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House Passes Defense Bill, Lifts Syria Sanctions

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act with a 312–112 vote, sending it to the Senate.
The act repeals the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, enabling immediate lifting of sanctions on the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad.
It requires a 180-day review for four years to ensure Syria addresses ISIS and minority rights, with sanctions reimposed if conditions are not met.

History

Historical Context

The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, enacted in December 2019, imposed sanctions on Bashar al-Assad's regime for human rights violations during the Syrian Civil War. The recent House vote of 312–112 to repeal these sanctions signals a shift in U.S. policy, linking future aid to Syria's actions against ISIS and minority rights, potentially reshaping U.S.-Syria relations and regional stability.

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Story summary

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act with a 312–112 vote, sending it to the Senate.
The act repeals the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, enabling immediate lifting of sanctions on the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad.
It requires a 180-day review for four years to ensure Syria addresses ISIS and minority rights, with sanctions reimposed if conditions are not met.

1 / 2