Save the Kurds Act

Bill Number: S. 3740
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-01-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Last Updated: 2026-02-20T15:40:54Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Save the Kurds Act" (S. 3740) aims to protect the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) by imposing comprehensive sanctions and other measures on the Government of Syria. It recognizes the SDF's role in defeating ISIS and detaining its fighters, while condemning actions that undermine their efforts. The legislation seeks to pressure Syria to cease attacks on the SDF, prevent the resurgence of terrorism, and maintain U.S. national security interests in the region.

Key Provisions

The bill is structured into four titles, outlining specific actions:

Title I: Redesignation of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
Requires the Secretary of State to immediately designate HTS (also known as al-Nusrah Front) as a foreign terrorist organization under U.S. immigration law, subjecting it to restrictions on travel, funding, and support.

Title II: Congressional Review of Termination of Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation
Allows the President to terminate Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism (a label that triggers export controls and aid restrictions) only after submitting a report to Congress justifying it as in U.S. national security interests.
Provides a 90-day (or 120-day in certain periods) congressional review period, during which termination is paused. Congress can disapprove via a joint resolution, requiring expedited procedures and a three-fifths Senate vote for passage.
Outlines detailed rules for introducing, debating, and voting on the resolution in both chambers.

Title III: Sanctions and Other Measures
Sanctions on Syrian Officials and Supporters (Sec. 301): Blocks property and imposes visa bans on Syria's president, key ministers, military leaders, and central bank officials; also targets foreign persons involved in corruption, human rights abuses, support for Syrian forces, or sanctions evasion.
Sanctions on Syrian Financial Institutions (Sec. 302): Blocks property, restricts U.S. accounts, and bans transactions with Syria's Central Bank and government-owned banks; targets their leaders with similar measures. Requires periodic reviews and updates.
Reimposition of Prior Sanctions (Sec. 303): Restores sanctions from four repealed Executive Orders (from 2004–2011) related to blocking Syrian government property and exports.
Sanctions on Government-Controlled Entities (Sec. 304): Blocks property of entities owned or controlled by Syria, with ongoing reviews.
Prohibitions on Funds, Investments, and Trade (Secs. 305–310):
Bans U.S. banks and brokers from processing fund transfers to/from Syria or its officials (with exceptions for licensed transactions).
Prohibits listing or trading Syrian government-affiliated securities on U.S. exchanges.
Forbids new U.S. investments in Syria and certain service exports.
Sanctions foreign persons aiding Syria's energy production (e.g., oil, gas).
Bans U.S. persons from buying Syrian sovereign debt.
Targets financial messaging systems (like SWIFT alternatives) used to evade sanctions.

Title IV: General Provisions
Exceptions (Sec. 401): Exempts U.S. intelligence activities, humanitarian aid (e.g., food, medicine), UN obligations, law enforcement, and pre-existing Treasury general licenses.
Implementation and Penalties (Sec. 402): Authorizes the President to use emergency economic powers; applies civil and criminal penalties for violations; requires regulations within 180 days.
Other Rules (Secs. 403–407): No sanctions on importing goods; allows presidential suspension if Syria stops attacking the SDF (with automatic reinstatement if attacks resume); clarifies it does not limit other presidential powers or authorize military force; sunsets the Act after 5 years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Reinstates sanctions from four Executive Orders repealed as of June 30, 2025, effectively reversing recent easing of restrictions on Syria.
Introduces mandatory, time-bound congressional oversight for lifting Syria's state sponsor of terrorism status, shifting some foreign policy authority from the executive branch.
Expands sanctions to new areas, such as energy exports, sovereign debt purchases, and financial messaging systems, while adding human rights and anti-corruption criteria for targeting individuals and entities.
Codifies protections for the SDF by linking sanctions suspension to cessation of attacks on them, a novel condition not previously emphasized in U.S. Syria policy.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The U.S. Departments of Treasury, State, and Justice will face increased administrative burdens for implementing sanctions, reviews, and regulations; the Securities and Exchange Commission must enforce trading bans. This could strain resources for monitoring compliance.
On Citizens and U.S. Persons: American businesses, banks, and individuals are restricted from dealings with Syria, potentially limiting investment opportunities and increasing compliance costs; visa and travel bans affect targeted foreigners but allow humanitarian exceptions to minimize civilian harm.
On International Relations: Pressures Syria economically to protect U.S. allies like the SDF, potentially strengthening ties with Kurdish groups and regional partners while straining relations with Syria and its supporters (e.g., Russia, Iran). Could complicate global financial systems if foreign banks face secondary sanctions, and the HTS redesignation reinforces U.S. counterterrorism stance.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Government and Congress: Executive branch implements sanctions; Congress gains veto power over terrorism designation changes.
Syrian Government and Officials: Faces asset freezes, travel bans, and economic isolation, impacting over 20 named officials and affiliated entities.
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF): Primary beneficiaries, as the Act supports their role against ISIS and conditions relief on ending attacks against them.
U.S. Businesses and Financial Institutions: Restricted from Syrian transactions, investments, and energy deals, affecting sectors like finance, energy, and trade.
Foreign Persons and Entities: Includes international banks, energy firms, and human rights abusers supporting Syria, who risk U.S. sanctions.
Syrian Civilians and Economy: Broad economic pressure may worsen humanitarian conditions, though exceptions aim to protect aid flows.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for implementation, broadening its use against Syria; exceptions preserve humanitarian access and avoid conflicts with international obligations like UN treaties. The 5-year sunset provides a temporary framework, allowing future adjustments.
Constitutional: Enhances Congress's role in foreign affairs via expedited review procedures, potentially checking executive power on sanctions and designations—viewed as an exercise of rulemaking authority but could face challenges if seen as infringing on presidential prerogatives. Explicitly states no authorization for military force, respecting war powers separation.
Political: Signals strong U.S. bipartisan support (introduced by Sens. Graham and Blumenthal) for the SDF amid Syria's instability, countering ISIS threats, and addressing human rights; may influence regional dynamics by isolating Syria but risks escalation if suspensions are triggered by renewed conflicts.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]

Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]

Recent Actions

2026-01-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
2026-01-29: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Save the Kurds Act — issued 2026-01-29 — PDF (39 pages)