US House of Representatives approves repeal of “Caesar” sanctions

On Wednesday, the House approved the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a provision repealing the Caesar Act that has been in force since 2019. The decision came after the bill secured 312 votes in favor and 112 against.

The legislation stipulates that the sanctions will be lifted immediately upon its enactment, while requiring the US administration to submit regular reports confirming the transitional government in Syria’s commitment to combating ISIS, protecting minority rights, and refraining from any unjustified military operations against neighboring countries.

The vote followed repeated political pledges to lift the sanctions, most notably President Donald Trump’s promise last May. However, implementation required passing a new law through Congress.

The Caesar Act is named after the Syrian military defector who leaked thousands of photographs documenting widespread violations during the years of war.

With its approval in the House of Representatives, the bill now moves to the Senate for a final vote expected before the end of the year, before being sent to the White House for ratification and entry into force. 

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ANHA