U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Thwart Funding via Fiat and Digital Assets

In a bipartisan move, U.S. lawmakers have brought forth a groundbreaking bill to the Senate, aiming to curb terror organizations and their financial backers from accessing financial resources, be it in traditional fiat or digital assets. Named The Terrorist Financing Prevention Act of 2023, this legislation seeks to plug all channels through which terror groups secure funding for their activities.

Going beyond the conventional, the proposed law extends its sanctions to foreign corporations supporting U.S.-designated terror groups. This includes both traditional financial institutions and digital asset firms, reflecting a holistic approach to counteract terror financing.

The key focus of The Terrorist Financing Prevention Act of 2023 is to prevent Foreign Terrorist Organizations and their financial supporters, including those leveraging digital assets, from infiltrating U.S. financial institutions. The legislation introduces rigorous sanctions and regulations as deterrents against such activities.

According to the drafted law, the government seeks to ban or hold firms accountable for any involvement in terror financing. The President is empowered to impose stringent conditions for opening a U.S. payable account by an organization found guilty of such offenses. Digital asset transactions between financial entities and proscribed institutions would also face prohibition under the law.

Enforcement of the Act, once passed, will align with the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, including penalties for violators. Notably, the Secretary is mandated to promptly report any group or financial institution facilitating a terror transaction within 60 days of the Act's enactment.

The legislation gains momentum in the wake of the October 7 attacks on Israel, which saw Hamas allegedly receiving $41 million. The cryptocurrency community expressed concern, prompting regulatory calls for stricter sanctions. Senator Mitt Romney, a supporter of the bill, emphasized the government's duty to combat terror finance across all avenues, including cryptocurrencies.

The proposed bill marks a significant stride in fortifying the U.S. against terror financing by encompassing both traditional and digital financial realms. With an emphasis on accountability, sanctions, and proactive reporting, the legislation strives to ensure a robust defense against the funding of terror organizations. As discussions unfold, this legislative move aims to address emerging threats involving digital assets, signaling a commitment to financial security on a global scale.