Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Government of Nicaragua, under the leadership of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, has engaged in systematic corruption, undermined democratic institutions, eroded the rule of law, and committed widespread human rights abuses, including state-sponsored violence against Nicaraguan citizens, contributing to regional instability, forced migration, transnational repression, and national security concerns. (2) The 2021 Nicaraguan presidential election, which resulted in the consolidation of authoritarian rule led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, was preceded by— (A) the arrest, disqualification, and forced exile of opposition candidates; (B) the annulment of political parties; (C) crackdowns on civil society; and (D) restrictions on the press. (3) Since 2018, the Murillo-Ortega regime has revoked the legal registration of hundreds of nonprofit and faith-based organizations as part of its broader campaign to suppress civil society and religious institutions. (4) On November 30, 2022, pursuant to section 402(b)(1)(A) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6442(b)(1)(A)), the Secretary of State designated Nicaragua as a country of particular concern for religious freedom for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. (5) On December 18, 2023, the Murillo-Ortega regime arrested 11 Nicaraguan pastors and ministry workers affiliated with the organization Mountain Gateway and issued arrest warrants for 3 United States citizens affiliated with the organization on politically motivated charges. (6) On July 20, 2026, Daniel Ortega publicly announced that Nicaragua would no longer hold competitive elections, marking the abandonment of elections and further consolidating authoritarian governance. (7) Nicaragua does not meet minimum democratic standards under the Inter-American Democratic Charter. (8) The policies of the United States Government should support the people of Nicaragua in restoring peace and democracy, protecting human rights, and promoting free, fair and internationally observed elections.