Contact Congress about S. 2978: Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act

Russia would have to meet strict conditions tied to Ukrainian children and civilian attacks. If the Secretary of State cannot confirm those conditions within 60 days, the U.S. must label Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act is a Senate bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 246.

Latest action on S. 2978: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 246.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects Russia, Ukrainian children taken or moved during the war, civilians in Ukraine and Europe, and people seeking payment through U.S. courts. It could also affect U.S. officials who manage sanctions, diplomacy, and frozen Russian assets.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it ties a major U.S. terrorism label to Russia's treatment of Ukrainian children and civilians. The label can trigger serious legal and economic limits under existing U.S. law. It could raise pressure on Russia, but it could also make diplomacy harder and create fights over what facts can be proven in an active war.

Key provisions in S. 2978

• The Secretary of State must report to Congress within 60 days after the law starts. The report must say whether all taken or displaced Ukrainian children are back with their families or guardians and are rejoining Ukrainian society.
• The Secretary must also say whether Russia has stopped key attacks. This includes attacks on European civilian infrastructure and political targets, plus all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
• Russia must get the U.S. terrorism label if the Secretary cannot confirm every required condition. The label would apply under existing laws on arms exports, foreign aid, and national defense rules.
• The Secretary could remove the label later, but only after making several findings. Russia must have avoided support for international terrorism for the past three months, promised not to support it later, and met the child-return and reintegration conditions.
• Some frozen Russian government assets could not be taken to pay certain U.S. court judgments. This limit applies to Russian sovereign assets covered by the REPO for Ukrainians Act and only to judgments caused by this terrorism label.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 2978

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 2978

What is S. 2978?

Russia would have to meet strict conditions tied to Ukrainian children and civilian attacks. If the Secretary of State cannot confirm those conditions within 60 days, the U.S. must label Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.

How do I support or oppose S. 2978?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 2978?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on S. 2978?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.