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Hamas International Financing Prevention Act

12/30/2022, 5:32 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3685

Bill 117 HR 3685, also known as the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress with the aim of preventing the international financing of Hamas, a Palestinian militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the US government.

The bill seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and entities that provide financial support to Hamas, including freezing their assets and prohibiting them from conducting business in the United States. It also calls for increased cooperation between the US government and foreign governments to track and disrupt the flow of funds to Hamas.

Additionally, the bill requires the President to submit a report to Congress detailing the efforts made to prevent the financing of Hamas and to designate Hamas as a significant transnational criminal organization. Overall, the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act is designed to strengthen US efforts to combat terrorism and disrupt the financial networks that support Hamas. It reflects the US government's commitment to combating terrorism and promoting peace and security in the Middle East.

Congressional Summary of HR 3685

Hamas International Financing Prevention Act

This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups.

The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of each foreign person or instrumentality that knowingly assists, provides significant support or services to, or is involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of any of the targeted groups.

The President shall impose two or more sanctions on the named persons. Specifically, the person may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution, or (6) subject to property-blocking restrictions.

The President shall periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar these governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of Treasury shall instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose the provision of assistance to an identified government for one year.

The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests.

The President shall report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as where these groups secure financing and surveillance equipment.

Current Status of Bill HR 3685

Bill HR 3685 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 4, 2021. Bill HR 3685 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 4, 2021.  Bill HR 3685's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of June 4, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3685

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
218
Democrat Cosponsors
68
Republican Cosponsors
150
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3685

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Potential Impact Areas

- Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
- Congressional oversight
- Foreign aid and international relief
- Foreign and international banking
- Foreign loans and debt
- Foreign property
- Fraud offenses and financial crimes
- Gaza Strip
- Licensing and registrations
- Middle East
- Military assistance, sales, and agreements
- Multilateral development programs
- Palestinians
- Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
- Sanctions
- Terrorism
- Trade restrictions
- War and emergency powers

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3685

Hamas International Financing Prevention Act
To impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for terrorist organizations, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Hamas International Financing Prevention Act

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