Syria Sanctions Accountability Act of 2025

Sponsor: Michael Lawler (Republican-NY)July 16, 2025

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 31 - 23.

U.S. would set tougher conditions for lifting sanctions on Syria

This bill would make it harder for Syria to escape U.S. sanctions by adding stricter conditions and removing renewable waivers. It also requires a review of special banking relief for Syria's Commercial Bank.

What Would Change

Today, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 imposes sanctions on Syria. These sanctions have certain conditions for lifting them, and waivers can be renewed for periods up to 180 days or 2 years. After this bill, the conditions for lifting sanctions would become stricter and include new requirements like combating illegal drug production and protecting religious minorities. Also, the ability to renew sanction waivers would be removed. The entire sanctions law would end by December 31, 2029, at the latest, or sooner if Syria meets specific criteria for two consecutive years.

Key Provisions

Requires the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to review special banking relief given to the Commercial Bank of Syria and suggest if it should continue or change.
Sets new, tougher conditions for lifting sanctions on the Government of Syria, including stopping attacks on civilians and allowing humanitarian aid.
Adds requirements for Syria to release political prisoners, stop targeting medical facilities, combat illegal drug production, and protect religious minorities to lift sanctions.
Removes the ability to renew waivers for sanctions against Syria, making them non-renewable.
Sets a new end date for the main Syria sanctions law, either when Syria meets the criteria described in paragraphs (1) through (8) of section 7431(a) for two years or by December 31, 2029.

View on Congress.gov

HR 4427 · 119th Congress · July 16, 2025 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

Syria Sanctions Accountability Act of 2025

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity