Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act
This bill, titled the Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act, would require the United States to impose broad sanctions on the Popular Resistance Committees (PRCs) and any people or entities connected to them, as well as create a process to evaluate and potentially designate the Lions’ Den and the PRCs (and related groups) as terrorist organizations or under related sanctions regimes. The sanctions would kick in 90 days after enactment and could include blocking property in the United States, visa and admission bans for foreign individuals tied to these groups, and other penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The bill also directs ongoing reporting to Congress about the status of related groups and potential new entities operating under the PRC umbrella. In addition to the sanctions, the bill would require periodic State Department reporting to determine whether the Lions’ Den and the PRCs meet criteria for designation as specially designated global terrorists (SDGT) or as foreign terrorist organizations, and for continuing to monitor and report on any new entities linked to the PRCs. The bill includes standard waivers (e.g., for UN obligations or national security needs) and allows termination of sanctions if the President certifies certain conditions. Overall, the measure would intensify U.S. financial and visa restrictions on Palestinian militant groups linked to the PRCs and would formalize a process to evaluate related groups for designation.
Key Points
- 1Sanctions on PRCs and affiliates: Starting 90 days after enactment, the President must impose sanctions on the Popular Resistance Committees, their officials/agents/affiliates, entities owned or controlled by them, and any armed groups operating under their umbrella.
- 2Sanctions tools: Includes blocking property and prohibiting transactions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; visa/admission/parole bans for foreign individuals tied to these groups; and automatic revocation of existing U.S. visas for affected individuals.
- 3Exceptions: Exempts actions necessary to meet United Nations Headquarters Agreement obligations and authorizes sanctions to exclude lawful intelligence, law enforcement, and national security activities.
- 4Reports on designations: Requires a detailed State Department report within 90 days on whether Lions’ Den and PRCs meet criteria for SDGT designation or as a foreign terrorist organization, with full justification if not designated. Then, at least every two years, ongoing reporting on new entities under the PRCs umbrella and whether they meet SDGT, FTO, or sanction criteria.
- 5Definitions and scope: Defines terms such as “foreign person,” “entity,” “foreign terrorist organization,” and “United States person” to clarify who is targeted and who is protected. Also specifies who the “appropriate committees of Congress” are for reporting and oversight.
- 6Waiver and termination authorities: The President may waive sanctions for up to 180 days if vital to national security, and may terminate sanctions if the entity stops engaging in terrorism or winds down operations.