Designating Hamas Affiliates in America Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]
- Committees
- Ways and Means Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 9, 2026
Bottom line
The "Designating Hamas Affiliates in America Act of 2026" aims to officially label CAIR as a terrorist-affiliated organization, leading to severe financial and operational restrictions.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and all its chapters, affiliates, and successors as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under Executive Order 13224. This designation would block CAIR's assets within U.S. jurisdiction, prohibit transactions with CAIR by U.S. persons, and add CAIR to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Additionally, it mandates the suspension of CAIR's tax-exempt status. The bill also requires a report to Congress within 30 days detailing the criteria met for designation or a justification if criteria are not met.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that CAIR has documented ties to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, citing its unindicted co-conspirator status in a terrorism financing trial, alleged founding by Hamas supporters, and past involvement of several officials in terrorism-related crimes. They believe this designation is crucial for national security, preventing support for terrorism disguised as civil rights advocacy, and aligning U.S. policy with actions taken by some states and allies like the UAE.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that designating a prominent Muslim civil rights organization as a terrorist entity is an attack on civil liberties and freedom of speech, potentially chilling legitimate advocacy. They might contend that the evidence cited is outdated or circumstantial, and that such a designation could be seen as politically motivated, leading to discrimination against American Muslims. They would also likely highlight the potential for such a designation to be misused against other civil rights groups.
The bill is relatively short and its core provisions are clear, making it accessible for an informed reader to evaluate its direct impacts.
Section 3(a)
Mandated SDGT Designation for CAIR
This provision legally requires the Secretary of the Treasury, after consulting with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, to label the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), along with all its associated chapters and future entities, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This action is to be carried out under the authority of Executive Order 13224, which targets individuals and entities involved in or supporting terrorism.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue this provision is a necessary step to counter organizations they believe have documented ties to terrorist groups like Hamas, thereby protecting national security and preventing the funneling of funds or support to such entities. They cite the findings section as justification.
Critics contend
Opponents would argue that this provision targets a civil rights organization based on allegations, potentially infringing on constitutional rights of association and free speech. They might contend that such a broad designation could be politically motivated and lead to discrimination against American Muslims.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances national security concerns related to potential terrorist financing with concerns about civil liberties and the potential for overreach in designating domestic organizations.
Section 3(b)
Financial Restrictions on Designated CAIR Entities
Following the SDGT designation, this provision mandates three key financial actions: all assets belonging to CAIR within U.S. jurisdiction must be frozen; no U.S. person is allowed to conduct any financial transactions with CAIR; and CAIR will be added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, which is a public list of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries or individuals, groups, and entities.
Section 3(c)
Suspension of Tax-Exempt Status
This section directs the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend the tax-exempt status of CAIR, including all its chapters and affiliates, under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This means CAIR would no longer be recognized as a public charity, impacting its ability to receive tax-deductible donations and potentially incurring tax liabilities.
Section 4
Congressional Reporting on CAIR Designation
This section mandates that within 30 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General, must submit a detailed report to specific congressional committees. This report must either explain how CAIR meets the criteria for an SDGT designation under Executive Order 13224, or, if it does not, provide a detailed justification for which criteria were not met. The report is to be unclassified with a possible classified annex and made available electronically.