Designating Hamas Affiliates in America

Full Title:
Designating Hamas Affiliates in America Act of 2026

Summary#

This bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consulting 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 a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224. If designated, the bill requires that CAIR's assets in the United States be blocked, that CAIR be added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, and that no United States person may engage in any transaction with CAIR. The bill also directs the Treasury to suspend CAIR's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code section 501(p). Finally, the bill requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General, to report to specified congressional committees within 30 days explaining how CAIR meets (or does not meet) the criteria for SDGT designation. The bill text includes a series of findings that allege links between CAIR and Hamas and other conduct or actions taken by individuals associated with CAIR and by some state and foreign authorities.

What it means for you#

  • For CAIR and its chapters: the bill would require blocking of U.S.-based assets, addition to the SDN list, and suspension of federal tax-exempt status if the designation is made.
  • For individuals and organizations in the United States: the bill states that no U.S. person may engage in any transaction with CAIR if the designation is made.
  • For federal agencies: Treasury, State, and the Justice Department must consult on the designation and provide a written report to several congressional committees within 30 days of enactment.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated federal costs or budget effects is included in the bill text. The bill requires agencies to prepare a report within 30 days, but it does not provide cost estimates or appropriations.

Proponents' View#

The bill's findings state reasons for the designation. Those findings cite past court references, criminal convictions and deportations of certain individuals previously associated with or described as connected to CAIR, state and foreign designations or restrictions, and alleged statements by some CAIR leaders. The bill says designating entities as SDGTs allows the United States to block assets and prohibit transactions to disrupt terrorist financing and that such designations are necessary to protect national security interests.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' views or formal objections to this bill is included in the bill text or metadata.