[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7198-H7202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PALESTINIAN INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM SUPPORT PREVENTION ACT OF 2019
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 1850) to impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for
Palestinian terrorism, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1850
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Palestinian International
Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2019''.
SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It shall be the policy of the United States--
(1) to prevent Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any
affiliate or successor thereof from accessing its
international support networks; and
(2) to oppose Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any
affiliate or successor thereof from attempting to use goods,
including medicine and dual use items, to smuggle weapons and
other materials to further acts of terrorism.
SEC. 3. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN
PERSONS AND AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES OF
FOREIGN STATES SUPPORTING HAMAS, THE
PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD, OR ANY AFFILIATE OR
SUCCESSOR THEREOF.
(a) Identification.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a
period not to exceed 3 years, the President shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report that
identifies each foreign person or agency or instrumentality
of a foreign state that the President determines--
(A) knowingly assists in, sponsors, or provides significant
financial or material support for, or financial or other
services to or in support of, the terrorist activities of any
person described in paragraph (2); or
(B) directly or indirectly, knowingly and materially
engaged in a significant transaction with any person
described in paragraph (2).
(2) Person described.--A person described in this paragraph
is a foreign person that the President determines--
(A) is a senior member of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic
Jihad, or any affiliate or successor thereof;
(B) is a senior member of a foreign terrorist organization
designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189) whose members directly or
indirectly support the terrorist activities of Hamas, the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof by knowingly engaging in a significant transaction
with, or providing financial or material support for Hamas,
the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof, or any person described in subparagraph (A); or
(C) directly or indirectly, supports the terrorist
activities of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any
affiliate or successor thereof by knowingly and materially
assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial or material
support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hamas,
the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof, or any person described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
(3) Form of report.--Each report required under paragraph
(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain
a classified annex.
(4) Exception.--
(A) In general.--The President shall not be required to
identify a foreign person or an agency or instrumentality of
a foreign state in a report pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) if--
(i) the foreign person or agency or instrumentality of a
foreign state notifies the
[[Page H7199]]
United States Government in advance that it proposes to
engage in a significant transaction as described in paragraph
(1)(B); and
(ii) the President determines and notifies the appropriate
congressional committees in a classified form not less than
15 days prior to the foreign person or agency or
instrumentality of a foreign state engaging in the
significant transaction that the significant transaction is
in the national interests of the United States.
(B) Non-applicability.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
with respect to--
(i) an agency or instrumentality of a foreign state which
the Secretary of State determines has repeatedly provided
support for acts of international terrorism pursuant to
section 1754(c) of the Export Reform Control Act of 2018,
section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, section 620A of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, or any other provision of
law; or
(ii) any significant transaction described in paragraph
(1)(B) that involves, directly or indirectly, a foreign state
described in clause (i).
(b) Imposition of Sanctions.--
(1) In general.--The President shall impose two or more of
the sanctions described in paragraph (2) with respect to a
foreign person or an agency or instrumentality of a foreign
state identified pursuant to subsection (a).
(2) Sanctions described.--The sanctions referred to in
paragraph (1) are the following:
(A) The President may direct the Export-Import Bank of the
United States not to give approval to 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 the foreign person or agency or
instrumentality of the foreign state, and the Export-Import
Bank of the United States shall comply with any such
direction.
(B) No sales of any defense articles, defense services, or
design and construction services under the Arms Export
Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) may be made to the
foreign person or agency or instrumentality of the foreign
state.
(C) No licenses for export of any item on the United States
Munitions List that include the foreign person or agency or
instrumentality of the foreign state as a party to the
license may be granted.
(D) No exports may be permitted to the foreign person or
agency or instrumentality of the foreign state of any goods
or technologies controlled for national security reasons
under the Export Administration Regulations, except that such
prohibition shall not apply to any transaction subject to the
reporting requirements of title V of the National Security
Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 413 et seq.; relating to congressional
oversight of intelligence activities).
(E) The President shall prohibit any United States
financial institution from making loans or providing any
credit or financing totaling more than $10,000,000 to the
foreign person or agency or instrumentality of the foreign
state, except that this subparagraph shall not apply--
(i) to any transaction subject to the reporting
requirements of title V of the National Security Act of 1947
(50 U.S.C. 413 et seq.; relating to congressional oversight
of intelligence activities);
(ii) to the provision of medicines, medical equipment, and
humanitarian assistance; or
(iii) to any credit, credit guarantee, or financial
assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture to
support the purchase of food or other agricultural
commodities.
(F)(i) The President may exercise all powers granted to the
President by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
(50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (except that the requirements of
section 202 of such Act (50 U.S.C. 1701) shall not apply) to
the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions
in all property and interests in property of a foreign person
or agency or instrumentality of the foreign state if such
property and interests in property are in the United States,
come within the United States, or are or come within the
possession or control of a United States person.
(ii) The penalties provided for in subsections (b) and (c)
of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers
Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a person that knowingly
violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or
causes a violation of regulations promulgated under section
6(b) to carry out clause (i) to the same extent that such
penalties apply to a person that knowingly commits an
unlawful act described in section 206(a) of that Act.
(iii) The President may exercise all authorities provided
to the President under sections 203 and 205 of the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702
and 1704) for purposes of carrying out clause (i).
(3) Exception.--The President shall not be required to
apply sanctions with respect to a foreign person or an agency
or instrumentality of a foreign state identified pursuant to
subsection (a) if the President certifies in writing to the
appropriate congressional committees that--
(A) the foreign person or agency or instrumentality of the
foreign state--
(i) is no longer carrying out activities or transactions
for which the sanctions were imposed pursuant to this
subsection; or
(ii) has taken and is continuing to take significant
verifiable steps toward terminating the activities or
transactions for which the sanctions were imposed pursuant to
this subsection; and
(B) the President has received reliable assurances from the
foreign person or agency or instrumentality of the foreign
state that it will not carry out any activities or
transactions for which sanctions may be imposed pursuant to
this subsection in the future.
(c) Waiver.--
(1) In general.--The President may waive, on a case by case
basis and for a period of not more than 180 days, a
requirement under subsection (b) to impose or maintain
sanctions with respect to a foreign person or agency or
instrumentality of a foreign state if the President--
(A) determines that the waiver is in the national security
interest of the United States; and
(B) not less than 30 days before the waiver takes effect,
submits to the appropriate congressional committees a report
on the waiver and the justification for the waiver.
(2) Renewal of waiver.--The President may, on a case by
case basis, renew a waiver under paragraph (1) for additional
periods of not more than 180 days if the President--
(A) determines that the renewal of the waiver is in the
national security interest of the United States; and
(B) not less than 15 days before the waiver expires,
submits to the appropriate congressional committees a report
on the renewal of the waiver and the justification for the
renewal of the waiver.
(d) Rule of Construction.--The authority to impose
sanctions under subsection (b) with respect to a foreign
person or an agency or instrumentality of a foreign state
identified pursuant to subsection (a) is in addition to the
authority to impose sanctions under any other provision of
law with respect to foreign persons or agencies or
instrumentalities of foreign states that directly or
indirectly support international terrorism.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Foreign state.--The term ``foreign state'' has the
meaning given such term in section 1603(a) of title 28,
United States Code.
(2) Agency or instrumentality.--The term ``agency or
instrumentality'' has the meaning given such term in section
1603(b) of title 28, United States Code.
(f) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act and apply with respect to
activities and transactions described in subsection (a) that
are carried out on or after such date of enactment.
SEC. 4. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN
GOVERNMENTS THAT PROVIDE MATERIAL SUPPORT FOR
THE TERRORIST ACTIVITIES OF HAMAS, THE
PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD, OR ANY AFFILIATE OR
SUCCESSOR THEREOF.
(a) Identification.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter, the
President shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a report that identifies the following:
(A) Each government of a foreign country--
(i) with respect to which the Secretary of State determines
has repeatedly provided support for acts of international
terrorism pursuant to section 1754(c) of the Export Control
Reform Act of 2018, section 40 of the Arms Export Control
Act, section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, or
any other provision of law; and
(ii) with respect to which the President determines has
provided direct or indirect material support for the
terrorist activities of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad,
or any affiliate or successor thereof.
(B) Each government of a foreign country that--
(i) is not identified under subparagraph (A); and
(ii) the President determines engaged in a significant
transaction so as to contribute knowingly and materially to
the efforts by the government of a foreign country described
in subparagraph (A)(i) to provide direct or indirect material
support for the terrorist activities of Hamas, the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof.
(2) Form of report.--Each report submitted under paragraph
(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a
classified annex.
(b) Imposition of Sanctions.--
(1) In general.--The President shall impose the following
sanctions with respect to each government of a foreign
country identified pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B) of
subsection (a)(1):
(A) The United States Government shall suspend, for a
period of one year, United States assistance to the
government of the foreign country.
(B) The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United
States Executive Director to each appropriate international
financial institution to oppose, and vote against, for a
period of one year, the extension by such institution of any
loan or financial or technical assistance to the government
of the foreign country.
(C) No item on the United States Munitions List
(established pursuant to section 38 of the Arms Export
Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778)) or the Commerce Control List
set forth in Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of title 15, Code
of Federal Regulations, may be exported to the government of
the foreign country for a period of one year.
(2) Exceptions.--The President shall not be required to
apply sanctions with respect
[[Page H7200]]
to the government of a foreign country pursuant to paragraph
(1)--
(A) with respect to materials intended to be used by United
States military or civilian personnel at military facilities
in the country; or
(B) if the application of such sanctions would prevent the
United States from meeting the terms of any status of forces
agreement to which the United States is a party.
(c) Imposition of Additional Sanctions With Respect to
Foreign Governments Identified Under Subsection (a)(1)(A).--
The President shall impose the following additional sanctions
with respect to each government of a foreign country
identified pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A):
(1) The President shall, pursuant to such regulations as
the President may prescribe, prohibit any transactions in
foreign exchange that are subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States and in which the government of the foreign
country has any interest.
(2) The President shall, pursuant to such regulations as
the President may prescribe, prohibit any transfers of credit
or payments between one or more financial institutions or by,
through, or to any financial institution, to the extent that
such transfers or payments are subject to the jurisdiction of
the United States and involve any interest of the government
of the foreign country.
(d) Waiver.--
(1) In general.--The President may waive, on a case by case
basis and for a period of not more than 180 days, a
requirement under subsection (b) or (c) to impose or maintain
sanctions with respect to a foreign government identified
pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(1) if
the President--
(A) determines that the waiver is in the national security
interest of the United States; and
(B) not less than 30 days before the waiver takes effect,
submits to the appropriate congressional committees a report
on the waiver and the justification for the waiver.
(2) Renewal of waiver.--The President may, on a case by
case basis, renew a waiver under paragraph (1) for additional
periods of not more than 180 days if the President--
(A) determines that the renewal of the waiver is in the
national security interest of the United States; and
(B) not less than 15 days before the waiver expires,
submits to the appropriate congressional committees a report
on the renewal of the waiver and the justification for the
renewal of the waiver.
(e) Rule of Construction.--The authority to impose
sanctions under subsection (b) or (c) with respect to each
government of a foreign country identified pursuant to
subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(1) is in addition
to the authority to impose sanctions under any other
provision of law with respect to governments of foreign
countries that provide material support to foreign terrorist
organizations designated pursuant to section 219 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
(f) Termination.--The President may terminate any sanctions
imposed with respect to the government of a foreign country
pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) if the President determines
and notifies the appropriate congressional committees that
the government of the foreign country is no longer carrying
out activities or transactions for which the sanctions were
imposed and has provided assurances to the United States
Government that it will not carry out the activities or
transactions in the future.
(g) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act and apply with respect to
activities and transactions described in subparagraph (A) or
(B) of subsection (a)(1) that are carried out on or after
such date of enactment.
SEC. 5. EXEMPTIONS FROM SANCTIONS UNDER SECTIONS 3 AND 4
RELATING TO PROVISION OF HUMANITARIAN
ASSISTANCE.
(a) Sanctions Under Section 3.--The following activities
shall be exempt from sanctions under section 3:
(1) The conduct or facilitation of a transaction for the
sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical
devices to a foreign person described in section 3(a)(2).
(2) The provision of humanitarian assistance to a foreign
person described in section 3(a)(2), including engaging in a
financial transaction relating to humanitarian assistance or
for humanitarian purposes or transporting goods or services
that are necessary to carry out operations relating to
humanitarian assistance or humanitarian purposes.
(b) Sanctions Under Section 4.--The following activities
shall be exempt from sanctions under section 4:
(1) The conduct or facilitation of a transaction for the
sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical
devices to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any
affiliate or successor thereof described in section 4(a)(1).
(2) The provision of humanitarian assistance to Hamas, the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof described in section 4(a)(1), including engaging in a
financial transaction relating to humanitarian assistance or
for humanitarian purposes or transporting goods or services
that are necessary to carry out operations relating to
humanitarian assistance or humanitarian purposes.
SEC. 6. REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES TO DISRUPT
GLOBAL FUNDRAISING, FINANCING, AND MONEY
LAUNDERING ACTIVITIES OF HAMAS, THE PALESTINIAN
ISLAMIC JIHAD, OR ANY AFFILIATE OR SUCCESSOR
THEREOF.
(a) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a report that includes--
(A) a list of foreign countries that support Hamas, the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof, or in which Hamas maintains important portions of
its financial networks;
(B) with respect to each foreign country on the list
required by subparagraph (A)--
(i) an assessment of whether the government of the country
is taking adequate measures to freeze the assets of Hamas,
the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof within the territory of the country; and
(ii) in the case of a country the government of which is
not taking adequate measures to freeze the assets of Hamas--
(I) an assessment of the reasons that government is not
taking adequate measures to freeze those assets; and
(II) a description of measures being taken by the United
States Government to encourage that government to freeze
those assets;
(C) a list of foreign countries in which Hamas, the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof, conducts significant fundraising, financing, or
money laundering activities;
(D) with respect to each foreign country on the list
required by subparagraph (C)--
(i) an assessment of whether the government of the country
is taking adequate measures to disrupt the fundraising,
financing, or money laundering activities of Hamas, the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof within the territory of the country; and
(ii) in the case of a country the government of which is
not taking adequate measures to disrupt those activities--
(I) an assessment of the reasons that government is not
taking adequate measures to disrupt those activities; and
(II) a description of measures being taken by the United
States Government to encourage that government to improve
measures to disrupt those activities; and
(E) a list of foreign countries from which Hamas, the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor
thereof, acquires surveillance equipment, electronic
monitoring equipment, or other means to inhibit communication
or political expression in Gaza.
(2) Form.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form to the greatest extent
possible, and may contain a classified annex.
(b) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter for
a period not to exceed 3 years, the Secretary of State, the
Secretary of the Treasury, and the heads of other applicable
Federal departments and agencies (or their designees) shall
provide to the appropriate congressional committees a
briefing on the disposition of the assets and activities of
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any successor or
affiliate thereof related to fundraising, financing, and
money laundering worldwide.
(c) Definition.--In this section, the term ``appropriate
congressional committees'' means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on
Financial Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and the Select Committee
on Intelligence of the Senate.
SEC. 7. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
(a) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to apply to the authorized intelligence activities
of the United States.
(b) Regulatory Authority.--The President shall, not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
promulgate regulations as are necessary for the
implementation of this Act.
(c) Exception Relating to Importation of Goods.--
(1) In general.--The authorities and requirements to impose
sanctions authorized under this Act shall not include the
authority or requirement to impose sanctions on the
importation of goods.
(2) Good defined.--In this subsection, the term ``good''
means any article, natural or man-made substance, material,
supply or manufactured product, including inspection and test
equipment, and excluding technical data.
(d) Termination.--This Act shall terminate beginning--
(1) 30 days after the date on which the President certifies
to the appropriate congressional committees that Hamas and
the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any successor or affiliate
thereof--
(A) are no longer designated as a foreign terrorist
organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189);
(B) are no longer subject to sanctions pursuant to--
(i) Executive Order 12947 (January 23, 1995; relating to
prohibiting transactions with terrorists who threaten to
disrupt the Middle East peace process); and
(ii) Executive Order 13224 (September 23, 2001; relating to
blocking property and prohibiting transactions with persons
who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism); and
[[Page H7201]]
(C) meet the criteria described in paragraphs (1) through
(4) of section 9 of the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of
2006 (22 U.S.C. 2378b note); or
(2) 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act,
whichever occurs earlier.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
Except as otherwise provided, in this Act:
(1) Admitted.--The term ``admitted'' has the meaning given
such term in section 101(a)(13)(A) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(13)(A)).
(2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(3) Foreign person.--The term ``foreign person'' means--
(A) an individual who is not a United States person; or
(B) a corporation, partnership, or other nongovernmental
entity which is not a United States person.
(4) Material support.--The term ``material support'' has
the meaning given the term ``material support or resources''
in section 2339A of title 18, United States Code.
(5) Person.--The term ``person'' means an individual or
entity.
(6) United states person.--The term ``United States
person'' means--
(A) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted
for permanent residence to the United States; or
(B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States
or of any jurisdiction within the United States, including a
foreign branch of such an entity.
SEC. 9. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of
complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall
be determined by reference to the latest statement titled
``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act,
submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the
Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such
statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Engel) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
General Leave
Mr. ENGEL. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5
legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include in the Record extraneous material on H.R. 1850.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, let me start by thanking Mr. Mast of Florida and Mr.
Gottheimer of New Jersey for their hard work on this legislation.
The United States designated both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
as foreign terrorist organizations more than 20 years ago. It is easy
to see why: Hamas is responsible for the deaths of more than 400
Israelis and at least 25 American citizens. As recently as May of this
year, the group fired hundreds of rockets from Gaza into southern
Israel, including at Israeli civilian areas in Tel Aviv. And
Palestinian Islamic Jihad is taking credit for a number of terrorist
attacks in Israel, including an attack that killed a New Jersey
American student in 1995.
Yet both groups, and particularly Hamas, still get cash from abroad.
These funds are used to build tunnels into Israel and launch rockets at
civilian populations. It is simply disgusting.
No one benefits from terrorism, Mr. Speaker: not Israelis, who just
want to live in peace and security; not Palestinians, who want a state
of their own but are exploited by these terrorists. A Palestinian state
will never be built on the backs of terrorism.
Israel has the right to defend itself. The United States will
continue to support that. In the meantime, we must do everything we can
to prevent the loss of civilian life. That starts with cutting off the
money to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
This bill would help do just that. It would impose new sanctions on
those who support Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the deep pockets
that are enabling these groups to wage their campaigns of violence.
Of course, we don't want to punish innocent civilians, so this
measure includes an important exception for humanitarian and medical
assistance. This bill is designed to ensure that people in Gaza get
what they need and that Hamas does not.
It is a good, straightforward piece of legislation. I am glad the
House is considering it today, and I reserve the balance of my time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Financial Services,
Washington, DC, July 22, 2019.
Hon. Eliot Engel,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 1850, the
``Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act
of 2019.'' In order to permit the H.R. 1850 to proceed
expeditiously to the House Floor, I agree to forgo formal
consideration of the bill.
The Committee on Financial Services takes this action to
forego formal consideration of H.R. 1850 with our mutual
understanding that, by foregoing formal consideration of H.R.
1850 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the
subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and
that our Committee will be appropriately consulted and
involved as this or similar legislation moves forward. Our
Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an
appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate
conference involving this or similar legislation and request
your support for any such request.
Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter
confirming this understanding, and I would ask that a copy of
our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the
Congressional Record during Floor consideration of H.R. 1850.
Sincerely,
Maxine Waters,
Chairwoman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Washington, DC, July 22, 2019.
Hon. Maxine Waters,
Chairwoman, Committee on Financial Services,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairwoman Waters: I am writing to you concerning H.R.
1850, Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention
Act of 2019. I appreciate your willingness to work
cooperatively on this bill.
I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Financial Services under
House Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on
H.R. 1850 to expedite floor consideration. I further
acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with respect
to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim
over the matters contained in the measure that fall within
your jurisdiction. I will also support the appointment of
Committee on Financial Services conferees during any House-
Senate conference convened on this legislation.
Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is
included in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration of the resolution. I appreciate your
cooperation and look forward to continuing to work with you
as this measure moves through the legislative process.
Sincerely,
Eliot L. Engel,
Chairman.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1850, the Palestinian
International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2019.
In so doing, I first want to note Congressman Brian Mast's great
personal sacrifice in the war against terror and how inspirational it
is for each and every one of us to see him raise his voice time and
again in this great battle of our age.
I also want to thank my good friend from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer)
for his lead cosponsorship of this legislation.
H.R. 1850 would require the President to report to Congress on those
who knowingly provide financial and material support to terror groups
such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and then apply sanctions.
These groups in particular have vowed to wipe out our ally Israel, and
their support of terror is well known.
Beyond that, the legislation would require a listing of foreign
countries where Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad engage in
fundraising, financing, or money laundering, as well as list those
countries which fail to take adequate measures to freeze the assets of
these known terror groups.
Mr. Speaker, Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, has
killed over 400 Israelis and 25 Americans, rules the Gaza Strip with an
iron fist, and uses its proximity to threaten Israel with impunity. As
a result, the Israelis live in constant fear of Hamas rockets, tunnels,
and other means of bringing violence to Israeli citizens.
Earlier this year, in a single weekend, Hamas fired over 600 rockets
into Israel, killing four civilians, including an American.
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As part of our close partnership with Israel, the United States has
long sought to help Israel counter that threat. We have worked together
on development of the Iron Dome aerial defense system. We continue to
work together on counter-tunnelling technology.
And again, now, with this bill, we will help Israel to counter Hamas
and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad by denying these groups the use of
funds for their terror operations.
For over a decade, Mr. Speaker, the executive branch, across multiple
administrations, has sanctioned many individuals as well as a select
number of foreign entities that are associated with Hamas, all under
the general authority of broad executive order.
This bill will codify and standardize those sanctions in statute and
require the administration to comprehensively assess whether other
supporters of Hamas should be sanctioned who have thus far remained
unaffected by their support of this terrorist group.
The bill also requires the President to report on whether foreign
governments are supporting Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Mr. Speaker, we know well that Iran is the world's leading state
sponsor of terrorism, and Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are
among Iran's many terrorist beneficiaries. In fact, it was reported
just a few days ago a senior Hamas delegation was in Tehran.
This legislation will ensure that the Iranian regime is held to
account for its maligned activity undermining peace and security in the
Middle East. Bahrain's Foreign Minister said, last week, were it not
for Iran's support for Hamas, there would be a better chance of
achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
The goal of this legislation is to cut off Iran's support for
terrorism and, therefore, make peace more probable.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).
Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1850,
the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act,
bipartisan legislation that I was proud to introduce with my good
friend and Republican colleague, Congressman Brian Mast from Florida.
I also thank my good friend, Mr. Smith from New Jersey, for his
leadership.
I want to thank House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel
and Ranking Member Mike McCaul, who were original cosponsors of our
legislation, for their support and leadership.
Mr. Speaker, Hamas is a heinous terrorist group responsible for the
murders of innocent American and Israeli citizens, which has been
designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department
since 1997. It is well known for firing rockets and digging terror
tunnels into Israel and using Gazans, including women and children, as
human shields. In fact, in May, terrorist groups like Hamas and PIJ in
Gaza fired more than 600 rockets at Israel in just 36 hours.
It is critical that the United States and our allies continue to
isolate Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad by cutting them off at the
source, including Iran.
As the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, the Iranian regime
provides more than $70 million annually to the terrorist group Hamas in
Gaza.
{time} 1645
Just yesterday, Iran's supreme leader met with the political deputy
chief of Hamas and renewed Iran's commitment to supporting this
terrorist organization in its armed struggle against Israel.
Iran is also a principal funder of PIJ, helping the group amass a
stockpile of more than 8,000 rockets aimed at Israel, an arsenal even
larger than that of Hamas.
PIJ has also claimed credit for multiple terrorist attacks in Israel,
including a gruesome suicide bus bombing in April 1995 that killed New
Jersey student Alisa Flatow, a graduate of the Frisch School in my
district in Paramus. And I will say forever that her memory should
never be forgotten.
H.R. 1850 would require the President to submit to Congress an annual
report for the next 3 years identifying foreign entities who assist
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or an affiliate or successor, and
impose at least two or more crippling sanctions.
This bill would also crack down on foreign terrorist governments that
support these groups, by suspending U.S. foreign aid, making it harder
for them to receive loans or technical assistance, and tying up their
credit.
This bipartisan bill will strengthen existing sanctions to weaken
these terrorist groups that threaten our ally Israel, undermine peace,
and further destabilize the Middle East.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join
me in supporting this critical legislation and in the fight against
terror.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support the
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Schneider).
Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for
allotting me this time, and commend my colleagues, Mr. Gottheimer and
Mr. Mast, for bringing this bill.
I rise in support of H.R. 1850 and applaud the House for taking
action to combat terrorist activity in the Middle East.
This bill sanctions individuals and foreign governments that
knowingly and materially assist Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
or an affiliate or successor entity.
These groups have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations
by the Department of State since 1997. There is no disputing that they
have and continue to sow instability and terror, including by
indiscriminately launching countless rockets and mortars at Israel,
attacks from subterranean tunnels, and even the use of human shields.
To achieve two states for two peoples living side by side in peace
and security, we cannot let extremist voices control the narrative and
we must always confront these terrorist activities.
But let me be clear: This bill does not target the vast majority of
Palestinian people who long for peace. Rather, it solely goes after
Hamas and PIJ and those who assist their terrorist activities.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for
purposes of closing.
Mr. Speaker, let me again thank our ranking member, Mr. McCaul of
Texas, and our colleagues who worked so hard on this good, bipartisan
measure. I want to thank Mr. Mast, for whom I have enormous respect,
and I thank Mr. Smith, who is always there fighting the good fight and
always consistent in saying what he believes.
Let me just say, the actions of Hamas, of the Palestinian Islamic
Jihad, are a constant danger to innocent Israelis and innocent
Palestinians. They are also a terrible roadblock that stand in the way
of Israelis and Palestinians ever finding peace.
These terrorist groups don't want peace. They know that their violent
tactics will never contribute to a peaceful resolution. They want to
see Israel wiped off the map, plain and simple.
We need to crack down on them and we need to crack down on those who
stand behind them in the shadows quietly fueling their violence that
they carry out.
This bill would give us more tools to cut off the flow of resources,
and that is why it is so important.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to support this bill and I urge all Members
to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 1850, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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