Washington, USA, Voice of the Emirates – In a remarkable development that reflects a shift in American priorities regarding Syria,the US Chamber of Commerce called for the complete and permanent repeal of the “Caesar Civilian Protection Act” of 2019.
Considering that the law no longer serves the United States’ strategic goals after “the fall of the Assad regime and the formation of a new government” in Damascus.
Official message to Congress
John Murphy, Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sent an official letter dated October 21, 2025,
to the ranking members of the Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs Committees of Congress,
Expressing the Chamber’s support for bipartisan efforts to end the law.
“On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,I express our support for the bipartisan effort to permanently repeal the Caesar Act,given the fundamental political changes in Syria,” Murphy said in his letter.
From Sanctions to Investment Opportunities
The chamber explained that the law, which was imposed to pressure the Syrian regime over human rights violations, has become ineffective following recent political changes.
She stressed that the continued sanctions severely restrict American companies wishing to enter the Syrian market.
Murphy criticized the “legal uncertainty” created by the temporary exemptions,
Stressing that this unstable environment weakens the competitiveness of American companies compared to their counterparts from Russia and China,
Some European Union countries have begun opening trade channels with Damascus.
The letter stated: “Without a full repeal of the law, American companies will remain marginalized, while other companies shape the future of the Syrian economy.”
Rare consensus in the Senate
This pressure comes from the largest trade group in the United States after an initial political move,
The US Senate already voted on October 10, 2025, to repeal the Caesar Act,
as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
This step is an indication of a rare political consensus
between the two parties regarding changing the approach towards the Syrian file.
It now awaits House approval and the US President’s signature for formal repeal.
It is noteworthy that the Caesar Act was issued in 2019,
imposing harsh economic sanctions on the Syrian regime and all those who deal with it commercially.
She stressed that the continued sanctions severely restrict American companies wishing to enter the Syrian market.
