Free Syria Act of 2013

Bill: 113-hr-1327
Sponsor: Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-16]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Arms control and nonproliferation
Aviation and airports
Chemical and biological weapons
Child safety and welfare
Congressional oversight
Crime victims
Crimes against women
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Domestic violence and child abuse
Foreign aid and international relief
Foreign loans and debt
Health facilities and institutions
Health personnel
Human rights
Immigration status and procedures
International exchange and broadcasting
International law and treaties
International organizations and cooperation
Iraq
Jordan
Lebanon
Marriage and family status
Medical ethics
Middle East
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
Multilateral development programs
Nuclear weapons
Palestinians
Racial and ethnic relations
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
Sanctions
Sex offenses
Syria
Terrorism
Trade restrictions
Turkey
United Nations
Visas and passports
War crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity
Women's rights
World health

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Free Syria Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that:
 
 
the United States should increase its humanitarian support for those affected by the conflict in Syria;
 
Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon should be commended for keeping its borders open to Syrian refugees;
 
the President should urge other countries in the area to keep their borders open for such purpose, and should urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to expedite the protection and resettlement of the most vulnerable refugees;
 
the President should provide temporary immigration relief measures for and grant humanitarian parole to Syrian nationals with approved immigrant petitions;
 
the United States should coordinate its assistance efforts with the Syrian Opposition Coalition's Assistance Coordination Unit;
 
individuals within the Bashar al Assad (Assad) regime who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity must be brought to justice;
 
U.S. military assistance should be provided only to groups demonstrating a commitment to securing, safeguarding, and ultimately eliminating Syrian chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons-related materials;
 
the United States should provide non-lethal military equipment to friendly Syrian opposition military forces;
 
all countries should deny the use of their airspace to Syrian-bound Iranian aircraft containing weapons; and
 
the United States and its partners should take steps to ensure that women are full and equal participants in negotiations regarding the future of Syria and in all transitional and future Syrian government institutions.
 
 
Outlines governing principles for the provision of U.S. humanitarian assistance to address the Syrian conflict. Authorizes assistance for the protection of women, children, and other vulnerable populations affected. Prohibits any assistance to an entity that has attacked or prevented the operation or activities of health care facilities or providers. Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide additional humanitarian assistance to Syria.
 
Earmarks funds authorized under this Act for Syrian opposition-allied local coordination committees and the provision of U.S. civilian broadcasting to Syria. Requires assistance funds to be marked as being &quot;From the American People&quot; and to include a representation of the U.S. flag.
 
Expresses the sense of Congress supporting the provision of appropriate military assistance for vetted Syrian opposition forces. Authorizes the President to direct the drawdown of Department of Defense (DOD) defense articles and services, and to provide military education and training, for such forces.
 
Authorizes the President to:
 
 
establish a program to facilitate the destruction of Syrian chemical and biological weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, and associated parts and equipment;
 
provide assistance, make contributions, and use the U.S. voice, vote, and influence to provide post-Assad governmental transition assistance to Syria; and
 
temporarily suspend certain sanctions against Syria in the event of a post-Assad government which meets specified requirements.
 
 
Provides temporary personnel authorities in connection with aiding Syria in the establishment of a post-regime government.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-04-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration And Border Security.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House