S 2917 ISCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To strengthen sanctions against the Government of Syria, to enhance multilateral commitment to address the Government of Syria's threatening policies, to establish a program to support a transition to a democratically elected government in Syria, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

April 24, 2008

Mr. CORNYN introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To strengthen sanctions against the Government of Syria, to enhance multilateral commitment to address the Government of Syria's threatening policies, to establish a program to support a transition to a democratically elected government in Syria, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Syria Accountability and Liberation Act'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--STRENGTHENING UNITED STATES SANCTIONS AGAINST SYRIA

Sec. 101. Declarations of policy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 102. Codification of existing sanctions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 103. Sanctions against certain persons.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 104. Sanctions against certain foreign countries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--SANCTIONS TARGETING SYRIA'S ENERGY SECTOR

Sec. 201. Imposition of sanctions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 202. Advisory opinions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 203. Termination of sanctions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 204. Duration of sanctions; Presidential waiver.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 205. Exclusion of certain activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 206. Elimination of certain tax incentives for oil companies investing in Syria.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO ISOLATE THE GOVERNMENT OF SYRIA

Sec. 301. Sense of Congress relating to bilateral efforts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 302. Opposition to Syria's membership and candidacy for leadership posts in United Nations institutions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 303. Actions at the United Nations General Assembly.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 304. Actions at international financial institutions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 305. Actions at the International Atomic Energy Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 306. Establishment of United States and regional contact groups.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 307. Report on assistance to, and commerce with, Syria.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT DEMOCRACY IN SYRIA

Sec. 401. Declarations of policy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 402. Assistance to support a transition to democracy in Syria.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES- The term `appropriate congressional committees' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) DEVELOP; DEVELOPMENT- The terms `develop' and `development', when used in conjunction with petroleum resources, means the exploration for, or the extraction, refining, or transportation by pipeline of, petroleum resources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) GOODS AND TECHNOLOGY- The terms `goods' and `technology' have the meanings given those terms in section 16 of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2415).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) GOVERNMENT OF SYRIA- The term `Government of Syria' includes any agency or instrumentality of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, including any entity that is controlled by such government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) INVESTMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- The term `investment' means any of the following activities if the activity is undertaken pursuant to an agreement, or pursuant to the exercise of rights under such an agreement, which is entered into with the Government of Syria or a nongovernmental entity in Syria on or after the date of the enactment of this Act:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) The entry into a contract that includes responsibility for the development of petroleum resources located in Syria, or the entry into a contract providing for the general supervision and guarantee of another person's performance of such a contract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) The purchase of a share of ownership, including an equity interest, in that development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) The entry into a contract providing for the participation in royalties, earnings, or profits in that development, without regard to the form of the participation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) EXCLUSION- The term `investment' does not include the entry into, performance, or financing of a contract to sell or purchase goods, services, or technology.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) AMENDMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS- For purposes of this paragraph, an amendment or other modification that is made, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, to an agreement or contract shall be treated as the entry of an agreement or contract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) PERSON- The term `person' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a natural person; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a corporation, business association, partnership, society, trust, any other nongovernmental entity, organization, or group, and any governmental entity operating as a business enterprise.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) PETROLEUM RESOURCES- The term `petroleum resources' includes petroleum and natural gas resources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) UNITED STATES ASSISTANCE- The term `United States assistance' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) any assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2251 et seq.), other than urgent humanitarian assistance or medicine;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) sales and assistance under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) financing by the Commodity Credit Corporation for export sales of agricultural commodities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) financing under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--STRENGTHENING UNITED STATES SANCTIONS AGAINST SYRIA

SEC. 101. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY.

Congress makes the following declarations of policy:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The national security interests of the United States and international peace are threatened by the actions of the Government of Syria, including the government's--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) support for, and facilitation of, terrorist activities, including inside of Iraq;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) development of long-range missiles and weapons of mass destruction programs and capabilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) continued interference with the internal affairs of the Lebanese Republic in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and of its international obligations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) massive, systematic, and extraordinary violations of human rights of the Syrian people.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) It is the policy of the United States to deny the Government of Syria the ability to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) finance, provide safe-haven, or otherwise support terrorist organizations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) develop chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) continue to interfere in the affairs of the Government of Lebanon in contravention of multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and other pertinent obligations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) continue to oppress the people of Syria.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The President should advocate for, and should instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to propose and seek within the United Nations Security Council, a mandatory international embargo against the Government of Syria, pursuant to Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Any effort by a country that is a recipient of United States assistance to facilitate, directly or indirectly, the development of Syria's chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons capabilities, long-range ballistic missile development programs, or to help make operational any nuclear facility in Syria will have a detrimental impact on United States assistance to, or commercial and financial relations with, such country.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 102. CODIFICATION OF EXISTING SANCTIONS.

Restrictions against the Government of Syria, and on persons by reason of their direction of, or contribution to, activities of the Government of Syria, that were imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act (Public Law 110-96), the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-175), the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (Public Law 106-178), or any similar provision of law, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, including the restrictions imposed under Executive Order 12938 (as amended by Executive Order 13094), Executive Order 13338, Executive Order 13399, and any similar Executive Order, shall remain in effect against the Government of Syria and may not be lifted pursuant to such provisions of law until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that a government exists in Syria that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) has ceased any and all support for terrorism and has not provided such support during the preceding 5-year period, including support for Palestinian terrorist groups, and has not been determined by the Secretary of State, for the purposes of section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2405(j)), section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371), section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780), or any other provision of law, to be a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism at any time during such 5-year period;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) has permanently dismantled Syria's chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons programs and has taken demonstrable steps to combat the proliferation of such weapons;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) respects the boundaries, sovereignty, and right to exist of all neighboring countries; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) upholds and defends the human rights and civil liberties of its people.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 103. SANCTIONS AGAINST CERTAIN PERSONS.

(a) Prohibition- The sanctions described in subsection (c) shall be imposed upon any person who transfers or retransfers goods or technology so as to contribute to the efforts by the Government of Syria to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) acquire or develop destabilizing numbers or types of advanced conventional weapons; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) acquire, develop, produce, or stockpile biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear weapons or long-range ballistic missiles.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Persons Against Whom Sanctions Are To Be Imposed- The sanctions described in subsection (c) shall be imposed on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) any person the President determines has carried out the activities described in subsection (a); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) any person the President determines--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) is a successor entity to the person described in paragraph (1);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) is a parent or subsidiary of the person referred to in paragraph (1), if that parent or subsidiary engaged in the activities referred to in paragraph (1); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) is an affiliate of the person described in paragraph (1) if that affiliate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) engaged in the activities referred to in paragraph (1); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) is controlled in fact by the person described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Sanctions- The sanctions described in this subsection are the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) PROCUREMENT SANCTION- The United States Government shall not procure, or enter into any contract for the procurement of, any goods or services from the sanctioned person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) EXPORT SANCTION- The United States Government shall not issue any license for any export by or to the sanctioned person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) IMPORT SANCTION- The President shall ban the importation of any article that is a product of the sanctioned person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Sanctioned Person Defined- In this section, the term `sanctioned person' means any person or entity described in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 104. SANCTIONS AGAINST CERTAIN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

(a) Prohibition- If the President determines that the government of any foreign country transfers or retransfers goods or technology, or provides assistance, so as to contribute to the efforts by the Government of Syria to acquire or develop destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons, or to acquire, develop, produce, or stockpile chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles, the President shall impose--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) 2 or more of the sanctions described in subsection (b); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the sanctions described in subsection (c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Sanctions- The sanctions described in this subsection are the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) SUSPENSION OF UNITED STATES ASSISTANCE- The United States Government shall suspend United States assistance to the sanctioned country.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) EXPORT SANCTION- The United States Government may not issue any license for any export by or to the sanctioned country.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) IMPORT SANCTION- The President shall ban the importation of any article that is a product of the sanctioned country.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ASSISTANCE- The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director at each international financial institution (as defined in section 1701(c)(2) of the International Financial Institutions Act) to oppose and vote against the extension by such institution of any financial or technical assistance to the sanctioned country.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) SUSPENSION OF CODEVELOPMENT OR COPRODUCTION AGREEMENTS- The United States Government shall suspend compliance with its obligations under any memorandum of understanding with the sanctioned country for the codevelopment or coproduction of any item on the United States Munitions List (established under section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778)), including any obligation for implementation of the memorandum of understanding through the sale to the sanctioned country of technical data or assistance or the licensing for export to the sanctioned country of any component part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST- No item on the United States Munitions List (established pursuant to section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act) may be exported to the sanctioned country.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Suspension of Military and Dual-Use Technical Exchange Agreements- The United States Government shall suspend compliance with its obligations under any technical exchange agreement involving military and dual-use technology between the United States and the sanctioned country that does not directly contribute to the security of the United States. No military or dual-use technology may be exported from the United States to the sanctioned country pursuant to such agreement during such period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--SANCTIONS TARGETING SYRIA'S ENERGY SECTOR

SEC. 201. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.

(a) Imposition of Sanctions- Except as provided under subsection (e) and section 203, the President shall impose the sanctions specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and 1 of the sanctions specified in paragraphs (3) through (6) of subsection (b) if the President determines that a person has, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, made an investment, or combination of investments within a 12-month period, of $5,000,000 or more that contributed to the enhancement of the Government of Syria's ability to develop petroleum resources in Syria.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Sanctions Specified- The sanctions specified in this subsection are as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) EXPORT-IMPORT BANK ASSISTANCE FOR EXPORTS TO SANCTIONED PERSONS- The President shall prohibit the Export-Import Bank of the United States from approving the issuance of any guarantee, insurance, extension of credit, or participation in the extension of credit in connection with the export of any goods or services to any sanctioned person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) LOANS FROM UNITED STATES FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS- The United States Government shall prohibit any United States financial institution from making loans or providing credits totaling more than $10,000,000 in any 12-month period to any sanctioned person unless--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) such person is engaged in activities to relieve human suffering; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the loans or credits are provided to carry out the activities described in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) EXPORT SANCTION- The President may prohibit the United States Government from issuing any specific license or granting any other specific permission or authority to export any goods or technology to a sanctioned person under--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 App. 2401 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) any other provision of law that requires the prior review and approval of the United States Government as a condition for the export or reexport of goods or services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) PROHIBITIONS ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- A financial institution that is a sanctioned person--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) may not be designated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as a primary dealer in United States Government debt instruments or permitted to continue in any such designation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) may not serve as an agent of the United States Government or serve as repository for United States Government funds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) TREATMENT- For purposes of this title--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) a sanction imposed under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) shall be treated as 1 sanction; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) sanctions imposed under clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) shall be treated as 2 sanctions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) PROCUREMENT SANCTION- The United States Government may not procure, or enter into any contract for the procurement of, any goods or services from a sanctioned person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS- The President may impose sanctions, as appropriate, to restrict imports with respect to a sanctioned person, in accordance with the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Persons Against Which the Sanctions Are To Be Imposed- The sanctions described in subsection (b) shall be imposed on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) any person the President determines has carried out the activities described in subsection (a); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) any person the President determines--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) is a successor entity to the person described in paragraph (1);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) is a parent or subsidiary of the person described in paragraph (1) if that parent or subsidiary engaged in the activities referred to in paragraph (1); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) is an affiliate of the person described in paragraph (1), if that affiliate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) engaged in the activities referred to in paragraph (1); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) is controlled in fact by the person described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Publication in Federal Register- The President shall annually publish in the Federal Register--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) a current list of sanctioned persons;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the persons or entities who have been removed from, or added to, the list of sanctioned persons since the list was last published in the Federal Register; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) a list of all the projects that have been publicly tendered in the oil and gas sector in Syria.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Exceptions- The President is not required to apply or maintain the sanctions described in subsection (b)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to the procurement of defense articles or defense services--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) under contracts or subcontracts existing on the date of the enactment of this Act, including the exercise of options for production quantities to satisfy requirements essential to the national security of the United States; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) if the President determines and certifies in writing to the appropriate congressional committees that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i)(I) the person to which the sanctions would otherwise be applied is a sole source supplier of the defense articles or services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) the defense articles or services are essential; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(III) alternative sources are not readily or reasonably available; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) such articles or services are essential to the national security of the United States under defense coproduction agreements;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to the procurement of eligible products (as defined in section 308(4) of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2518(4))) of any foreign country or instrumentality designated under section 301(b)(1) of that Act (19 U.S.C. 2511(b)(1));CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) to products, technology, or services provided under contracts entered into before the date on which the President publishes in the Federal Register the name of the person with respect to whom the sanctions are to be imposed;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) to spare parts or component parts, but not finished products, which are essential to United States products or production; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) to medicines, medical supplies, or other humanitarian items.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Sanctioned Person Defined- In this section, the term `sanctioned person' means any person or entity described in subsection (c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Determinations Not Reviewable- A determination to impose sanctions under this section may not be subject to judicial review in any court.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 202. ADVISORY OPINIONS.

(a) Issuance- Upon the request of any person, the Secretary of State may issue an advisory opinion to advise that person whether a proposed activity by that person would subject that person to sanctions under section 201.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Safe Harbor- Any person who relies in good faith on an advisory opinion issued under subsection (a) that states that a proposed activity would not subject the person to sanctions under section 201, and any person who thereafter engages in such activity, shall not be subject to such sanctions on account of such activity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 203. TERMINATION OF SANCTIONS.

The requirement to impose sanctions under section 201 shall no longer have force or effect with respect to the Government of Syria if the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Syria--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) has ceased its efforts to design, develop, manufacture, or acquire--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a nuclear explosive device or related materials and technology;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) chemical, biological, and radiological weapons; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) ballistic missiles and ballistic missile launch technology;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) is no longer a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, as determined by the Secretary of State under section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 1979, section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, or any other provision of law;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) is in compliance with all of its international commitments, including pertinent United Nations Security Council resolutions;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and right to exist of neighboring countries; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) poses no threat to United States security, United States interests, or United States allies in the region.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 204. DURATION OF SANCTIONS; PRESIDENTIAL WAIVER.

(a) Duration of Sanctions- Sanctions imposed under section 201 shall remain in effect--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) for a period of not less than 2 years from the date on which it is imposed; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) for the longer of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a period of not less than 1 year; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) until such time as the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the person whose activities were the basis for imposing the sanction is no longer engaging in such activities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the President has received reliable assurances that such person will not engage in such activities in the future.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Delay of Sanctions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) CONSULTATIONS- If the President determines that a sanction under section 201 should be imposed with respect to a foreign person, the President should immediately initiate consultations with the government with primary jurisdiction over the foreign person with respect to the imposition of sanctions under such section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ACTIONS BY GOVERNMENT OF JURISDICTION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) CONSULTATIONS- The President may delay the imposition of sanctions against a foreign person under section 201 for up to 90 days to consult with the government with primary jurisdiction over the foreign person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) EFFECT OF CONSULTATION- At the conclusion of the consultations under subparagraph (A), the President shall immediately impose sanctions against the foreign person under section 201 unless the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the foreign government has taken specific and effective actions, including the imposition of appropriate penalties, to terminate the involvement of the foreign person in the activities that resulted in the determination by the President to impose such sanctions against the foreign person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Presidential Waiver- The President may, on a case by case basis, waive for a single period not to exceed 6 months the application of a sanction imposed under section 201 with respect to a foreign person if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees at least 30 days before such waiver is to take effect that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) such waiver is vital to the national security of the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the government of the country of which the foreign person is a national has undertaken substantial measures to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) prevent the acquisition and development of weapons of mass destruction by the Government of Syria; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) deny the Government of Syria the resources and capability to engage in the state-sponsorship of terrorism.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 205. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES.

Nothing in this title may be construed to apply to any activities subject to the reporting requirements of title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 413 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 206. ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN TAX INCENTIVES FOR OIL COMPANIES INVESTING IN SYRIA.

(a) In General- Section 167(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) DENIAL WHEN SYRIA SANCTIONS IN EFFECT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- If sanctions are imposed under the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 or the Syria Accountability and Liberation Act on any member of an expanded affiliated group the common parent of which is a foreign corporation, paragraph (1) shall not apply to any expense paid or incurred by any such member in any period during which the sanctions are in effect.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) EXPANDED AFFILIATED GROUP- In this paragraph, the term `expanded affiliated group' has the meaning given the term `affiliated group' under section 1504(a), except that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the phrase `more than 50 percent' shall be substituted for `at least 80 percent' each place it appears; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 1504(b) shall not apply.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to expenses paid or incurred on or after January 1, 2007.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO ISOLATE THE GOVERNMENT OF SYRIA

SEC. 301. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO BILATERAL EFFORTS.

It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should ensure that United States diplomatic personnel who are stationed abroad--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) understand and, in their contacts with foreign officials, are communicating the reasons for United States policy and sanctions against the Government of Syria; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) are urging foreign governments to cooperate more effectively with the Government of the United States in compelling the Government of Syria to cease policies and activities that threaten global peace and security.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 302. OPPOSITION TO SYRIA'S MEMBERSHIP AND CANDIDACY FOR LEADERSHIP POSTS IN UNITED NATIONS INSTITUTIONS.

The President shall direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to continue to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose Syria's membership and candidacy for leadership posts in such institutions, and engage in diplomatic efforts to secure multilateral support for such efforts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 303. ACTIONS AT THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The President shall take the necessary steps to secure support for the adoption of a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) holds the Government of Syria accountable for its systematic violations of human rights of Syrian and Lebanese citizens; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) calls for the appointment of a United Nations Special Rapporteur to investigate such human rights violations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 304. ACTIONS AT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

The President shall instruct the United States Executive Director at each international financial institution (as defined in section 1701(c)(2) of the International Financial Institutions Act) to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) any loan or other assistance to Syria; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Syria's membership in the institution.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 305. ACTIONS AT THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY.

The President shall instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (referred to in this section as the `IAEA') to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) seek the adoption of a resolution calling on Syria to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) declare all nuclear-related facilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) immediately and unconditionally suspend any activity which could be used to develop nuclear-weapons capability; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) provide IAEA inspectors with full access to its nuclear-related facilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) block the allocation of funds for IAEA development, environmental, or nuclear-related assistance or activity to the Government of Syria or any agency or instrumentality of such government until the conditions described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 102 have been met; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) block membership of the Government of Syria on the Board of Governors of the IAEA.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 306. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES AND REGIONAL CONTACT GROUPS.

The President shall seek to establish contact groups with relevant countries in the Middle East to provide forums in which United States officials who are responsible for counter-proliferation efforts are able to meet, at least twice each year, with their counterpart from such countries to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) discuss the global threats presented by Syrian nuclear proliferation and sponsorship of international terrorism; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) develop strategies to effectively address such threats.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 307. REPORT ON ASSISTANCE TO, AND COMMERCE WITH, SYRIA.

(a) Report- Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the President shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the assistance to, and commerce with, Syria by other foreign countries during the preceding 12-month period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Contents- Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall, for the period covered by the report and to the extent available--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) describe all bilateral assistance provided to Syria by other foreign countries, including humanitarian assistance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) describe Syria's commerce with foreign countries, including an identification of Syria's trading partners and the extent of such trade;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) describe the joint ventures completed, or under consideration, by foreign nationals and business firms involving facilities in Syria, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the location of the facilities involved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a description of the terms of agreement of the joint ventures; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the names of the parties that are involved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) report the amount of debt of the Government of Syria that is owed to each foreign country, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the amount of debt exchanged, forgiven, or reduced under the terms of each investment or operation in Syria involving foreign nationals; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the amount of debt owed to the foreign country that has been exchanged, forgiven, or reduced in return for a grant by the Government of Syria of an equity interest in a property, investment, or operation of the Syrian Government or of a Syrian national;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) describe the steps taken to assure that raw materials and semifinished or finished goods produced by facilities in Syria involving foreign nationals do not enter the United States market, either directly or through third countries or parties;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) identify the countries and entities that provide, or have provided, arms or military supplies from Syria or that otherwise have entered into agreements with Syria that could have a military application; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) contain, for the countries and entities identified under paragraph (6)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a description of the military supplies, equipment, or other material sold, bartered, or exchanged between Syria and such countries or entities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a listing of the goods, services, credits, or other consideration received by Syria in exchange for military supplies, equipment, or material; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the terms or conditions of any agreement described in paragraph (6).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Form- The report submitted under subsection (a) shall be in unclassified form and may include a classified annex.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT DEMOCRACY IN SYRIA

SEC. 401. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY.

It shall be the policy of the United States to support independent human rights and pro-democracy forces in Syria to promote the emergence of a democratic government in Syria that will--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) denounce and combat terrorism;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) dismantle its chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons programs and commit to combating the proliferation of such weapons;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) respect the boundaries, sovereignty, and right to exist of its neighbors and live in peace and security with all the countries in the region; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) uphold and defend the human rights and civil liberties of its citizens.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 402. ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT A TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY IN SYRIA.

(a) Authorization- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President is authorized to provide assistance and other support for individuals and independent nongovernmental organizations to support a transition to a freely elected, internationally recognized democratic government in Syria.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Activities Supported- Assistance provided pursuant to subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be used to carry out--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) democracy-building and civil society efforts in Syria, including the provision of assistance to organizations certified by the President to be independent democratic organizations, victims of political repression and their families, and prisoners of conscience and their families; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) radio and television broadcasting to Syria to support democracy-building and civil society efforts in Syria.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to the President, for fiscal year 2008 and for each subsequent fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink