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Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act

5/24/2024, 1:43 PM

Summary of Bill S 1651

Bill 118 s 1651, also known as the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of promoting democracy and economic development in the Western Balkans region. The bill focuses on supporting the countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia in their efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption, and promote economic growth.

The Western Balkans region has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including political instability, ethnic tensions, and economic struggles. This bill seeks to address these issues by providing assistance to the governments and civil society organizations in the region, as well as promoting US investment and trade opportunities.

Specifically, the bill authorizes the US government to provide financial and technical assistance to support democratic reforms, strengthen the rule of law, and promote good governance in the Western Balkans. It also encourages the governments of the region to work towards European Union and NATO membership, as well as to improve cooperation on security and counterterrorism efforts. In addition, the bill calls for increased US engagement with the Western Balkans through diplomatic channels, as well as through partnerships with international organizations and other countries in the region. It also emphasizes the importance of promoting economic development and job creation in the region, in order to address the root causes of instability and conflict. Overall, the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act aims to support the countries of the Western Balkans in their efforts to build stable, democratic societies and prosperous economies. By providing assistance and promoting engagement, the US government hopes to contribute to peace and stability in the region, as well as to strengthen ties between the United States and the countries of the Western Balkans.

Current Status of Bill S 1651

Bill S 1651 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 17, 2023. Bill S 1651 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 17, 2023.  Bill S 1651's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369. as of May 7, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1651

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
10
Democrat Cosponsors
8
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1651

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Potential Impact Areas

- Albania
- Alliances
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Collective security
- Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
- Computer security and identity theft
- Computers and information technology
- Congressional oversight
- Cultural exchanges and relations
- Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
- Europe
- Foreign loans and debt
- Foreign property
- Higher education
- Human rights
- Infrastructure development
- International exchange and broadcasting
- International law and treaties
- Kosovo
- Legislative rules and procedure
- Montenegro
- Multilateral development programs
- News media and reporting
- North Macedonia
- Peace Corps
- Public-private cooperation
- Reconstruction and stabilization
- Rule of law and government transparency
- Sanctions
- Serbia
- Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
- U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
- U.S. and foreign investments
- Visas and passports

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1651

Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act
Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act
Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act
A bill to encourage increased trade and investment between the United States and the countries in the Western Balkans, and for other purposes.
A bill to encourage increased trade and investment between the United States and the countries in the Western Balkans, and for other purposes.

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