The United States House of Representatives took a significant step in December 2025 by voting forward a bill aimed at repealing the restrictive Caesar Act sanctions on Syria. These sanctions, originally imposed in 2019 under the Trump administration, targeted the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad for war crimes committed during the country's 13-year civil war. The repeal legislation was included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), indicating its integration into a larger defense spending package. Representative Brian Mast acknowledged that the repeal provides Syria an opportunity to chart a post-Assad future, although the bill includes provisions allowing the White House to reimpose sanctions if deemed necessary. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for approval before the year's end. This policy shift follows the December 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces, which led to his exile in Russia and the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa as Syria's new leader. Subsequent actions by the US, including lifting some sanctions and diplomatic engagement with al-Sharaa, have paved the way for this congressional move. Human rights advocates have supported the easing of sanctions, emphasizing the potential for economic recovery in a country devastated by war. Syrian officials, including the central bank governor, have described sanction relief as crucial and transformative. Moreover, the United Nations Security Council has also removed sanctions on key Syrian figures previously linked to terrorist groups, signaling broader international support for Syria's transitional period. Despite these advances, Syria continues to face substantial challenges from the war's damage and instability. The newly proposed legislation includes mechanisms for monitoring Syria's progress in combating Islamist militants and protecting vulnerable minorities, emphasizing ongoing international scrutiny even as sanctions lift. This development reflects evolving US policy and the complex balance between accountability and reconstruction in post-conflict Syria.