U.S. House of Representatives Approves Repeal of the “Caesar” Sanctions Imposed on Syria
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, which includes a provision terminating the “Caesar” Act imposed on Syria in 2019. The bill passed with the support of 312 lawmakers against 112 opposing votes.
According to the text of the legislation, the sanctions will be lifted once it enters into force, while requiring the U.S. administration to submit periodic reports to Congress on the Syrian transitional government’s compliance with combating ISIS, protecting minority rights, and refraining from any unjustified military operations against neighboring countries.
The vote came following repeated political pledges to lift the sanctions, including a promise made by U.S. President Donald Trump last May; however, implementation required incorporating the amendment into a new law passed through Congress.
The “Caesar” Act is named after the Syrian military defector who provided photographs documenting violations during the years of conflict in Syria.
After its approval in the House, the bill is set to move to the Senate for a final vote expected before the end of the year, ahead of being sent to the White House for ratification and entry into force.
