CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS REMAIN VIGILANT REGARDING OPPORTUNITIES AFFORDED BY TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 19, 2025
In a formal statement released today, the Western Syria Development (WSD) organization expressed its profound gratitude to the 134 Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives for their vigilant stance regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria and their unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities.
The organization specifically praised the leadership of Speaker Johnson, Representative Brian Mast, and Representative Josh Brecheen for their powerful and principled stance. The WSD emphasized that the dedication shown by these lawmakers serves as a “beacon of hope” and a vital moral step toward achieving justice and human dignity in the region.
The recognition comes following the signing of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on December 18, 2025, which included provisions for lifting sanctions. WSD noted that the leadership demonstrated by these members is crucial for creating the necessary conditions for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for all communities in Syria, including Christians, Druze, Alawites, Kurds, and others who have historically faced persecution.
“We thank you for your courageous position and your dedication to a future where all communities are protected and thrive,” the organization stated.
The statement aligns with the commitment made by the 134 members of Congress—led by the House Foreign Affairs Committee—to maintain a “watchful eye” on the new Syrian administration. The lawmakers have signaled their intent to hold hearings in early 2026 to ensure that the conditions for sanctions relief, specifically the protection of minorities in areas like Suwayda, are strictly upheld.
The Western Syria Development organization extends its thanks to the following members of Congress for their leadership:
Josh Brecheen, Marlin Stutzman, Brian Mast, Max Miller, Jay Ellzey, Paul A. Gosar, Michael Cloud, Andrew S. Clyde, Rich McCormick, Michael Guest, Nicole Malliotakis, Clay Higgins, Ron Estes, Claudia Tenney, Gary Palmer, John Moolenaar, Michael A. Rulli, Scott Perry, Lauren Boebert, Mark Harris, Nathaniel Moran, Bruce Westerman, Ralph Norman, Russell Fry, Randy Fine, Blake Moore, Glenn Thompson, Austin Scott, Lloyd Smucker, Randy Weber, Russ Fulcher, Morgan Luttrell, Jefferson Shreve, Sheri Biggs, Young Kim, Andy Harris, Andy Biggs, Tony Wied, Mike Bost, Andy Ogles, Diana Harshbarger, Eli Crane, Doug LaMalfa, Derek Schmidt, Keith Self, Barry Moore, Brian Babin, Mike Kennedy, Jay Obernolte, Michael V. Lawler, Mike Collins, Nick Begich, Stephanie Bice, Cory Mills, Glenn Grothman, Daniel Webster, Eric Burlison, Bill Huizenga, Robert B. Aderholt, Thomas Tiffany, Derrick Van Orden, Ronny Jackson, Craig Goldman, Ben Cline, Byron Donalds, John Carter, Kat Cammack, David Schweikert, Ryan Zinke, Scott DesJarlais, Brandon Gill, John Rose, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Riley Moore, Aaron Bean, Nick Langworthy, Julie Fedorchak, Juan Ciscomani, Earl “Buddy” Carter, Chip Roy, Tim Burchett, Anna Paulina Luna, August Pfluger, Jim Jordan, Ryan Mackenzie, Pete Stauber, Zach Nunn, Tim Moore, Brad Finstad, John Rutherford, Burgess Owens, Harriet M. Hageman, Michael Baumgartner, Tim Walberg, Beth Van Duyne, Mike Ezell, Michael McCaul, Mark Amodei, Mark Alford, Adrian Smith, Nick LaLota, Tom Barrett, Celeste Maloy, Rick W. Allen, Mary E. Miller, Chuck Fleischmann, Rudy Yakym III, Carlos Giménez, Brian Jack, Wesley Hunt, Andy Barr, Andrew Garbarino, Gus Bilirakis, Tracey Mann, Addison McDowell, Chuck Edwards, John McGuire, Erin Houchin, Virginia Foxx, Lance Gooden, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Troy Downing, Warren Davidson, Eric A. “Rick” Crawford, Jodey C. Arrington, Pat Harrigan, H. Morgan Griffith, Carol D. Miller, David Joyce, Brett Guthrie, James Moylan, Chris Smith, and Victoria Spartz.