Somalia Comprehensive Peace and Economic Recovery Act of 2005

H.R. 3396, the Somalia Comprehensive Peace and Economic Recovery Act of 2005, seeks to stabilize Somalia by supporting the establishment of a democratic government and providing resources to combat terrorism and extremism. The bill authorizes the U.S. government to fund local efforts for human rights and the rule of law, while also calling for an international investigation into war crimes and human rights violations committed by regional warlords.

For citizens, the bill’s practical impact would be a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward active involvement in Somalia’s reconstruction through financial aid and diplomatic mediation. It also establishes a system of accountability by requiring the President to impose sanctions—such as freezing assets and denying visas—on Somali officials or groups that fail to uphold peace agreements, violate human rights, or refuse to cooperate in counterterrorism efforts.