A new wave of sectarian violence in Syria has intensified a growing debate in the US Congress over President Donald Trump’s directive to fully lift sanctions on the country, including repealing the landmark Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act.

A report by The Hill on Thursday suggests that Trump has thrown his support behind Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, whose forces, with backing from Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), toppled Bashar al-Assad in December. While Trump views lifting sanctions as critical to Syria’s reconstruction, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers remain divided over whether al-Sharaa, a former HTS commander, has moved beyond his militant past.

Trump’s policy includes repealing the Caesar Act, which was passed in 2019 to impose a harsh sanctions regime aimed at weakening Syria, and imposed hardships on its people. His administration argues that Syria's transition presents an opportunity to rebuild and stabilize the country, and that sanctions now hinder that effort.

Republicans and Democrats clash on strategy

"There are a number of different ideas on where and how far to go, and that’s a debate that we’re having right now," said Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced legislation this week to amend the Caesar Act, proposing extended waivers beyond the current six-month period and more flexibility for the president to lift sanctions if certain conditions are met. The proposal drew bipartisan support, including an amendment by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) requiring demonstrated efforts to protect minorities.

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According to the report, many lawmakers stopped short of supporting a full repeal. Sherman emphasized the importance of minority protections following reports of atrocities in Sweida, stating, "We are not looking for Jeffersonian democracy, but we are also looking for a government that does all it can to prevent executions like the one that killed a US citizen."

Sectarian violence in Sweida underscores Syria’s fragility

Recent violence in Sweida, a Druze-majority city in southern Syria, has exposed the interim government's limited control over militias and armed groups. Clashes in the area left more than 1,300 people dead, displacing thousands. 

"Israel" launched an aggression last week in the midst of the violence, launching airstrikes on Damascus and Sweida, alleging it was acting to protect the Druze community. The US later helped broker a ceasefire between the Druze, Bedouin, occupation forces, and Syrian government units involved in the clashes.

In addition to Lawler’s proposal, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) introduced a bill calling for a full repeal of the Caesar Act. He was joined by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), who criticized half-measures and pushed for full legislative dismantling.

Lawler, Sherman push conditional sanctions relief

While Lawler’s bill aims for flexibility, Sherman emphasized that sanctions should only be lifted if human rights commitments are met. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) also supports repeal, arguing that it is time to offer Syrians hope for a better future.

Some lawmakers and rights groups warn that lifting sanctions too quickly may enable ongoing abuses. Trump’s envoy to Syria, Ambassador Tom Barrack, has advocated for full repeal, though the White House has not issued an official comment, as mentioned in the report. 

Moreover, some, like Stephen Rapp, former US ambassador for global criminal justice, argue that the Caesar Act has served its purpose and that repealing it does not prevent the US from reimposing sanctions on al-Sharaa’s government if needed.

However, others like Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute warned of potential hypocrisy. Rubin emphasized that al-Sharaa’s background, including ties to al-Qaeda and ISIS, must be scrutinized.

“If the United States selectively sanctions some violators but not others for the same crimes, we delegitimize the entire human rights mechanism,” Rubin said.