FINANCE
IndividualSCARSDALE, NY
$3,300
Oct 28, 2024
7
SILVERMAN, DOUG
SENATOR INVESTMENT GROUP LP • MANAGING PARTNER
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
8
SHAMAH, ALAN
FIT FOR LIFE LLC • BUSINESS EXECUTIVE
IndividualBROOKLYN, NY
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
9
SHAMAH, JOSEPH
FIT FOR LIFE LLC • CO-FOUNDER & CEO
IndividualBROOKLYN, NY
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
10
ARMSTRONG, BRIAN
COINBASE • CEO
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Aug 29, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

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Showing 53 nodes and 34 connections (41 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $120,050

Top Donors - Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount

1 Org1 Committee16 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped, 1 harmed.

  • Section 2(b) prohibits funds from being used to support countries that recognize Russian annexation of Ukrainian territory, including areas with significant energy infrastructure, potentially limiting investment and operations in the region.

  • +Defense Contractorsconfidence 0.70

    The bill's focus on countering Russian aggression in Ukraine may lead to increased military aid and spending, potentially benefiting defense contractors, as seen in Section 2(a) which states the policy of not recognizing Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territories.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of State

Strong
Vector: 65%
Pages: 214-216AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"HR 1601 aligns with Project 2025's Department of State section by supporting continued U.S. involvement in Ukraine to uphold territorial integrity and counter Russian aggression, reflecting the view that such engagement serves U.S. interests and European stability, while emphasizing accountability and strategic clarity in foreign aid."

Key themes:Ukraine territorial integritycountering Russian aggressionU.S. foreign aid conditionsnational interest waiversupport for allied security

— 182 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l One school of conservative thought holds that as Moscow’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine drags on, Russia presents major challenges to U.S. interests, as well as to peace, stability, and the post-Cold War security order in Europe. This viewpoint argues for continued U.S. involvement including military aid, economic aid, and the presence of NATO and U.S. troops if necessary. The end goal of the conflict must be the defeat of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a return to pre-invasion border lines. l Another school of conservative thought denies that U.S. Ukrainian support is in the national security interest of America at all. Ukraine is not a member of the NATO alliance and is one of the most corrupt nations in the region. European nations directly affected by the conflict should aid in the defense of Ukraine, but the U.S. should not continue its involvement. This viewpoint desires a swift end to the conflict through a negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia. l The tension between these competing positions has given rise to a third approach. This conservative viewpoint eschews both isolationism and interventionism. Rather, each foreign policy decision must first ask the question: What is in the interest of the American people? U.S. military engagement must clearly fall within U.S. interests; be fiscally responsible; and protect American freedom, liberty, and sovereignty, all while recognizing Communist China as the greatest threat to U.S. interests. Thus, with respect to Ukraine, continued U.S. involvement must be fully paid for; limited to military aid (while European allies address Ukraine’s economic needs); and have a clearly defined national security strategy that does not risk American lives. Regardless of viewpoints, all sides agree that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is unjust and that the Ukrainian people have a right to defend their homeland. Furthermore, the conflict has severely weakened Putin’s military strength and provided a boost to NATO unity and its importance to European nations. The next conservative President has a generational opportunity to bring res- olution to the foreign policy tensions within the movement and chart a new path forward that recognizes Communist China as the defining threat to U.S. interests in the 21st century. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Peace and stability in Northeast Asia are vital interests of the United States. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Japan are critical allies for ensuring a free and open Indo–Pacific. They are indispensable military, economic, diplomatic, and technology partners. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North — 183 — Department of State Korea) must be deterred from military conflict. The United States cannot permit the DPRK to remain a de facto nuclear power with the capacity to threaten the United States or its allies. This interest is both critical to the defense of the Amer- ican homeland and the future of global nonproliferation. The DPRK must not be permitted to profit from its blatant violations of international commitments or to threaten other nations with nuclear blackmail. Both interests can only be served if the U.S. disallows the DPRK’s rogue regime behavior. OTHER INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS Western Hemisphere The United States has a vested interest in a relatively united and economically prosperous Western Hemisphere. Nonetheless, the region now has an overwhelm- ing number of socialist or progressive regimes, which are at odds with the freedom and growth-oriented policies of the U.S. and other neighbors and who increasingly pose hemispheric security threats. A new approach is therefore needed, one that simultaneously allows the U.S. to re-posture in its best interests and helps regional partners enter a new century of growth and opportunity. The following core policies must be part of this new direction: l A “sovereign Mexico” policy. Mexico is currently a national security disaster. Bluntly stated, Mexico can no longer qualify as a first-world nation; it has functionally lost its sovereignty to muscular criminal cartels that effectively run the country. The current dynamic is not good for either U.S. citizens or Mexicans, and the perfect storm created by this cartel state has negative effects that are damaging the entire hemisphere. The next Administration must both adopt a posture that calls for a fully sovereign Mexico and take all steps at its disposal to support that result in as rapid a fashion as possible. l A fentanyl-free frontier. The same cartels that parasitically run Mexico are also working with the PRC to fuel the largest drug crisis in the history of North America. These Mexican cartels are working closely with Chinese fentanyl precursor chemical manufacturers, importing those precursor chemicals into Mexico, manufacturing fentanyl on Mexican soil, and shipping it into the United States and elsewhere. The highly potent narcotic is having an unprecedented lethal impact on the American citizenry. The next Administration must leverage its new insistence on a sovereign Mexico and work with other Western Hemisphere partners to halt the fentanyl crisis and put a decisive end to this unprecedented public health threat.

Department of State

Strong
Vector: 60%
Pages: 214-216AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"HR 1601 aligns with Project 2025's stance on Ukraine by supporting U.S. involvement to uphold territorial integrity, oppose Russian aggression, and maintain a defined national security strategy—reflecting the third conservative approach outlined in the document that balances engagement with fiscal responsibility and clear objectives."

Key themes:Ukraine territorial integrityopposition to Russian aggressionU.S. national security strategylimited military aidfiscal responsibility in foreign policy

— 181 — Department of State Instead of pressuring the Iranian theocracy to move toward democracy, the Obama Administration threw the brutal regime an economic lifeline by giving hundreds of billions of dollars to the Iranian government and providing other sanc- tions relief. This economic relief did not moderate the regime, but emboldened its brutality, its efforts to expand its nuclear weapons programs, and its support for global terrorism. Former President Obama has admitted his lack of support for the Green Movement during his Administration was an error and blamed it on poor advisors—yet those same advisors are involved with the Biden Administration’s insistence on reducing pressure on the theocracy and resurrecting a nuclear deal. The next Administration should neither preserve nor repeat the mistakes of the Obama and Biden Administrations. The correct future policy for Iran is one that acknowledges that it is in U.S. national security interests, the Iranian people’s human rights interests, and a broader global interest in peace and stability for the Iranian people to have the democratic government they demand. This decision to be free of the country’s abusive leaders must of course be made by the Iranian people, but the United States can utilize its own and others’ economic and diplo- matic tools to ease the path toward a free Iran and a renewed relationship with the Iranian people. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Once a model of democracy and a true U.S. ally, the Bolivarian Republic of Ven- ezuela (Venezuela) has all but collapsed under the Communist regimes of the late Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. In the 24 years since Hugo Chavez was first elected Venezuelan president in 1999, the country has violently cracked down on pro-democracy citizens and organizations, shattered its once oil-rich economy, empowered domestic criminal cartels, and helped fuel a hemispheric refugee crisis. Venezuela has swung from being one of the most prosperous, if not the most prosperous, country in South America to being one of the poorest. Its Communist leadership has also drawn closer to some of the United States’ greatest interna- tional foes, including the PRC and Iran, which have long sought a foothold in the Americas. Indeed, Venezuela serves as a reminder of just how fragile democratic institutions that are not maintained can be. To contain Venezuela’s Communism and aid international partners, the next Administration must take important steps to put Venezuela’s Communist abusers on notice while making strides to help the Venezuelan people. The next Administration must work to unite the hemisphere against this significant but underestimated threat in the Southern Hemisphere. Russia One issue today that starkly divides conservatives is the Russia–Ukraine con- flict. The common ground seems to be recognition that presidential leadership in 2025 must chart the course. — 182 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l One school of conservative thought holds that as Moscow’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine drags on, Russia presents major challenges to U.S. interests, as well as to peace, stability, and the post-Cold War security order in Europe. This viewpoint argues for continued U.S. involvement including military aid, economic aid, and the presence of NATO and U.S. troops if necessary. The end goal of the conflict must be the defeat of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a return to pre-invasion border lines. l Another school of conservative thought denies that U.S. Ukrainian support is in the national security interest of America at all. Ukraine is not a member of the NATO alliance and is one of the most corrupt nations in the region. European nations directly affected by the conflict should aid in the defense of Ukraine, but the U.S. should not continue its involvement. This viewpoint desires a swift end to the conflict through a negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia. l The tension between these competing positions has given rise to a third approach. This conservative viewpoint eschews both isolationism and interventionism. Rather, each foreign policy decision must first ask the question: What is in the interest of the American people? U.S. military engagement must clearly fall within U.S. interests; be fiscally responsible; and protect American freedom, liberty, and sovereignty, all while recognizing Communist China as the greatest threat to U.S. interests. Thus, with respect to Ukraine, continued U.S. involvement must be fully paid for; limited to military aid (while European allies address Ukraine’s economic needs); and have a clearly defined national security strategy that does not risk American lives. Regardless of viewpoints, all sides agree that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is unjust and that the Ukrainian people have a right to defend their homeland. Furthermore, the conflict has severely weakened Putin’s military strength and provided a boost to NATO unity and its importance to European nations. The next conservative President has a generational opportunity to bring res- olution to the foreign policy tensions within the movement and chart a new path forward that recognizes Communist China as the defining threat to U.S. interests in the 21st century. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Peace and stability in Northeast Asia are vital interests of the United States. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Japan are critical allies for ensuring a free and open Indo–Pacific. They are indispensable military, economic, diplomatic, and technology partners. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North

Department of State

Strong
Vector: 59%
Pages: 220-222AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"HR 1601’s focus on countering Russian aggression in Ukraine and conditioning foreign assistance on alignment with U.S. territorial integrity policy aligns closely with Project 2025’s emphasis on European security cooperation, expecting NATO allies to contribute fairly to defense, and using diplomatic tools to build coalitions with cooperative countries while avoiding divisive cultural policies."

Key themes:countering Russian aggressionEuropean security cooperationconditioning foreign assistancecore diplomatic engagementbuilding cooperative coalitions

— 187 — Department of State United States, but at least some of them would eventually try if allowed to consolidate their operations and plan such attacks. The immediate threat they pose lies in their abilities and willingness to strike American targets in their regions of operation or to harm U.S. interests in other ways. The U.S. should support capable African military and security operations through the State Department and other federal agencies responsible for granting foreign military education, training, and security assistance. l Build a coalition of the cooperative. Rather than thinning limited federal resources by spreading funds across all countries (including some that are unsupportive or even hostile to the United States,) the next Administration should focus on those countries with which the U.S. can expect a mutually beneficial relationship. After being designated focus countries by the State Department, such nations should receive a full suite of American engagement. That said, the next Administration should still maintain a baseline level of contact even with those countries with which it has less- than-fruitful relationships in order to encourage positive developments and to be in position to seize unexpected diplomatic opportunities as they arise. l Focus on core diplomatic activities, and stop promoting policies birthed in the American culture wars. African nations are particularly (and reasonably) non-receptive to the U.S. social policies such as abortion and pro-LGBT initiatives being imposed on them. The United States should focus on core security, economic, and human rights engagement with African partners and reject the promotion of divisive policies that hurt the deepening of shared goals between the U.S. and its African partners. Europe American foreign policy has long benefited from cooperation with the countries of Europe (generally, the EU), and any conservative Administration should build on this resource. Yet the transatlantic relationship is complex, with security, trade, and political dimensions. First, the Europe, Eurasia, and Russia region is made up of relatively wealthy and technologically advanced societies that should be expected to bear a fair share of both security needs and global security architecture: The United States cannot be expected to provide a defense umbrella for countries unwilling to contribute appropriately. At stake after 2024 will be examining the status of the Wales Pledge of 2 percent of gross domestic product toward defense by NATO members. The new Administration will also want to encourage nations to exceed that pledge. Second, transatlantic trade is a significant part of the global economy, and it is in the U.S. national interest to amplify it, especially because this means weaning — 188 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Europe of its dependence on China. However, there are also transatlantic trade tensions that disturb the U.S.–EU relationship and that have been evident across Administrations. The U.S. must undertake a comprehensive review of trade arrangements between the EU and the United States to assure that U.S. businesses are treated fairly and to build productive reciprocity. Outside the EU, trade with the post-Brexit U.K. needs urgent development before London slips back into the orbit of the EU. Third, in the wake of Brexit, EU foreign policy now takes place without U.K. input, which disadvantages the United States, given that the U.K. has historically been aligned with many U.S. positions. Therefore, U.S. diplomacy must be more attentive to inner-EU developments, while also developing new allies inside the EU—especially the Central European countries on the eastern flank of the EU, which are most vulnerable to Russian aggression. South and Central Asia Many key American interests and responsibilities are found in South and Central Asia. Specifically, continuing to advance the bilateral relationship with India to mutual benefit is a crucial objective for U.S. policy. India plays a crucial role in countering the Chinese threat and securing a free and open Indo–Pacific. It is a critical security guarantor for the key routes of air and sea travel linking East and West and an important emerging U.S. economic partner. For instance, the 2019 Department of Defense Indo–Pacific Strategy Report noted that the Indian Ocean area “is at the nexus of global trade and commerce, with nearly half of the world’s 90,000 commercial vessels and two thirds of global oil trade traveling through its sea lanes. The region boasts some of the fastest-growing economies on Earth.”14 Meanwhile, the threat of transnational terrorism remains acute. The humiliat- ing withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan after a 20-year military campaign has created new challenges. It has provided an opportunity to reset the deeply troubled U.S.–Pakistan relationship and reassess U.S. counterterrorism strategy in the region. The long-standing India–Pakistan rivalry and tensions regarding the disputed territory of Kashmir continue to pose risks to regional stability, especially because both countries are nuclear powers. The State Department’s role in strengthening the regional security and eco- nomic framework linking the U.S and India is crucial. In addition, the department has important functional responsibilities in dealing with a range of threats from nuclear proliferation to transnational proliferation. While American statecraft should also seek to improve bilateral relations throughout the region, U.S. policy must be clear-eyed and realistic about the perfidiousness of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and the military–political rule in Pakistan. There can be no expecta- tion of normal relations with either.

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Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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