What does Preamble of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'A BILL To encourage Hungary to end its reliance on Russian energy and prevent Hungary's efforts to obstruct financial or security assistance to Ukraine, and for other purposes,' aims to encourage Hungary to reduce its dependence on Russian energy. The bill also seeks to prevent Hungary from obstructing financial or security assistance provided to Ukraine.

What does SHORT TITLE. of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This bill is formally titled the ``Barring Leverage and Obstruction that Contributes to Kremlin Profits Undermining Transatlantic Interests and NATO Act'' or the ``BLOCK PUTIN Act''.

What does FINDINGS. of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This section outlines findings related to European dependence on Russian energy and subsequent efforts to reduce it. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 highlighted the strategic risks of Europe's reliance on Russian oil and gas. Following the invasion, the United States, the European Union, and partners imposed sanctions on Russia, and the European Commission launched the REPowerEU initiative. The European Union significantly reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, cutting oil imports by over 90% and pipeline gas deliveries by roughly 80% since February 2022. While most European countries reduced Russian energy imports, Hungary and Slovakia requested timeline exemptions. Hungary increased its dependence on Russian energy by an estimated 30% and provided approximately $6.7 billion in revenue to Russia between February 2022 and December 2024. The European Union adopted several restrictive measures against Russia, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports and transaction bans on Rosneft and Gazprom Neft. The United States imposed secondary sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft. Hungary has not reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels and reportedly received an exemption from U.S. sanctions. Hungary blocked European Union financial assistance to Ukraine and opposed a proposed sanctions package, requesting the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. Slovakia indicated it would follow Hungary's example in blocking EU funds to Ukraine based on the outcome of Hungarian elections.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS; STATEMENT OF POLICY. of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress that encouraging countries to diversify from Russian energy is in the national security interests of the United States. Congress also believes it is in the national security interests of the United States for European Union member states to finance support for Ukraine. The policy of the United States is to hold Hungary accountable for actions that undermine the national security interests described in subsection (a).

What does IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS. of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This section establishes sanctions against senior officials of the Hungarian government. Sanctions will be imposed by the President no later than 30 days after enactment and every 180 days thereafter. Targeted individuals are those who obstruct financial or security assistance to Ukraine or facilitate oil/natural gas imports from Russia. Sanctions include blocking property within the U.S. and restricting visas and entry into the United States. Exceptions exist if Hungary adopts a plan to end Russian oil/gas dependency and ceases obstructing aid to Ukraine. Further exceptions apply for compliance with international obligations, law enforcement activities, and authorized intelligence activities. The President may waive sanctions for up to 180 days based on national security interests and a commitment from the individual to cease objectionable actions. This section terminates 30 days after the Secretary of State certifies that Hungary has ended its dependency on Russian oil/gas and ceased obstructing aid to Ukraine.

What does REPORT ON UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FACILITATION OF HUNGARIAN of BLOCK PUTIN Act do?

This section requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State to jointly submit a report to specified committees. The report must justify any U.S. government facilitation of Russian oil and gas purchases by the Hungarian government or related entities. The report must detail licenses or comfort letters issued on or after October 22, 2025, to Hungary or related entities concerning Russian oil, petroleum products, or natural gas. The report must include the period of effectiveness of any such licenses or comfort letters. The report must describe any foreign policy guidance related to the issuance of these licenses or comfort letters. The report must include information communicated to the Hungarian government regarding potential renewal or extension of these licenses or comfort letters. The report must estimate the total quantity of Russian oil and gas purchased by Hungary or related entities since the effective date of relevant licenses or comfort letters, by volume and dollar value.

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BLOCK PUTIN Act

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill aims to encourage Hungary to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and align with efforts to support Ukraine.
It establishes sanctions against senior Hungarian government officials who obstruct financial or security assistance to Ukraine or facilitate Russian energy imports.
The bill mandates a report detailing any U.S. government actions that facilitate Hungarian purchases of Russian oil and gas, including licenses and comfort letters.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8219(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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