Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.2581 - Iranian Terror Prevention Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.2581, the "Iranian Terror Prevention Act," aims to designate specific organizations as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and impose sanctions on them. The bill requires the Secretary of State to designate these organizations as FTOs within 90 days of enactment. It also mandates the President to determine whether to impose sanctions on these organizations within 60 days of enactment.

Expected Effects

The likely effect of this bill is increased sanctions and restrictions on the listed organizations and any entities affiliated with them. This could limit their ability to operate and access resources. Furthermore, it requires regular reporting to Congress on new entities meeting the criteria for FTO designation or sanctions.

Potential Benefits

  • Strengthened national security by hindering the operations of terrorist organizations.
  • Reduced financial support for terrorist activities.
  • Enhanced international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Increased public safety by limiting the reach of these organizations.
  • Greater transparency through required reports to Congress.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for unintended consequences affecting humanitarian efforts in regions where these organizations operate.
  • Possible escalation of tensions with Iran and related groups.
  • Risk of misidentification or over-designation of organizations.
  • Increased burden on government agencies for monitoring and enforcement.
  • Potential for negative impacts on diplomatic relations.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the US Constitution by exercising Congress's power to regulate foreign commerce and provide for national defense (Article I, Section 8). The designation of foreign terrorist organizations and imposition of sanctions fall under the purview of foreign policy and national security, which are constitutionally granted powers. The regular reporting to Congress ensures accountability and oversight, consistent with the principle of checks and balances.

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).