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H.R.1706 / 116th Congress

No Assistance for Assad Act

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 13, 2019

No Assistance for Assad Act

This bill bars assistance for stabilization or reconstruction activities for any part of Syria controlled by the Syrian government or associated forces. The restrictions do not apply to assistance for (1) certain projects administered by local organizations, (2) projects to meet basic human needs such as drought relief, and (3) activities related to Syrian compliance with certain weapons treaties.

The restrictions apply through FY2024 and shall be lifted if the President certifies to Congress that various criteria have been met, such as that the Syrian government (1) is no longer using Syrian airspace to target civilian populations, (2) is no longer cutting off international aid to besieged areas, and (3) is releasing all political prisoners.

The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development shall report to Congress on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Syria. The report shall address (1) the challenges in accessing areas controlled by the Syrian government, (2) the roles of U.S. allies and partners in ensuring access to various areas, and (3) how assistance is being monitored and evaluated.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-16] · D–NY

Committees

  • Financial Services Committee
  • Foreign Affairs Committee
27 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.

  2. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Jan 3, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.1706 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.1706 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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