The bill would let the Secretary of State designate a foreign country as a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention if it meets specified criteria, including detaining a U.S. national or supporting such detention. The State Department would report to Congress before a designation and publish a list of designated countries. After a designation, it would review possible responses, such as sanctions, visa limits, travel restrictions, and limits on assistance or exports.
The bill would require airlines and ticket agents selling certain international tickets to get passengers traveling to areas with a State Department “D” or “K” travel advisory to confirm they reviewed the advisory and understand the risks. It would also create an advisory council with former detainees, family members, and experts, and require reports on hostage-affairs offices and response teams.
If you buy a ticket in the United States to travel to an area with a “D” or “K” advisory, you would have to confirm that you reviewed the advisory and understand the risks. Former detainees, their families, and experts could be invited to advise federal hostage-affairs teams.
The bill does not state an overall cost. Advisory Council members would not be paid, but may receive travel expenses. The required report on hostage-affairs components would include cost-efficiency information.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.