PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration And Border Security.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 21, 2013
Free Syria Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that:
the United States should increase its humanitarian support for those affected by the conflict in Syria;
Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon should be commended for keeping its borders open to Syrian refugees;
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
the President should urge other countries in the area to keep their borders open for such purpose, and should urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to expedite the protection and resettlement of the most vulnerable refugees;
the President should provide temporary immigration relief measures for and grant humanitarian parole to Syrian nationals with approved immigrant petitions;
the United States should coordinate its assistance efforts with the Syrian Opposition Coalition's Assistance Coordination Unit;
individuals within the Bashar al Assad (Assad) regime who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity must be brought to justice;
U.S. military assistance should be provided only to groups demonstrating a commitment to securing, safeguarding, and ultimately eliminating Syrian chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons-related materials;
the United States should provide non-lethal military equipment to friendly Syrian opposition military forces;
all countries should deny the use of their airspace to Syrian-bound Iranian aircraft containing weapons; and
the United States and its partners should take steps to ensure that women are full and equal participants in negotiations regarding the future of Syria and in all transitional and future Syrian government institutions.
Outlines governing principles for the provision of U.S. humanitarian assistance to address the Syrian conflict. Authorizes assistance for the protection of women, children, and other vulnerable populations affected. Prohibits any assistance to an entity that has attacked or prevented the operation or activities of health care facilities or providers. Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide additional humanitarian assistance to Syria.
Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for Syrian opposition-allied local coordination committees and the provision of U.S. civilian broadcasting to Syria. Requires assistance funds to be marked as being "From the American People" and to include a representation of the U.S. flag.
Expresses the sense of Congress supporting the provision of appropriate military assistance for vetted Syrian opposition forces. Authorizes the President to direct the drawdown of Department of Defense (DOD) defense articles and services, and to provide military education and training, for such forces.
Authorizes the President to:
establish a program to facilitate the destruction of Syrian chemical and biological weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, and associated parts and equipment;
provide assistance, make contributions, and use the U.S. voice, vote, and influence to provide post-Assad governmental transition assistance to Syria; and
temporarily suspend certain sanctions against Syria in the event of a post-Assad government which meets specified requirements.
Provides temporary personnel authorities in connection with aiding Syria in the establishment of a post-regime government.
People & committees
Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-16] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration And Border Security.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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