U.S. Congress Repeals Caesar Act, Sends Green Light for Syria’s Recovery and Global Reentry

Sweeping vote ends a major sanctions authority, unleashing trade, capital, and confidence in Syria’s future.

December 10, 2025 – Washington, D.C. — Today’s bipartisan supermajority vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (“Caesar Act”) marks a historic shift in U.S. policy towards Syria. The repeal removes one of the most restrictive legal barriers to trade and investment in the country, a move which the U.S.-Syria Business Council (USSYBC) hails as a transformative milestone that sets the stage for economic revitalization, renewed private-sector engagement, and increased bilateral cooperation. 

“The repeal of the Caesar Act has always been a core part of our policy platform,” said Jay Salkini, USSYBC Chairman. “With its removal, we will begin the new year with no broad-based U.S. sanctions on Syria, and we anticipate a renewed wave of interest from businesses and investors looking to explore opportunities in the country.”

The Caesar Act, enacted in 2019, imposed sweeping secondary sanctions on the Syrian government and entities doing business in Syria, significantly hindering foreign direct investment and reconstruction efforts. It also paralyzed the Syrian banking sector’s reintegration with the global financial system, further constraining trade and capital flows. Its repeal, included in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), eliminates a major legal barrier for U.S. and multinational companies, clearing a path for renewed engagement and economic activity in Syria. “We are giving Syria a chance to chart a post-Assad future,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) during his floor speech. 

With this legislative milestone, the U.S.-Syria Business Council anticipates an increase in delegations, exploratory visits, contracts, and new partnerships in the year ahead. “We are removing one of the last remaining restrictions on economic engagement with Syria, moving from sanctions to solutions,” added Sameer Saboungi, Managing Director of the Council. “Previously signed Memoranda of Understanding will likely be converted into signed contracts, and major Western financial institutions will enhance their engagement with Syrian banks.”

Today’s vote signals a growing consensus in Congress around a pragmatic, forward-looking approach to Syria. Under the NDAA passed, the Caesar Act is fully repealed—without conditional amendments—and replaced with a reporting mechanism requiring the U.S. President to assess Syria’s progress on eight governance and security benchmarks, with updates submitted every six months over a four-year period. Importantly, the language does not include a “snapback provision” that would automatically re-impose sanctions or reinstate the Caesar Act. Instead, the President retains the discretion to impose targeted sanctions on individuals if Syria fails to meet these standards for two consecutive reporting periods.

The repeal aligns with longstanding requests from major business constituencies, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Removing the Caesar Act supports U.S. and international efforts toward stabilization and reconstruction in Syria by eliminating barriers that discouraged legitimate business activity and fostering a more predictable and secure investment climate. 

President Trump is expected to sign the NDAA – including the provision repealing the Caesar Act – into law before Christmas. Following the Caesar Act, the Trump Administration is also expected to remove Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation in early 2026. With this breakthrough, the USSYBC will launch a new series of briefings, delegations, roundtables, and other initiatives in 2026 to connect U.S. companies with Syrian counterparts, identify investment opportunities, and help businesses navigate the evolving regulatory and commercial landscape. We encourage stakeholders interested in exploring the Syrian market to engage with the Council now as we enter this pivotal new era.