Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023

This bill aims to prohibit any official action that recognizes or normalizes relations with the Syrian Government led by Bashar al-Assad. It also includes modifications to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act and requires an interagency strategy to counter normalization with the Assad regime. The bill further calls for reports on the manipulation of the United Nations by the Assad regime in Syria.

Section 1: Short Title

This section states that the Act may be referred to as the "Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023".

Section 2: Modifications to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act

This section makes amendments to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. It expands the sanctions imposed on foreign persons engaging in activities with the Syrian Government led by Bashar al-Assad. It also includes a definition for a "transaction" and additional definitions for "commercial financial services" and "financial institution".

Section 3: Prohibition of Recognition of Assad Regime

This section establishes the policy of the United States to not recognize or normalize relations with the Assad regime due to its crimes against the Syrian people. It prohibits any federal official or employee from taking actions that imply recognition of Bashar al-Assad or any Government in Syria led by him. It also prohibits the use of federal funds for such recognition.

Section 4: Interagency Strategy to Counter Normalization with Assad Regime

This section requires the Secretary of State to submit a report and strategy to counter actions taken by foreign governments to normalize relations with the Assad regime. The report includes descriptions of violations of international law, diplomatic meetings, significant transactions, and steps taken by the United States to deter recognition or normalization. The report also assesses the impact on national security, justice and accountability in Syria, and benefits derived by other governments.

Section 5: Reports on Manipulation of United Nations by Assad Regime in Syria

This section requires the Secretary of State to submit a report on the manipulation of the United Nations by the Assad regime. The report includes descriptions of conditions set by the Assad regime, identification of officials with ties to the regime, access restrictions, improper benefits received by the regime, due diligence mechanisms, and entities affiliated with the regime receiving funding or contracts from the United Nations. The report also assesses the compromises made by the United Nations on humanitarian principles and proposes a strategy to reduce the regime's manipulation.

This Act was passed by the House of Representatives on February 14, 2024.

Rep. Amata Radewagen

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