Targeted sanctions would be imposed against the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship to hold it accountable for its crimes against the Catholic Church, the clergy, and the people of Nicaragua under legislation led by U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL).
The congresswoman on Jan. 14 cosponsored the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act of 2026, H.R. 7055, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to compel the U.S. government to immediately cease any U.S. investment in the Nicaraguan economy, and oppose financial or technical assistance to the government of Nicaragua from members of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration.
“Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo are ruthless dictators who have hijacked Nicaragua and terrorized their own people,” Rep. Salazar said. “They jail political opponents, silence the church, crush free speech, and destroy democracy, because they fear a free people.
“Their human rights abuses are undeniable and intolerable,” added the congresswoman. “That is why I am proud to co-lead the Restoring Sovereignty and Human Rights in Nicaragua Act, to impose real consequences, stand with Nicaragua’s political prisoners and people of faith, and send a clear message: the United States will never legitimize tyranny in our hemisphere.”
Additionally, H.R. 7055 would trigger targeted sanctions on sectors of the Nicaraguan economy that generate revenue for the Ortega family following the arrest, prosecution, conviction, and/or sentencing of any individual under politically motivated charges; gross violations of political prisoners’ human rights; and support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The bill also would raise international concerns about the human rights and democracy crises in Nicaragua and support the religious and opposition leaders and groups silenced by the Ortega-Murillo regime, and provide funding and support for programs that promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Nicaragua.
H.R. 7055 also would seek a resolution to the political crisis in Nicaragua by calling for free and fair elections and the cessation of political violence in the country, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Salazar’s office.
The bill is now under consideration by several committees in the U.S. House of Representatives.