Bill Title
To impose sanctions against Hamas for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights by reason of the use of civilians as human shields, and for other purposes.
Committees
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Bill Summary
Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act (Sec. 3) This bill states that it is U.S. policy to condemn Hamas's use of human shields and act against those engaging in or supporting the use of human shields. (Sec. 4) The President is urged to direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (U.N.) to use U.S. influence at the Security Council to secure support for a resolution: (1) imposing multilateral sanctions against Hamas's use of human shields; and (2) specifying steps to prevent, and consequences for, the use of U.N. employees as human shields or facilities that enable that use. (Sec. 5) The President shall prohibit property transactions and U.S. entry (and revoke current visas) with respect to: (1) each foreign person or entity that is a member of or acting on behalf of Hamas and that is responsible for or complicit in Hamas's unlawful attempt to use civilians, civilian property, or other protected persons to shield military objectives from lawful attack; and (2) each foreign person or entity and each agency or instrumentality of a foreign state that has significantly facilitated or attempted to facilitate such an act. The President may waive a sanction for 180 days with prior congressional certification that such waiver is in U.S. national security interests.
Bill
Sponsor
Committee
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Date
Feb. 14, 2018
Question
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Vote Type
2/3 YEA-AND-NAY
Result
Passed
Description
Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act