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HARM Act

3/12/2024, 6:38 AM

Summary of Bill S 416

The HARM Act, also known as Bill 118 s 416, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to address the issue of harmful online content and misinformation.

The HARM Act aims to hold online platforms accountable for the spread of harmful content, such as misinformation about vaccines, elections, and other important topics. The bill would require platforms to take steps to prevent the dissemination of harmful content, including implementing fact-checking measures and removing false information.

Additionally, the HARM Act would establish a process for individuals to report harmful content to the platforms, and require platforms to respond to these reports in a timely manner. The bill also includes provisions for penalties for platforms that fail to comply with these requirements. Overall, the HARM Act is designed to combat the spread of harmful content online and hold platforms accountable for the information they allow to be shared on their platforms. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to protect the public from misinformation, while opponents raise concerns about potential limitations on free speech.

Congressional Summary of S 416

Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries Act or the HARM Act

This bill requires the Department of State to designate the Wagner Group as a foreign terrorist organization. Such designation also applies to any affiliated and successor entities undertaking malign activities against the United States and its allies or partners.

(Among other things, such a designation allows the Department of the Treasury to require financial institutions to block transactions involving the organization.)

The President may waive the application of sanctions against these entities if the President determines it to be in the national interest.

Current Status of Bill S 416

Bill S 416 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 14, 2023. Bill S 416 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 14, 2023.  Bill S 416's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 147. as of July 25, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 416

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
32
Democrat Cosponsors
18
Republican Cosponsors
14
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 416

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Potential Impact Areas

- Advisory bodies
- Africa
- Congressional oversight
- Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
- Europe
- Fraud offenses and financial crimes
- Middle East
- Military assistance, sales, and agreements
- Military operations and strategy
- Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
- Russia
- Sanctions
- Terrorism
- Ukraine

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 416

HARM Act
HARM Act
Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries Act
Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries Act
HARM Act
A bill to designate the Russian-based mercenary Wagner Group as a foreign terrorist organization, and for other purposes.

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