The American Coalition for Syria (ACS), a diverse group of American and multi-faith groups that advocate for a free and democratic Syria, expresses profound gratitude to Congress for the recent passage of a fast-tracked legislative package that included H.R. 4681, the Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act. The bill was signed into law by President Biden today.
H.R. 4681, initially a standalone bill passed by the House last week, was rapidly advanced as part of a broader legislative package (H.R. 8038) that addresses a spectrum of foreign policy issues. The Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act emerged at the urging of the Syrian American community in response to the Assad regime’s pervasive involvement in the Captagon drug trade, which has tragically transformed Syria into a narco-state and allowed Bashar al-Assad and his cronies to evade sanctions and mitigate their impact.
ACS commends Representatives French Hill, R-SC, and Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., for their roles in introducing this pivotal bill in July 2023. The Coalition extends its appreciation to Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, for his efforts in facilitating the bill’s committee approval in November. Special thanks are also directed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., for his instrumental role in advancing the Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act as part of the broader fast-tracked legislative package. The integration of this act in H.R. 8038 underscores Congressional commitment to the principles set forth in the Captagon Act of 2022.
This measure also stands as a testament to ACS’ and the Syrian American community’s dedication to political advocacy for a free and democratic Syria. The American Coalition for Syria remains steadfast in supporting U.S. policy initiatives that champion democratic reform, human rights, and justice in Syria.
