US Congress Adds Broad Range of Interests to NDAA 2027

By: Charles Lister 

In addition to setting tough conditions for future security cooperation with and assistance to Syria, outlined in a previous Syria in Figures article, members of the US Congress have been inserting a broad range of other Syria-related interests into the draft 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

On the security front, Congressman French Hill (R-AR) added an amendment calling for the US to develop an interagency strategy to dismantle what remains of captagon manufacturing and trafficking networks linked to Assad’s regime in Syria—including identifying countries used for transit and precursors, as well as an assessment of US support and of regional capacity to counter the trade. In addition, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) added an amendment calling upon the Department of Defense to submit a report to Congress detailing how it will work with Syria to remove Russia’s military presence from its bases in Hmeimim and Tartous. This latter addition underscores the continued aversion to Russia among large swaths of Congress, which could pose a challenge to Damascus’ attempt to balance its geopolitical relationships, including with Moscow.

On the economic front, Congressman Wilson added an amendment requiring the Secretary of State to submit a report on “barriers to investment in Syria” for American companies, including assessments of “the deficiencies of the Syrian judiciary and commercial law,” “security risks,” and any US policies that still “preclude or prevent investment in Syria.” The amendment appears intended to support Syria’s efforts to attract US investment. Still, there is a risk that any such report could deter short-term investment rather than encourage it, assuming the report will identify many remaining barriers as well as legal deficiencies and continued security challenges. 

In terms of accountability, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) inserted an amendment incorporating the recent repeal of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 and the Syria Human Rights Accountability Act of 2012. Meanwhile, Congressman Wilson added an amendment calling for the revocation of Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and yet another requiring the US government to establish safeguards to ensure that individuals who supported or enabled Assad regime crimes cannot engage with or benefit from US financial assistance or programming in Syria.

And finally on the diplomatic front, Senator Shaheen and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) added an amendment urging “deeper engagement” with Syria and steps to “strengthen security measures” aimed at “re-establishing a permanent presence or reopening the embassy” in Damascus. Syria has every interest in assisting ongoing American efforts to locate and secure a facility to house a permanent US diplomatic presence in Damascus. Doing so will create a more strategically beneficial relationship, build greater institutional trust and connectivity, and open new opportunities for cooperation and support.

These amendments are indicative of the breadth of support that Syria and its transition has gained across the US Congress. They also further underscore that issues related to security and the economy remain central to what drives and sustains policy interest in Syria within the US policymaking community.