Syria Sanctions Accountability Act of 2025
Summary
The Syria Sanctions Accountability Act of 2025 would update how the United States manages sanctions against Syria's government. If enacted, the bill would require government agencies to review banking restrictions on Syria, particularly examining exemptions granted to the Commercial Bank of Syria, and assess whether these exemptions serve U.S. national security interests. The Treasury Department would be directed to work with international financial institutions to improve Syria's financial systems and anti-money laundering efforts.
The bill would also modify existing sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. Under the proposed changes, sanctions could potentially be lifted if the Syrian government meets specific conditions for two consecutive years, including: stopping attacks on civilians, allowing humanitarian aid access, releasing political prisoners, ceasing attacks on medical facilities and schools, combating illegal drug production, and protecting religious minorities. Additionally, the bill would allow the president to indefinitely waive sanctions for humanitarian organizations and would require the Export-Import Bank to review trade limitations with Syria.