The US Senate advanced legislation that would impose new sanctions on Syria’s regime, more than a month after President Donald Trump said he would withdraw US forces from the conflict there. The new bill includes new sanctions and requires the president’s approval.
Democrats blocked the measure during the five-week partial government shutdown that ended over the weekend, saying they would not agree to consider it until the agencies reopened. Now, most Democrats joined Republicans in their request to consider the bill.
The measure would direct the Trump administration to impose sanctions on entities that do business with the regime, such as selling petroleum products or aircraft parts.
The legislation also would authorize security assistance for Israel and would reauthorize expedited defense sales to Jordan.
It would let state and local governments refuse to do business with any company or individual engaging in boycott, divestment or sanctions activity directed at Israel or Israeli-controlled territories.
On Monday, 19 Democrats voted against advancing the legislation, and several Democrats indicated they would oppose the measure because of a provision that seeks to counter the “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions” (BDS) movement by opposing boycotts or divestment from Israel.
“While I do not support the BDS movement, we must defend every American’s constitutional right to engage in political activity. It is clear to me that this bill would violate Americans’ First Amendment rights,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said in a statement.
US House of Representatives approved the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act which imposes sanctions on the Syrian regime and its supporters. The act is named after the whistleblower who defected from Bashar Assad’s regime and smuggled tens of thousands of photos of those tortured to death in regime prisons.
This bill declares that it is US policy to use all diplomatic and economic means to compel the regime to halt the slaughter of the Syrian people and work toward a democratic government.
