The proposed legislation accuses El Salvador’s government of violating internationally recognized human rights, particularly through the country’s ongoing state of exception.
Due to this, it calls for sanctions on President Bukele, members of his cabinet, and other individuals working on behalf of the government—including political party officials and leaders of government institutions—based on credible information of misconduct.
The bill proposes strong penalties, including freezing US-held assets, visa denials, and suspending financial aid.
The lawmakers argue that Salvadoran institutions have committed these violations while benefiting from US taxpayer dollars.
The bill also requires the president to provide annual updates, beginning with a detailed report on sanctioned individuals within 90 days of its passage.
This report must outline how Salvadoran officials have allegedly used Bitcoin and other digital assets to engage in corruption, evade sanctions, and misuse government resources.
In response to the bill, President Bukele dismissed the US lawmakers’ attempt to impose sanctions on him and his government.
This reaction is not surprising, given the growing relationship between the two presidents. This includes their collaboration on El Salvador’s efforts to combat criminal gangs and their shared pro-crypto stance.
