[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6246189,"mediaKeyId","3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61","parentId",3219136,"title","Experts tell subcommittee illicit finance and cryptocurrency complicate sanctions; call for allied cooperation","audioSeconds",348,"startMs",2152000,"endMs",2500000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61&start=2152&end=2500","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61/thumbnail_2152000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6246189/Experts-tell-subcommittee-illicit-finance-and-cryptocurrency-complicate-sanctions-call-for-allied-cooperation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246189-efb7a6c16fd004912398821166b9dfbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1775668915&Signature=d5-13EbBWOuU5EULcWyF4gEZ63ncBZxNbSbL03qEBUs70WK~jqkXWjOzWTl7scSjk87qaiD7W0CnD~TREfi7p1Kr6FH~Xpmelp6f~~dZLMCLQBmh3rgfus~bssDUq6w-QarkU3d9ODuG~taq8CTQOOfZYhE7V54XKfjLDJ9VL6zmj657H0eWAc0LQOe0ssTRzR9wnbF9jSteqhkzHWYJHo-ITRUfFkawyLkVb4R0x4i5Lo0ltMPZt3zJyT67FbtTwijgRzI8ew1kpW5M9cGBJNdBc6AToJXz~rbngBOV4WwdUg6xK6~hURJ2G10blb-btVTjrtJ2pkUC9gZiKikViQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs","date","2025-05-07T07:43:49Z","article","Witnesses and members discussed how terrorist groups adapt financing methods, including use of cryptocurrency, and how State and Treasury coordinate to disrupt those networks.

Why it matters: disrupting illicit finance is central to degrading terrorist capabilities; the rise of cryptocurrency and alternate payment mechanisms could undermine traditional sanctions and requires multinational cooperation.

Ambassador Sales described the division of labor between State and Treasury: State handles designation of terrorist actors while Treasury, including the Office of Foreign Assets Control, focuses on financiers and enablers. \"CT Bureau has the authority to impose sanctions on those who engage in terrorism...Treasury has the authority to impose sanctions on those that enable or facilitate or raise money for terrorist organizations,\" Sales said.

Representative Brad Sherman and others raised concerns about cryptocurrency and whether its growth could weaken sanctions pressure on states such as Iran. Sales and Dr. Byman both said crypto platforms that seek legitimacy will need to cooperate with investigators and Treasury; if they do not, they risk being excluded from regulated markets. Sales pointed to other pressure points such as insurance and shipping where leverage can still be applied.

Members referenced recent law enforcement actions, including an FBI cryptocurrency indictment placed in the record, as evidence criminal enforcement is active but that evolving payment systems require continued attention and allied cooperation. No new legislative measures were adopted at the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Assessing the Effectiveness of the State Dept Counterterrorism Bureau & Charting the Path Forward","oneSentenceSummary","Witnesses said Treasury and State must coordinate to stem terrorist financing, urged crypto actors to cooperate with investigators, and highlighted the importance of allied financial systems in enforcing sanctions.","taxTitle","Foreign Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1826,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6246194,"Experts say Sahel has become terrorism epicenter as U.S. presence shrinks and Russia moves in",3553,1421000,4974000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61&start=1421&end=4974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61/thumbnail_1421000.jpg","/articles/6246194/Experts-say-Sahel-has-become-terrorism-epicenter-as-US-presence-shrinks-and-Russia-moves-in","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246194-034ff00085bf427d7a771538128508bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775668915&Signature=Nl-f7kp4-H1JbN-ABFOkJE3Z5uT1UoRbQ~~WKVZIz8B2Wli~85m4UceZ9hrPcw2tZ7HX9ezoifRxrPWqUQi0fDyqGot~IS6XzybwtTT~4DICQNS84iUQ1m0nLNRinKcRZgpFGXKwlGaZ4rkaPO6kuHNnbM8Z8PpG7v5Y2yGUZzmeNpWC5TFMVIA8Gn7yKI2n1~86VKTJrhbMfgRymqyA6DL26hk2fNxvmDnoksbgePmdMHqvq4tGw9Y-T-JlDeYQ-UEKperej1Ng0x7EvOWUFh6RCJGgxBQ1yPLdvjFGDUJRtLIKKeLPHY7FBFuzTEQqIkX2FxWlTb3K77ckn9X4wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Witnesses told the subcommittee that the Sahel region and parts of Africa have become focal points for global terrorism and that U.S. counterterrorism influence has weakened in some partner countries.

Why it matters: diminishing U.S. presence and the arrival of Russian private military contractors can change the operational environment for counterterrorism and reduce U.S. ability to gather intelligence and assist partners in disrupting networks.

Ambassador Nathan A. Sales said West Africa and the Sahel have become the epicenter of global terrorism and cited statistics showing the Sahel accounted for a large share of terrorism-related deaths. He warned that U.S. engagement is important to prevent frontline states from turning to rivals.

Sales gave Niger as a case study: where the United States previously operated a drone base in Agadez, the American presence has declined and Wagner-linked actors have increased influence. \"We have now seen that base closed down. The American presence, diminished to nothing, and Wagner mercenaries come in,\" he said, adding that Wagner's approach of exploiting resources and brutal tactics is not effective for sustainable counterterrorism.

Dr. Byman agreed that partner capacity on the ground does most day-to-day counterterrorism work and that diplomatic and development programs are cost-effective ways to improve partner capabilities. Both witnesses urged renewed engagement and funding to restore influence and build partner competence.

No new deployment decisions were made during the hearing; members emphasized that counterterrorism assistance and diplomatic engagement are tools to deter rival influence and degrade terrorist networks.","Witnesses told the subcommittee the Sahel region now accounts for a large share of global terrorism-related deaths, and that U.S. influence in countries such as Niger has eroded as Russian actors expand their footprint, undermining counterterrorism partnerships.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":44,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":50,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6246199,"Witnesses defend consistent use of Foreign Terrorist Organization designations; back Houthis and IRGC listings in former cases",128,2280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61&start=2152&end=2280","/articles/6246199/Witnesses-defend-consistent-use-of-Foreign-Terrorist-Organization-designations-back-Houthis-and-IRGC-listings-in-former-cases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246199-a5d0dd1187429569c4e640a50ba72a68/orig.mp4?Expires=1775668915&Signature=IBOSVEVwR72tONxzbtaVICaZ-A7JifgaBsTPjxjhkLcAteKgJt8x2ncZvdXQjjjFzSYSsFenIAjtu5fcv-gF93Ls6l35rJFTc3fi5H1YQXYGxs3jND-1Z0wNQuqB9d9UR8HChR4MBwswLAEHn5J7kZvWpIxB1KEeJFJTDBn2xZMVEy~Js5jcHW-nk9GmvlnZ3PeDwydtrhlh-Ph-PBYcrIvoNyuNgZQZGxh-1kbH4pPnok33KM4aIBgGSGK9g4E5LkjyJ1bN1slk1CRGaNWFiKqFfEboOJtePHi0edmimjRZkLhUEFyWoWA8ST68AQVZ61VOu1hKuSe5gsPBEPX4Mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Witnesses told the subcommittee that the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation and related sanctions are important tools that should be used based on evidence and applied consistently across administrations.

Why it matters: FTO listings and related sanctions are central elements of U.S. counterterrorism strategy, affecting diplomatic flexibility, sanctions policy and partner coordination.

Ambassador Nathan A. Sales described how the CT Bureau approaches FTO designations. He said the bureau compiles evidentiary records from open-source and classified information and applies a legal standard that an organization \"engage in terrorist activity.\" Sales said the State Department previously designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Houthis based on such evidence and that he supports redesignation of groups when the evidence supports it. \"Absolutely. If they haven't earned it, I'm not sure who has,\" Sales said when asked if he supported redesignating the Houthis.

Sales also criticized routine, resource-consuming five-year reviews of existing designations, arguing that reviews divert resources from identifying and sanctioning new threats. He recommended streamlining the review process and focusing resources on new sanctions and enforcement actions.

Dr. Byman cautioned that terrorism designations must be used responsibly to preserve credibility. He said misuse of the terrorism label for political purposes can create complications for U.S. businesses and charities and reduce the designation's effectiveness.

The hearing included discussion of how designations intersect with sanctions administered by the Department of the Treasury and OFAC; witnesses described a division of labor where State focuses on designation of terrorist actors and Treasury targets facilitators, financiers and enablers.

No formal re-designations or administrative actions were taken during the hearing; members asked witnesses to provide further written detail for the record.","Testimony urged rigorous, evidence-based use of FTO designations and greater international alignment on sanctions. Ambassador Sales defended prior Houthi and IRGC designations, and witnesses discussed the five-year review process and political reversals.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6246204,"Lawmakers and experts warn proposed aid and State Department cuts would weaken counterterrorism programs",2645,1019000,3664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61&start=1019&end=3664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61/thumbnail_1019000.jpg","/articles/6246204/Lawmakers-and-experts-warn-proposed-aid-and-State-Department-cuts-would-weaken-counterterrorism-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246204-2f29422086ec208ee30f2ac975834324/orig.mp4?Expires=1775668915&Signature=lrXlsW1Ov2NR2hgG1rd~09zMRQcTfebCndRQPq7eR4nC9olSJRoOmNIa18eKQge0GwhYctdEY1MstmdGwsdttyM6TQZSbPVWOIjrmNgrwwm9hMofxFP4sLfda5bGOlGB4LzoIbaLeytK1QkYJ7fZBAUPdugkww2oh-DP5NfycUr8PRj~L7uabvhQJwFqDNW6Eg6FGnAzijqH-UlNZjybVMw5KTgl~nkRJHZHAsuhn42xN7j9z5NRX2WKteOMf9Gohe3GDFCwu4zuBpCiMt1oJEbVspZh4I15wXfU3o8OUgbYuX17PRyCcs3RQ6LCnrZWxCV5cPWSjRJ5u2-LS-CDmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee and the witnesses said proposed cuts to foreign assistance and the State Department would constrain U.S. counterterrorism capacity abroad.

Why it matters: programs run or coordinated by the Bureau of Counterterrorism, including training foreign law enforcement and judicial officials, rely on foreign assistance budgets; cuts could reduce partner nations' ability to detect and prosecute terrorist actors.

Ranking Member Representative Surefilous McCormick said the proposed reductions would hollow out tools needed to counter terrorism. \"The proposed 84% reduction in the State Department and international assistance budget will leave us less prepared to address the threats of global terrorism,\" McCormick said.

Dr. Byman and Ambassador Sales each testified that U.S. assistance and diplomatic engagement are cost-effective ways to strengthen allied security services. Sales argued that State is the proper hub for aligning foreign assistance with counterterrorism goals; Byman warned that cuts to USAID and related programs would be a setback for U.S. influence and CT effectiveness.

Representative Schneider cited the Anti-Terrorism Assistance program as an example of an effective investment: the subcommittee record notes ATA has trained more than 50,000 law enforcement and security officials in over 100 countries, a capability members said could be diminished by budget reductions.

Members pressed witnesses on the tradeoffs between reorganizing the bureau and ensuring it has adequate funding. No appropriations decisions were made at the hearing; members may submit further questions for the record.","Witnesses and members told the subcommittee that steep reductions to foreign assistance and the State Department budget would reduce training, partner capacity, and U.S. leverage against terrorist networks.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6246209,"Subcommittee examines State Department plan to rehouse Counterterrorism Bureau and elevate its status",3046,816000,3862000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61&start=816&end=3862","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219136-394b3b3b3d5ca8cf4d769b4e3f891b61/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6246209/Subcommittee-examines-State-Department-plan-to-rehouse-Counterterrorism-Bureau-and-elevate-its-status","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246209-1a0e877268fc91cf5ae1f9fe95d6448f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775668915&Signature=jkhH0h1JIfOFS3rWBr0yVM3L022zDM4hYYFgJpHIaViK67rgzAWoZ5S5hbrw517ye7VNZuZqnAgPw0rJXy3CWw0OVtbl0JMOznjH3HrFIWisvjrK73K0ySX5VwURHrYYGmLK29tBQBKa5CStHqNr75zzkgbFr1FO3uZeT4-0soxXtgdKfNvzQQ-F-lbDWUiPMTu1VRfGnGvFTCCa1TUNtgx8xep-Cyj6AM5e~AKP4d435kdqz7N4P7KpYd33NYZVbnW7mqIOR0MwUkCzLPDcx67viNrI3v--S-ecdnZe5NZp8~I-RL54lDp8GBlHPUYu7piHmEmR0YCV~dbZROlooQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa met to examine the placement, authorities and capacity of the State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism and whether the bureau should be relocated within State's organizational chart or elevated to assistant-secretary rank.

Why it matters: reorganization could change how the bureau coordinates sanctions, security assistance and diplomacy across interagency partners, potentially affecting the United States' ability to detect and disrupt terrorist threats abroad.

Ambassador Nathan A. Sales, former coordinator for counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of State, told the subcommittee that moving the bureau from the political affairs family to the security-oriented \"T\" family makes sense. \"I think, housing it in the T family would make a lot of sense,\" Sales said, arguing the bureau would better coordinate with arms-control and law-enforcement units.

Sales also recommended elevating the coordinator's title to assistant secretary and consolidating counterterrorism responsibilities now scattered across State. \"Change the CT coordinator's official title to assistant secretary,\" he said, and consolidate programs to free resources for new sanctions and operational tasks.

Dr. Daniel L. Byman, director of the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University, agreed the bureau should remain a central coordinating entity but cautioned that the impact of an organizational move depends on the attention and authority given by senior State Department leadership. \"We haven't received clear reasoning on the logic of the move,\" Byman said, and noted the outcome will vary with the secretary's priorities.

Several members pressed witnesses on whether the reorganization would elevate or diminish the bureau's profile. Sales said moving CT alongside other security bureaus would create synergies and could, in his view, elevate CT's role. Byman warned that regional bureaus have historically been stronger than functional bureaus and that bureaucratic effects should be considered.

The committee recorded that the full written statements would be placed in the hearing record and that members may submit follow-up questions in writing.

The subcommittee did not vote on any reorganization measure; discussion focused on policy tradeoffs, authorities and resourcing going forward.","Witnesses told the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee that moving the Bureau of Counterterrorism into the State Department's security cluster and elevating its head could improve coordination, but experts warned outcomes depend on leadership and resourcing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Experts tell subcommittee illicit finance and cryptocurrency complicate sanctions; call for allied cooperation

Experts say Sahel has become terrorism epicenter as U.S. presence shrinks and Russia moves in

Witnesses defend consistent use of Foreign Terrorist Organization designations; back Houthis and IRGC listings in former cases

Lawmakers and experts warn proposed aid and State Department cuts would weaken counterterrorism programs

Subcommittee examines State Department plan to rehouse Counterterrorism Bureau and elevate its status