HR 340: Hamas and Other Palestinian Terrorist Groups International Financing Prevention Act

Congress: 118 · Status: active · Israel/Palestine classification: pro-Israel

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Official record on Congress.gov — full text, actions, and cosponsor history for HR 340.

Sponsor: Mast, Brian J. (R-Florida)

Summary

Hamas International Financing Prevention Act This bill imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any affiliate or successor groups. The President must periodically report to Congress a list of each foreign person (individual or entity) that knowingly provides significant support or services to or is involved in a significant transaction with a senior member or supporter of the targeted groups. The President must impose two or more sanctions on the named persons. Specifically, the person may be (1) denied credit and services from the Export-Import Bank, (2) barred from purchasing certain controlled defense articles, (3) denied exports of items on the U.S. Munitions List, (4) prevented from receiving exports of certain goods or technology controlled for national security reasons, (5) prohibited from receiving financing of more than $10 million from any U.S. financial institution, or (6) subject to property-blocking restrictions. The President must periodically report to Congress a list of foreign governments that have repeatedly provided material support for the targeted groups' terrorist activities. The President shall bar these governments from receiving for one year (1) U.S. assistance, or (2) exports of controlled munitions. The Department of the Treasury must instruct U.S. leadership of international financial institutions to oppose providing assistance to an identified government for one year. The bill provides for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for transactions that would serve U.S. national interests. The President must report to Congress and periodically provide briefings on other specified topics related to the targeted groups, such as where these groups secure financing and surveillance equipment.

Editorial Explainer

This bill requires the President to identify foreign individuals and entities that financially support Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or their successors, and impose at least two sanctions per person—such as blocking bank financing over $10 million, barring weapons exports, or freezing assets. It also identifies foreign governments that materially support these groups and bars them from receiving U.S. aid or weapons sales for one year. The President can waive sanctions if needed for U.S. national interests and must report regularly to Congress on financing sources and enforcement actions.

Why it matters

This establishes a statutory mechanism for targeting non-state actors and foreign governments accused of supporting Palestinian militant groups, making such sanctions harder to reverse without congressional action. It could affect U.S. relations with countries in the Middle East depending on how broadly the administration interprets 'material support' and 'significant transaction.'

Cosponsors (31)

Roll-call votes (432)