Rep. Wilson urges repeal of Caesar Act at Rules hearing, argues sanctions hinder Syrian recovery
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Summary
Representative Wilson testified in favor of amendment 535 to repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, saying mandatory sanctions discourage investment and that recent developments in Syria lessen the law's protective rationale.
Representative Wilson testified before the House Rules Committee Oct. 10 in favor of amendment 535, which would repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, commonly known as the Caesar Act.
Wilson said the Caesar Act, passed in 2019 to punish the Assad regime for war crimes, now impedes reconstruction and discourages private investment. "The Caesar law undermines the president's policy and makes it almost impossible to give Syria a chance," Wilson said, arguing that mandatory sanctions and only temporary waivers create "a climate of risk aversion, handicapping recovery."
Wilson told the committee he had traveled with Ambassador Tom Barrack and Senator Jeanne Shaheen to meet Syrian officials and that developments in Syria had changed the country's posture since the law's enactment. He urged repeal to enable reconstruction and engagement while maintaining sanctions on war criminals.
The testimony was offered as part of the hearing record; the Rules Committee did not adopt any legislative change during the session. Wilson's statement will be included in the record as submitted, and members may pursue the amendment through the Rules or floor processes.