Designating Hamas Affiliates in America Act of 2026

H.R. 8236, introduced by Representative Chip Roy, aims to create a formal process for designating specific entities operating within the United States as affiliates of Hamas. Because Hamas is currently designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, this legislation would likely require federal agencies to investigate and report on domestic groups suspected of providing support or maintaining ties to the organization. The bill has been referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means for further review.

If enacted, the bill could lead to significant legal and financial consequences for organizations identified under its criteria. Such designations often involve the freezing of assets, restrictions on financial transactions, and potential criminal penalties for individuals providing material support to the designated entities. For everyday citizens, the practical impact would primarily involve increased federal oversight of non-profit or advocacy groups suspected of having links to Hamas, potentially affecting how these organizations collect donations or conduct public activities.