0
0
0
SOFA Act
12/9/2023, 5:40 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3015
Bill 118 hr 3015, also known as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish guidelines and requirements for the negotiation and approval of status of forces agreements between the United States and foreign countries.
The SOFA Act aims to ensure that any agreements made between the US and other nations regarding the presence and activities of US military forces on foreign soil are in the best interest of both parties. This includes outlining the legal status of US military personnel, the jurisdiction of US courts over any crimes committed by these personnel, and the terms of any financial or logistical support provided by the host country.
The bill also seeks to increase transparency and accountability in the negotiation and approval process of these agreements. It requires that any proposed SOFA be submitted to Congress for review and approval before it can be finalized. This is intended to ensure that the American people and their elected representatives have a say in decisions that could impact US military operations abroad. Overall, the SOFA Act is designed to promote cooperation and mutual understanding between the US and other countries when it comes to hosting US military forces. It aims to establish clear guidelines and procedures for negotiating these agreements in a way that protects the interests of both parties involved.
The SOFA Act aims to ensure that any agreements made between the US and other nations regarding the presence and activities of US military forces on foreign soil are in the best interest of both parties. This includes outlining the legal status of US military personnel, the jurisdiction of US courts over any crimes committed by these personnel, and the terms of any financial or logistical support provided by the host country.
The bill also seeks to increase transparency and accountability in the negotiation and approval process of these agreements. It requires that any proposed SOFA be submitted to Congress for review and approval before it can be finalized. This is intended to ensure that the American people and their elected representatives have a say in decisions that could impact US military operations abroad. Overall, the SOFA Act is designed to promote cooperation and mutual understanding between the US and other countries when it comes to hosting US military forces. It aims to establish clear guidelines and procedures for negotiating these agreements in a way that protects the interests of both parties involved.
Congressional Summary of HR 3015
Safeguarding Our Forces Abroad Act or the SOFA Act
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to reduce, at a rate of 1% each month, the number of members of the Armed Forces stationed in foreign countries where (1) at least 1,000 members of the Armed Forces were stationed in the previous fiscal year, and (2) there are not enforceable Status of Forces Agreements in place that contain specified elements.
Specifically, the bill applies to countries that do not have enforceable Status of Forces Agreements in place that
- prohibit pretrial detention of any member of the Armed Forces who has been accused of committing a non-violent crime,
- guarantees an accused member of the Armed Forces immediate access to legal counsel and language translation services during the legal process,
- guarantees an accused member of the Armed Forces may not be compelled to be a witness against themselves, and
- guarantees an accused member of the Armed Forces will be protected from confessions obtained through torture, coercion, threats, violence, or any means of improper influence.
The requirement to reduce force numbers may be waived if DOD certifies to Congress that it is in the national security interests of the United States to avoid a reduction in forces.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 3015
Bill HR 3015 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 28, 2023. Bill HR 3015 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on April 28, 2023. Bill HR 3015's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. as of April 28, 2023
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3015
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
2Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
2Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3015
Primary Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National SecurityAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3015
SOFA Act
SOFA Act
Safeguarding Our Forces Abroad Act
To reduce the number of members of the Armed Forces stationed in certain foreign countries with which the United States does not have a proper and enforceable Status of Forces Agreement, and for other purposes.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 3015
Latest Bills
Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 8469May 16, 2026
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027
Bill HR 8845May 16, 2026
LIFT Act
Bill HR 8864May 16, 2026
Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act
Bill HR 8859May 16, 2026
To amend title 5, United States Code, to add certain employees of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to the definition of employees in fire protection activities for the purpose of compensation for certain illnesses and diseases deemed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities.
Bill HR 8863May 16, 2026
Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2026, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and pediatric cancers in general.
Bill HRES 1295May 16, 2026
To amend title 18, United States, to include property damage in acts that constitute domestic terrorism, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 8843May 16, 2026
CRUISE Act
Bill HR 7083May 16, 2026
To allow Americans to sue federal officials for constitutional violations of voting rights and election law.
Bill HR 8858May 16, 2026
Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Charter Schools Week", to be observed from May 10 through May 16, 2026.
Bill HRES 1298May 16, 2026