The American Coalition for Syria (ACS) and the Syria Emergency Task Force (SETF) are celebrating a significant bipartisan victory following the successful passage of the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act (H.R. 3202) in the House of Representatives. The legislation, which received overwhelming support with 389 votes in favor and 32 against, marks a pivotal moment in US-Syria policy and exemplifies the positive influence and resilience of the Syrian American community and its allies in shaping policies that uphold democratic principles, human rights, and accountability.
The ACS, a diverse alliance of US-based organizations advocating for a principled US-Syria policy, expressed its elation at the passage of the groundbreaking legislation. The Act mandates a Statement of Policy that the US will not recognize or normalize relations with any Syrian government under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad, further bolstering the sanctions outlined in the Caesar Act of 2019 and extending its provisions until 2032. ACS played a pivotal role in garnering bipartisan support for the bill, with Mohammad Alaa Ghanem, ACS’s Policy Chief, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of justice for the Syrian people and expressing gratitude to Congressman Joe Wilson for his unwavering commitment.
In a press release, the SETF, a humanitarian organization deeply concerned about the normalization of the Assad regime, highlighted the importance of the Act in ensuring that ruthless dictatorships, war crimes, and crimes against humanity are not endorsed by the United States and its allies. Mouaz Moustafa, SETF’s Executive Director, emphasized the significance of the legislation in holding the Assad regime and those normalizing with war criminals accountable while ensuring that humanitarian efforts continue unimpeded, countering some narratives implying the act would harm those in need, “This act does not hinder any humanitarian efforts, in fact, it ensures that aid reaches civilians instead of the Assad regime besieging and bombing innocent people.”
Both organizations underscored the importance of continuing to advance the Act until it becomes law, preventing the future alteration of this life-saving stance. They urged all stakeholders to continue supporting the advancement of the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023 for the sake of humanity and the pursuit of a more just world.
The passage of this legislation represents a decisive step in challenging the regional normalization of Assad and reaffirms the US’s commitment to a principled foreign policy. As the bill moves to the Senate, ACS and SETF remain committed to ensuring its passage and obtaining the President’s signature, marking a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to advocate for democratic reforms, human rights, and accountability in Syria.
 and the Syria Emergency Task Force (SETF) are celebrating a significant bipartisan victory following the successful passage of the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act (H.R. 3202) in the House of Representatives.){kind=link}