The US House of Representatives on Wednesday evening approved a bill that would sanction foreign supporters of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations.
Titled the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, the bill passed by a majority of 363 to 46. Some 45 Democrats and one Republican voted against the legislation, which will now head to the Senate.
The bipartisan initiative was led by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).
The legislation requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report for the next three years identifying foreign persons, agencies or instrumentalities of a foreign state who knowingly and materially assist Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or an affiliate or successor of one of those organizations.
After identifying the organizations, the President must impose two or more sanctions, including denying export-import guarantees; Defense support under the Arms Export Control Act; Export of munitions to any agreement to which a person identified is a part; Export of goods or technology controlled for national security reasons; Loans more than $10 million; and Seizure of property held within the United States.
The bill also requires the President to report to Congress on each government that provides support for acts of terrorism and provides material support to Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or any affiliate or successor organization, or the President determines to have engaged in a significant transaction to knowingly and materially provide support to Hamas, Islamic Jihad or any affiliate or successor organization.