Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1327
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T13:27:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act (H.R. 1327) aims to evaluate and report on potential terrorist threats to the United States from individuals located in Syria who are connected to designated terrorist groups. It requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess these risks and share findings with Congress to improve national security oversight.
Key Provisions
- Threat Assessment Requirement: The Secretary of Homeland Security must conduct an assessment, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, focusing on individuals in Syria affiliated with a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO, a group designated under U.S. immigration law as supporting terrorism) or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization (SDGTO, a group blocked under executive orders for terrorism-related activities).
- Elements of the Assessment:
- Identification of each individual's country of origin.
- Description of the specific FTO or SDGTO affiliation.
- Evaluation of DHS's ability to identify, track, and monitor these individuals, including any challenges.
- Overview of DHS actions to reduce threats and block entry into the U.S.
- Congressional Notification: Within 60 days of the bill's enactment, DHS must submit the assessment to key congressional committees (House Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) in unclassified form, with a possible classified annex, and provide a briefing.
- Definitions: Clarifies terms like "appropriate congressional committees," FTO (under the Immigration and Nationality Act), and SDGTO (under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorism financing).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces a new, specific mandate for DHS to produce a targeted threat assessment on Syria-based terrorist affiliates, which was not previously required by law. It builds on existing frameworks for designating terrorist organizations but adds a one-time reporting obligation focused on Syria, enhancing transparency without altering broader immigration or sanctions laws.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Increases workload for DHS and interagency partners in compiling intelligence and reporting, potentially improving coordination on counterterrorism but straining resources if similar assessments become routine.
- On Citizens: Could indirectly bolster U.S. security by informing preventive measures against terrorism, though direct effects on daily life are minimal.
- On International Relations: May heighten U.S. scrutiny of Syria and affiliated groups, signaling stronger counterterrorism posture without direct diplomatic changes; could influence alliances or aid decisions related to Syrian stability.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily DHS, with involvement from the Departments of State and Treasury (for designations) and intelligence community.
- Congress: The specified committees gain detailed insights for oversight and potential future legislation on homeland security.
- U.S. Public and Security Officials: Benefits from enhanced threat awareness, though no direct citizen involvement.
- International Actors: Individuals and groups in Syria linked to FTOs or SDGTOs may face increased monitoring, indirectly affecting regional counterterrorism efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces executive branch duties under existing anti-terrorism laws (e.g., Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224) by mandating congressional reporting, promoting accountability without new enforcement powers.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight role in national security (Article I powers), ensuring checks on executive actions; no apparent conflicts with due process or privacy rights, as it focuses on threat assessment rather than individual targeting.
- Political: Enhances bipartisan homeland security focus amid ongoing global terrorism concerns, potentially influencing debates on immigration, foreign aid to Syria, or broader Middle East policy; the 60-day deadline pressures timely action but allows for classified elements to protect sensitive information.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2025-11-19: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-11-19: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4782)
- 2025-11-19: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4782)
- 2025-11-19: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1327.
- 2025-11-19: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4782-4783)
- 2025-11-19: Mr. Guest moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-07-10: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 162.
- 2025-07-10: Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-198.
- 2025-07-10: Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-198.
- 2025-04-09: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-04-09: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-25: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2025-03-25: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
Bill Versions
- Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act — issued 2025-11-19 — PDF (6 pages)
- Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (4 pages)
- Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (5 pages)
- Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (6 pages)