Washington: The White House is applying significant pressure on Congress to lift all remaining sanctions on Syria, with a particular focus on the “Caesar Act.” This push comes as senior officials express a strong desire to repeal the sanctions.
According to Syrian Arab News Agency, vigorous efforts are being made by the U.S. administration, alongside various organizations, to repeal the sanctions imposed on Syria. Officials from the White House, the State Department, and the Treasury Department have communicated clearly to Congress that the administration’s official position is a full, clean repeal of the Caesar Act. A senior congressional aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed this initiative, highlighting the administration’s commitment.
Another source from Congress mentioned that significant efforts have been made by influential figures like Barrack, who has reached out to senior Republican lawmakers in recent weeks, urging them to support the repeal. The push for a complete repeal has surprisingly united a diverse group of lawmakers from both parties. Key figures include Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), both of whom are leading the charge to rescind the Caesar Act. Interestingly, some Syrian American advocacy groups that initially supported the Caesar law’s passage are now advocating for its removal.
Mouaz Moustafa, the executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a nonprofit based in Washington, stated, “Everyone from Caesar himself to the families of those victims in the Caesar photos are calling for the Caesar Act to go.” This sentiment is echoed across various advocacy groups and political circles.
With the Senate’s recent passage of the NDAA, negotiations with the House are set to begin on a compromise version of the military-funding bill. On Thursday, House leadership started assessing support among members for the repeal of the Caesar Act. A decision on whether to include it in the House NDAA is expected soon, potentially as early as next week. Once both chambers approve the final bill, Congress will send it to President Trump for his signature by the end of the year.
On May 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, emphasizing that “it is time to give Syria a chance, based on the news I am hearing. I wish them good luck, and I hope the outcome will be good and excellent,” during a speech in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocated for the full and permanent repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, arguing that the law has outlived its purpose following the fall of the Assad regime and the emergence of a new Syrian government.