H.R. 4681, No Assistance for Assad Act

Floor Situation

On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, the House will consider H.R. 4681, the No Assistance for Assad Act, under suspension of the rules. The bill was introduced on December 19, 2017, by Rep. Eliot Engel, (D-NY), and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which ordered the bill reported, as amended, by unanimous consent on March 15, 2018.

Summary

H.R. 4681 helps to ensure that the U.S. does not provide assistance for reconstruction or stabilization in areas of Syria controlled by Bashar al-Assad or his forces (subject to extensive conditions, certifications, and reporting).  This bill states that United States assistance be made available for early recovery, reconstruction, or stabilization in Syria and should be used in a democratic Syria or in areas of Syria not controlled by the Government of Syria led by Bashar al-Assad or associated forces. Also, this bill requires an annual report (for 5 years) on planning for and delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance to Syria.   

Background

As the world’s largest humanitarian donor, the United States has provided nearly $7.7 billion in humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people, since the start of the crisis in 2011. This aid reflects the continued generosity of the American people and demonstrates the United States’ steadfast commitment to addressing the unprecedented magnitude of suffering in Syria and the region. In addition to providing humanitarian assistance, including emergency food, water, shelter, and health services, the United States is also providing stabilization assistance. Together, these efforts help mitigate the impact of the crisis throughout the region, and allow Syrians living in newly liberated areas to begin to stabilize their own communities.[1]

U.S. humanitarian and stabilization efforts in Syria and the broader Middle East will contribute to a more secure region, which benefits the United States. As Secretary Tillerson has said, “A stable, unified, independent Syria will serve the national security interests of the United States, its allies, and our partners.  If that reality can come to pass, it will be a victory for all, and it will support the ability of the Syrian people to pursue their own God-given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”[2]

The legislation would place conditions on American assistance for early recovery, stabilization and reconstruction in Syrian territories controlled by the Assad regime. Such assistance would only be available on the condition that the regime:[3]

• Ceases indiscriminate use of weapons and any attacks against civilians and civilian facilities;
• Releases all political prisoners and provides full access to Syrian prisons for investigations by appropriate international human rights organizations;
• Removes senior officials of the Government of Syria who are complicit in human rights abuses;
• Moves to organize free and fair elections for a new government to establish an independent judiciary;
• Respects and compiles with internationally recognized human rights;
• Fulfills its commitments under the chemical weapons convention;
• Halts the development and deployment of ballistic and cruise missiles;
• Removes human rights abusers from positions of authority within the military, intelligence, and security services;
• Minimizes the Government of Syria’s reliance on Iran and Iranian proxy forces to act on behalf or in support of Syria; and
• Commences a process to organize the safe, unfettered and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes.

The limitation would not apply to projects administered by the local community or humanitarian assistance.  The President would also be required must submit annual reports to Congress detailing any projects that utilize the exceptions and laying out a strategy for getting humanitarian assistance to besieged areas.[4]

According to the bill’s sponsor, “Until Assad respects the rights of his people, until they’re on the path toward a better future for themselves, and until there’s accountability for the regime’s war crimes, the United States shouldn’t spend a dime on reconstruction efforts in areas controlled by the regime. Buoyed by his patrons in Moscow and Tehran, the Butcher in Damascus broke Syria. Now he and his regime have to pay the price. We should not support any scenario that leaves him in power to continue his violence and oppression against the Syrian people.”[5]

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2018-2023 period, subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Ryan Hofmann with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-6674.