New Sanctions Mandate Freezing Assets and Revoking Visas for Anyone Associated with the Popular Resistance Committees

This legislation, titled the “Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act,” is all about locking down on specific militant groups through financial and immigration penalties. Starting 90 days after it becomes law, the bill mandates the President use powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to freeze all U.S.-controlled property and financial interests belonging to the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) and any affiliated foreign officials, agents, or entities.

The Automatic Lockout

Beyond freezing assets, the bill takes a hard line on immigration. The Secretary of State or Homeland Security must deem any foreign national (“alien”) associated with the PRC inadmissible to the U.S. Think of it as an automatic, non-negotiable lockout. This means no visa, no entry, and if they already have a visa, it’s instantly revoked, canceling any other entry documents they hold (SEC. 2). This is a big deal because it means that even a tenuous connection—if the administration defines it broadly—could lead to a permanent travel ban to the U.S. for individuals.

Who Bears the Risk?

While the bill targets specific foreign groups, these types of sanctions laws always carry a risk for regular people and businesses in the U.S. If you, or your small business, unknowingly conduct a transaction with a person or entity that the President determines is operating “under the PRC’s umbrella,” you could face severe penalties under IEEPA. This is a classic case of the fine print: U.S. persons have a strict obligation to ensure they aren't dealing with sanctioned parties, which can be difficult when the list of affiliates is broad and potentially opaque (SEC. 2).

The Executive Branch’s New Homework

This isn't just about immediate sanctions; it also forces the State Department to do some deep investigative work. Section 3 requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress within 90 days on whether the PRC and another group, the Lions Den, meet the criteria to be officially designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists or Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). If the Secretary decides they don't meet the criteria, they have to provide a detailed, specific explanation of why not. This ensures the Executive Branch can’t just ignore the request; they have to publicly document their findings. Furthermore, the State Department must continue reporting every two years on any new groups replacing the PRC, ensuring ongoing scrutiny.

Waivers and Loopholes

Sanctions are tough, but they aren't absolute. The bill gives the President the power to waive these sanctions for up to 180 days at a time if they certify to Congress that it’s vital for U.S. national security interests. This provides the Executive Branch with necessary flexibility in high-stakes diplomatic or intelligence situations, but it also means the sanctions could be temporarily lifted based on executive discretion, even if the group remains active. The only way sanctions are permanently lifted is if the President certifies the person or entity has stopped engaging in terrorism or, in the case of an organization, has officially disbanded (SEC. 2).