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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.

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

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

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3015

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate 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

Nick LaLota
Nick LaLota
New YorkRepublican
Jennifer A. Kiggans
Jennifer A. Kiggans
VirginiaRepublican

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