Civic Register
| 1.28.19

Senate Revives Middle East Bill That Stalled During Shutdown

Do you support the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act?

The Senate on Monday voted 74-19 to take up the bipartisan Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act, which Senate Democrats blocked three times in procedural votes during the partial government shutdown.

With the lapse in funding now concluded, the bill is expected to get broad support for its eventual passage from both sides of the aisle. It contains four measures that were introduced as standalone bills in the last Congress and received significant support:

  • The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act would impose new sanctions on supporters of the Assad regime in Syria, encourage negotiations to end the crisis, and begin investigations that will eventually lead to the prosecution of war criminals. (Passed the House on a voice vote.)
  • The U.S.-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act would codify into law the 2016 memorandum of understanding signed by Israel and the U.S. guaranteeing $38 billion in defense assistance over 10 years. (Differing versions passed the House & Senate on voice votes last Congress.)
  • The U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Extension Act would extend the country of Jordan’s eligibility for streamlined defense sales through 2022. (Passed the House & the Senate Banking Committee on voice votes last Congress.)
  • The Combating BDS Act would allow a state or local government to divest its assets from, prohibit investments in, or restrict contracting with entities engaged in boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) activity targeting Israel. (“Hotlined” for unanimous approval by leadership of both parties in the last Congress.)

All 19 nays in Monday’s procedural vote came from senators who caucus as Democrats, including several who have announced a presidential campaign or are exploring such a bid: Sherrod Brown (OH), Kamala Harris (CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Bernie Sanders (VT), and Elizabeth Warren (MA).

Having cleared its first procedural hurdle, the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act will likely be up for a passage vote later in the week.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: anjci via wikimedia / Creative Commons)