The 'Stop Arming Terrorists Act'
A detailed examination of a proposed legislative measure aimed at restricting U.S. government support to entities designated as terrorist organizations and their state sponsors.
Act Overview ๐ Legislative Journey ๐Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Legislative Overview
Core Objective
The 'Stop Arming Terrorists Act' is a legislative proposal designed to prohibit the allocation of United States government funds for providing assistance to specified terrorist organizations, including Al Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly Nusra Front), and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Furthermore, it seeks to prevent such assistance from being directed towards nations identified as supporting these organizations.
Key Proponents
This legislative initiative was primarily championed by two prominent figures in U.S. politics:
- Representative Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, Hawaii's 2nd congressional district) introduced the House version (H.R. 608) on January 23, 2017.
- Senator Rand Paul (Republican, Kentucky) introduced the Senate companion bill (S. 532) on March 6, 2017.
The act's introduction reflects a critical stance on U.S. foreign aid and intervention policies, particularly concerning conflicts in regions like Syria and Yemen.
Stated Rationale
Representative Gabbard articulated the rationale behind the bill, emphasizing the counterproductive nature of funding regime change wars and the ethical and legal implications of inadvertently supporting terrorist groups through U.S. foreign assistance. The act aims to align U.S. policy with existing laws that prohibit providing material support to designated terrorist organizations.
Legislative Trajectory
Initial Introductions (2017)
The 'Stop Arming Terrorists Act' was first introduced in both chambers of Congress in early 2017:
- House of Representatives: H.R. 608 was introduced by Representative Tulsi Gabbard on January 23, 2017. It garnered initial support from six co-sponsors, including Republicans Walter B. Jones Jr. and Thomas Garrett Jr.
- United States Senate: S. 532 was introduced by Senator Rand Paul on March 6, 2017. This Senate version did not secure any co-sponsors during its legislative process.
Pathway to the NDAA
While the standalone bills did not advance significantly, Representative Gabbard successfully advocated for the inclusion of a critical provision within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. This strategic maneuver ensured that the core intent of the 'Stop Arming Terrorists Act' was incorporated into broader defense legislation.
House Bill: H.R. 608
Bill Text and Sponsorship
H.R. 608, formally titled "To prohibit the use of United States Government funds to provide assistance to Al Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and to countries supporting those organizations, and for other purposes," was introduced on January 23, 2017. Representative Gabbard was the primary sponsor, joined by several original co-sponsors.
Co-Sponsorship Details
The bill attracted a diverse group of co-sponsors, indicating some bipartisan interest in its objectives. As of November 2017, 14 members of the House of Representatives had co-sponsored H.R. 608. The following table details the initial co-sponsors and subsequent additions:
Senate Bill: S. 532
Limited Traction
Senator Rand Paul introduced the Senate companion bill, S. 532, on March 6, 2017. Despite its introduction, the bill did not garner any co-sponsors. This lack of broader support in the Senate suggests that the legislative momentum for the standalone bill was primarily concentrated in the House of Representatives during that session.
Integration into NDAA FY2020
Legislative Language
On June 13, 2019, Representative Gabbard successfully integrated a provision derived from the 'Stop Arming Terrorists Act' into the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. This provision, codified as Section 1228, established a prohibition on the use of funds for supporting specific organizations. The relevant text states:
Representative Gabbard's Statement
Following the inclusion of this provision, Representative Gabbard remarked on its significance:
Policy Context and Amendments
Gottheimer Amendment
During the legislative process concerning the NDAA, Representative Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, New Jersey's 5th congressional district) proposed an amendment on July 11, 2019. This amendment sought to expand the list of prohibited organizations within the defense bill to explicitly include 'Hamas, Hizballah, Palestine Islamic Jihad, al-Shabaab, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' after 'Jabhat Fateh al Sham'. This amendment was subsequently incorporated into the final version of the NDAA.
Broader Implications
The 'Stop Arming Terrorists Act' and its subsequent inclusion in the NDAA highlight ongoing debates within U.S. foreign policy regarding the scope of military and financial aid, the definition of support to terrorist organizations, and the complex geopolitical landscape of regions like the Middle East. The legislation reflects a desire to ensure U.S. resources are not inadvertently fueling conflicts or supporting groups that undermine national security interests.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Stop Arming Terrorists Act" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- "https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/608/all-info"
- "https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/532"
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice for Learners
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence system for educational and informational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, the content represents a synthesis of information and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments.
This is not legal or policy advice. The information presented herein should not be construed as professional legal counsel, policy recommendation, or definitive analysis. It is intended to supplement academic study and critical engagement with the subject matter. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult primary legislative texts, official government sources, and scholarly analyses for comprehensive understanding and to seek advice from qualified professionals for any specific legal or policy-related inquiries.
The creators of this educational resource are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided. Users are responsible for their own critical evaluation and application of the material.