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Graham, Blumenthal Introduce Save The Kurds Act
29.01.2026
Press Releases
Source:https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/1/graham-blumenthal-introduce-save-the-kurds-act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) today introduced the Save the Kurds Act, in response to the Syrian government forces’ repeated attacks on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The legislation would impose sanctions on Syrian government officials and financial institutions, and foreign individuals who engage in any transaction, including military or financial support, with the Syrian government.
During the U.S. effort to destroy the ISIS caliphate, the SDF contributed significantly to the success of the operation. Following the destruction of the caliphate, the SDF controlled northeastern Syria. After ousting the Assad government, the new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has waged a campaign against the Kurdish-led SDF under the guise of uniting the country after years of civil war. However, there is evidence that the attacks on the Kurdish-led SDF are being coordinated with and assisted by Turkey.
The SDF-controlled region of Syria has ISIS prisons guarded by the mainly Kurdish forces and is home to some 1,000 U.S. troops. The repeated attacks on the Kurds not only threatens the stability of the region, but also the safety of U.S. troops, and the U.S. relationship with the new Syrian government. It also risks the resurgence of the Islamic State. It is crucial to U.S. national security that its allies and partners are protected when threatened, and that ISIS is not allowed to regenerate.
“I believe that there is strong bipartisan support for the idea of protecting the Kurds in Syria and beyond because they have been such a reliable ally to the United States. The SDF – with a large Kurdish element – took the brunt of the fight to defeat ISIS in President Trump’s first term. I realize Syria is complicated culturally, ethnically and politically. However, attacking the Kurds greatly diminishes the United States’ standing and will hinder Syria’s ability to grow as a country. To those countries or groups who believe it is open season on the Kurds in Syria without consequence, you will be sadly mistaken,” said Graham.
“I believe we need to protect the Kurds in Syria and take action to ensure they are protected from any retribution or revenge by the Syrian government,” said Blumenthal.
The Save the Kurds Act:
- Imposes sanctions on Syrian government officials and financial institutions, and any foreign individual who engages in any transaction, including military or financial support, with the Syrian government.
- Recognizes the Kurdish-led SDF for their contributions in working with the U.S. to eliminate ISIS
- Redesignates Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)
- Requires congressional review for the removal of Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism
- Gives the president the authority to suspend sanctions upon certifying to Congress that the Syrian government has ceased all attacks on the Kurdish-led SDF and their partners
- Contains a snapback measure, requiring the president to immediately reimpose all sanctions if the Syrian government restarts all attacks on the Kurdish-led SDF or their partners
29.01.2026
Press Releases
Source:https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/1/graham-
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-
During the U.S. effort to destroy the ISIS caliphate, the SDF contributed significantly to the success of the operation. Following the destruction of the caliphate, the SDF controlled northeastern Syria. After ousting the Assad government, the new Syrian President Ahmed al-
The SDF-
“I believe that there is strong bipartisan support for the idea of protecting the Kurds in Syria and beyond because they have been such a reliable ally to the United States. The SDF – with a large Kurdish element – took the brunt of the fight to defeat ISIS in President Trump’s first term. I realize Syria is complicated culturally, ethnically and politically. However, attacking the Kurds greatly diminishes the United States’ standing and will hinder Syria’s ability to grow as a country. To those countries or groups who believe it is open season on the Kurds in Syria without consequence, you will be sadly mistaken,” said Graham.
“I believe we need to protect the Kurds in Syria and take action to ensure they are protected from any retribution or revenge by the Syrian government,” said Blumenthal.
The Save the Kurds Act:
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