Bill Mandates Sanctions on Popular Resistance Committees Within 90 Days, Requires Terror Designation Reports

This legislation, the Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act, directs the U.S. government to impose sanctions on the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) and requires official reports on whether the PRC and another group, Lions Den, meet the criteria for formal terrorist designations. The core aim is to hold these groups accountable, citing their involvement in terrorist activities, including the October 7th attacks against Israel.

Closing the Doors: The Sanction Details

Starting 90 days after this bill becomes law, the government must impose significant restrictions on the PRC. This includes freezing any assets or property connected to the PRC that are within U.S. jurisdiction – think bank accounts or investments. The sanctions extend beyond the main group to target any foreign individuals identified as officials, agents, or affiliates of the PRC, any entities they own or control, and any armed groups operating under the PRC banner. Furthermore, individuals associated with the PRC will be barred from entering the U.S.; any existing visas they hold must be revoked immediately. For example, someone working with a community organization found to be an 'affiliate' could suddenly lose access to U.S.-based funding or be denied entry for a planned visit. Violating these sanctions carries penalties outlined in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Under the Microscope: Terror Designation Reviews

The bill doesn't stop at sanctions. It mandates the Secretary of State to investigate and report back to Congress within 90 days on whether the PRC and Lions Den meet the specific legal criteria to be formally designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) or Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The legislation notes findings that Lions Den has conducted attacks since 2022 and allegedly receives funds from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. If the Secretary determines either group doesn't meet the criteria, a detailed explanation is required. This reporting isn't a one-off; follow-up reports are mandated every two years to identify any new groups potentially operating under the PRC umbrella and assess if they, too, warrant designation or sanctions.

Reading Between the Lines: Waivers and Exceptions

While the sanctions are mandatory, the bill includes some flexibility. Standard exceptions apply, ensuring the rules don't interfere with U.S. obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement or hinder authorized intelligence or law enforcement activities. More significantly, the President retains the power to waive the sanctions for up to 180 days if deemed 'vital to the national security interests of the United States,' though Congress must be notified 15 days prior. This waiver authority provides an escape hatch but also raises questions about how consistently the sanctions might be applied. The sanctions can eventually be lifted if the President certifies to Congress that the targeted person or group is no longer involved in terrorism.