H.R. 463 – Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 11:38 AM UTC

The Crimea Annexation Non‑recognition Act declares that the United States will not recognize Russia’s claim to sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters. It directs all federal departments and agencies to avoid any actions that would imply such recognition. The bill also allows the President to waive this restriction if it is deemed essential for national security.

Key Provisions

States the U.S. policy of not recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or territorial waters.
Prohibits any federal department or agency from taking actions or providing assistance that would recognize or imply recognition of Russian control over Crimea.
Allows the President to issue a waiver of the prohibition if it is considered vital to U.S. national security interests.

Legislative Activity

Stay on top of the latest movement without scrolling through every action

2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats.

Europe Subcommittee

February 16, 2017

View full timeline

HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 12, 2017

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Committee

January 12, 2017

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats.

Europe Subcommittee

February 16, 2017

Bill Text

Latest available legislative text

Reading Mode

Raw Text PDF XML

Introduced in HouseIssued January 12, 2017

I

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 463

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 12, 2017

Mr. Connolly (for himself and Mr. Chabot) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

A BILL

To prohibit United States Government recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act.

2.

Prohibition against United States recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea

(a)

Statement of policy

It is the policy of the United States not to recognize the de jure or de facto sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.

(b)

Prohibition

In accordance with subsection (a), no Federal department or agency may take any action or extend any assistance that recognizes or implies recognition of the de jure or de facto sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.

(c)

Waiver

The President may waive subsection (a) or (b) if the President determines that it is vital to the national security interests of the United States to do so.