Overview
- The repeal is embedded in the conference version of the annual defense authorization bill, with floor votes expected within days and a presidential signature anticipated once it clears Congress.
- Under the measure, the President or a designee must report within 90 days of enactment and every 180 days for four years on whether Syria meets specified criteria, with an unclassified report and an optional classified annex.
- Certification criteria include sustained action against ISIS and other terrorist groups, removal of foreign fighters from senior posts, protection of religious and ethnic minorities, and refraining from unilateral military action against neighbors including Israel.
- The law also ties relief to credible steps implementing the 10 March 2025 SDF agreement and to effective anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorist‑financing controls in line with international standards.
- Treasury previously extended a 180‑day suspension of parts of the Caesar regime in November, allowing most U.S.-origin civilian goods without a license while keeping restrictions on transactions involving Russia and Iran.