The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the introduction of the Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS) in the West Bank Act by Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). This bicameral legislation aims to codify President Biden’s February 2024 Executive Order imposing sanctions on individuals responsible for violence, intimidation, and destabilization in the West Bank.
The Biden Administration issued Executive Order 14115 in February 2024, authorizing sanctions against individuals undermining peace and stability in the region. These sanctions target those involved in violence, forced displacement, or terrorism, regardless of national origin, ethnicity, or religion.
The SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act ensure these measures remain effective. This legislation codifies EO 14115, establishes a framework for lifting sanctions under specific conditions, and enhances oversight and accountability. It underscores the U.S. commitment to deterring violence, maintaining stability, and advancing a sustainable path to Middle East peace.
In a statement CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert McCaw said,
“We applaud Congresswomen Summer Lee and Congressman Welch for introducing this critical legislation. Their leadership in pushing for sanctions against those fueling violence and human rights violations is a courageous step toward holding perpetrators accountable. Congress must act swiftly to pass this bill, as it is a vital tool in curbing the relentless violence and bringing justice to the Palestinian people. This is not just a matter of policy—it’s a moral imperative to save lives and pave the way for peace and accountability.”
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com