Summary
Requires the government to label the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a global terrorist group and freeze all of its money.
What problem does this solve?
The bill claims the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has ties to the terrorist group Hamas. It directs the government to officially label CAIR as a terrorist group, which blocks its money and stops people from doing business with it.
Who does this affect?
- Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
- American Muslims
- Donors and partners of CAIR
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
Designation as a specially designated global terrorist
Labels CAIR a terrorist group
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to officially name the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and all its local chapters as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
Freezes all of CAIR's money
Blocks all money and property of CAIR that is in the United States. This prevents the organization from accessing or using its funds.
Bans business with CAIR
Forbids any person in the United States from doing any kind of business or transaction with CAIR.
Removes non-profit status
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend CAIR's tax-exempt status, meaning it would no longer be considered a non-profit charity.
Requires a report to congress
Orders the Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury to send a report to Congress within 30 days explaining why CAIR should be labeled a terrorist group.
What is the real world impact?
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Protects national security from terrorist financing
Aims to stop the flow of money to terrorist groups by sanctioning organizations that are presented as having ties to them. The bill argues this is necessary to prevent support for terrorism that is disguised as civil rights work.
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Could be seen as targeting a specific advocacy group
Critics may argue this bill unfairly targets a major Muslim civil rights organization based on past associations. This could be seen as an attempt to silence a group that is often critical of certain U.S. foreign policies.
When does this start?
The bill requires several actions to be taken shortly after it becomes law, including a report to Congress within 30 days.
Report to Congress
Within 30 days of the bill becoming law, a report must be sent to Congress explaining the decision to label CAIR as a terrorist group.