The US Congress votes to repeal the Caesar Act within the defense budget
The US Senate, voted overwhelmingly to repeal the Caesar Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a move described as historic and pivotal, paving the way for an end to years of sanctions that have burdened the Syrian economy and directly impacted the livelihoods of citizens.
The decision was passed with 77 votes in favor and 22 against; The article repealing the law was passed unconditionally, with the law set to be lifted by the end of the year.
This vote represents a dramatic victory for Syria, as the efforts also succeeded in defeating an amendment proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham that would have reimposed sanctions with stringent conditions.
The provisions previously presented as mandatory conditions for the Syrian government have been amended to become non-binding objectives, as the new text merely requires Congress to discuss the possibility of re-imposing sanctions if Damascus fails to make progress within 12 consecutive months.
The Senate also passed an additional provision requesting the US administration to submit a report on the reopening of the US embassy in Damascus and the development of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
This was considered a clear indication of Washington’s move towards a gradual policy of openness toward Syria.
Observers believe this step could pave the way for a new phase of economic recovery and reconstruction, and give hope to millions of Syrians at home and abroad that the period of international isolation is gradually easing.
The Senate version is scheduled to be referred to the US House of Representatives to begin negotiations on the final version of the bill, which will then be submitted to the US President for signature before the end of the year.
