ACS Condemns Omission of Crucial Anti-Assad Bill in Recently-Signed Legislation

The American Coalition for Syria (ACS), a diverse alliance of Syrian and interfaith groups advocating for a free and democratic Syria, is deeply troubled by reports that H.R.3202/S.2935, the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act, was excluded from the recently negotiated ‘21st Century Peace Through Strength Act’ (H.R.8038). This critical bill, aimed at holding the brutal Assad regime accountable, was conspicuously left out of the legislation, which President Biden signed into law on April 24.

According to a Washington Post report, the decision was reportedly influenced by the White House and Senator Cardin, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, despite the overwhelming bipartisan support the bill received, passing the House with a resounding vote of 389 to 32. The failure to include this crucial human rights measure not only disregards the will of Congress but also signals a disturbing tolerance towards the rehabilitation of a war criminal whose brutal regime has inflicted unspeakable horrors upon the Syrian people.

Efforts to rehabilitate Bashar al-Assad—a widely condemned war criminal and a close ally of Russia and Iran—are wholly indefensible. H.R.3202/S.2935 offers a vital means for the United States to resist these efforts while also affirming that the U.S. will not normalize relations with any government led by Assad. The bill seeks a comprehensive strategy to oppose the normalization of Assad’s regime, extends and strengthens sanctions provided under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, and ensures that humanitarian aid will not be diverted for personal or political purposes.

We urgently call on Senator Cardin, as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to lead in a bipartisan manner to promptly pass the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act. Blocking this vital legislation not only contradicts the interests of the United States but also profoundly disappoints all who stand for a Syria that is free from Assad’s tyrannical rule and the malign influence of Russia and Iran. Now is the time to reject any form of collaboration with Assad and to staunchly and unequivocally support the Syrian people’s right to dignity, freedom, and justice.

The American Coalition for Syria remains steadfast in its commitment to championing U.S. policies that support democratic reform, human rights, and justice in Syria. We implore our leaders to reflect these principles in their legislative priorities and actions.