Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security in the West Bank Act; SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act
Summary
The "SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act" aims to codify and reinforce sanctions on individuals undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. It mandates the continuation of sanctions outlined in Executive Order 14115, effective as of January 19, 2025. The bill also reinstates sanctions revoked by Executive Order 14148.
The President retains the authority to terminate sanctions under specific conditions, including providing notice to relevant congressional committees. This notice must assure that the sanctioned individual has ceased the sanctionable activity and will not resume it.
The Act defines the appropriate congressional committees as the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this act would be to solidify existing sanctions related to the West Bank into law, making them more difficult to alter or remove without congressional action. It would also reinstate previously revoked sanctions, increasing the pressure on individuals or entities deemed to be undermining peace and security. This could lead to changes in behavior by those sanctioned, or increased economic pressure on them.
Furthermore, the Act ensures congressional oversight of the President's decisions regarding the termination of these sanctions.
Potential Benefits
- Reinforces U.S. commitment to peace and stability in the West Bank.
- Provides a legal framework for sanctions, increasing their credibility and enforceability.
- Enhances congressional oversight of executive actions related to these sanctions.
- Potentially deters activities that undermine peace and security in the region.
- Reinstatement of revoked sanctions demonstrates a firm stance against destabilizing actions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain diplomatic relations with entities or individuals affected by the sanctions.
- May have unintended economic consequences for the region.
- The broadness of the term 'undermining peace, security, and stability' could lead to inconsistent application of sanctions.
- Potential for retaliatory measures from those sanctioned.
- Could be viewed as an overreach of U.S. influence in the region.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad grant of authority to Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8). It also involves the President's power to conduct foreign policy, although this power is checked by the requirement of congressional notification before terminating sanctions. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution.
However, the specific application of sanctions could raise due process concerns if not implemented fairly and transparently. The balance between executive power in foreign affairs and congressional oversight is also a relevant consideration.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).