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Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Legislation to Sanction Hamas' Financers After Uptick in Crypto Donations

November 15, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish financial sanctions on foreign persons, agencies, and governments that assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), or their affiliates. Earlier this year, reporting revealed a surge in cryptocurrency donations to Hamas, circumventing international sanctions. 

Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) brought the bill for endorsement, which garnered the support of more than 75 percent of the Caucus.

“I’m honored that the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed my bipartisan legislation, the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act. With their support, the Caucus reinforced just how critical it is that the United States and our allies continue to isolate terrorist groups including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and cut them off at the source," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) .“This bill will strengthen sanctions to weaken these terrorist organizations which threaten our key ally Israel, undermine peace, and further destabilize the Middle East. I hope Congress will come together to pass this critical piece of legislation in our fight against terror.”

“Foreign support to Hamas and its affiliate militant groups undercut our nation’s efforts to promote peace and stability throughout the Middle East,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “The bipartisan Hamas International Financing Prevention Act sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate individuals and institutions who provide financial support to terrorist organizations like Hamas.”

“We cannot allow the emergence of Cryptocurrency to provide a loophole for Hamas, and other terrorist groups, to finance their operations,” said Rep. Van Taylor (TX-03). “The Hamas International Financing Prevention Act strengthens our anti-terrorism sanctions that help protect America, and our ally Israel, from those who seek to destroy democracy and plot attacks that murder innocent civilians.”

“Hamas is a terrorist organization committed to the destruction of the Jewish state and its people,” said Rep. Elaine Luria (VA-02). “The United States must hold accountable any individual or government aiding Hamas through substantial economic sanctions. There must be a price to pay by aiding and abetting terrorism.”

“Israel has long been an ally of the United States and has received bipartisan support from Congress. We must continue to show our unwavering commitment as they face threats from Hamas and other terrorist organizations,” said Rep. Young Kim (CA-39). “I’m proud to join with the Problem Solvers Caucus to ensure we protect U.S. interests, support our friends and hold bad actors accountable through enforcing sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. In today’s dynamic global landscape, stopping terrorism is more important than ever.” 

“The Hamas International Financing Prevention Act is an important effort to really address the growing threat of terrorism in the Middle East,” said Rep. Fred Upton (MI-06). “This bipartisan legislation sanctions the folks who are contributing to continued instability and terrorism in the region while also protecting innocent civilians. The bottom line is – Hamas must be held to account for their blatant human rights violations and real efforts to finance global terrorism. America will not tolerate anything less.”

“The United States has designated Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad as global terrorists. These groups are responsible for the deaths of more than 400 Israelis and at least 25 Americans. I fully support this bill to impose sanctions on anyone who knowingly assists or provides them with support. As the leader of the free world, America must stand firmly against terrorism,” said Rep. Tom Rice (SC-07).

“I applaud the Problem Solvers Caucus for endorsing the bipartisan Hamas International Financing Prevention Act,” said Rep. John Katko (NY-24). “Earlier this year, Israel again came under attack from a barrage of rocket attacks launched by well-funded terrorist organizations including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This bill imposes sanctions on foreign persons and governments that assist these organizations, preventing the evasion of existing sanctions and more effectively cutting off funding for terrorism. It’s a commonsense measure that takes the necessary steps to protect the state of Israel.”

The amas International Financing Prevention Act requires that Congress receive an annual report from the president for the next three years, identifying persons, agencies, and instruments of a foreign state who knowingly assist Hamas or other terrorist organization and their affiliates in the Gaza Strip. After identifying these organizations, the president must impose two or more sanctions.

The administration will also be required to report on governments that knowingly provide support to Hamas and other terrorist organizations, suspend assistance from the United States and instruct executive directors of each international financial institution to vote against any loan or technical assistance to that government. It is also required to prohibit any munitions exports to that government for one year.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.