Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 — Legislation

Type

Act

Legislative Body

Congress (Joint)

Bill/Order Number

H.R. 2297

Status

Signed into Law

Effective Date

12/18/2015

About

The Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 (HIFPA), enacted as Public Law 114-102 (H.R. 2297) on December 18, 2015, when signed by President Barack Obama, is a U.S. law aimed at disrupting Hezbollah's financial networks. Introduced by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, with original co-sponsors including Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), this bipartisan legislation directs mandatory sanctions on fundraising and recruitment for Hezbollah, financial institutions knowingly facilitating transactions with Hezbollah or designated entities, agencies of foreign states providing financial support to Hezbollah, and other measures to deny access to international financial systems. It includes diplomatic initiatives against Iran-backed Hezbollah networks and provisions addressing Hezbollah's narcotics trafficking and transnational crime. Preceded by the unsuccessful H.R. 4411 in the 113th Congress, HIFPA has been amended by Public Law 115-272 (October 25, 2018) and Public Law 117-263 (December 23, 2022). The law has been criticized by some as overly broad and harmful to Lebanese civilians.

Key Relationships

David Schenker

challenged

As Assistant Secretary of State, and previously as Levant Country Director at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, David Schenker was a vocal supporter involved in the implementation and enforcement of the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015. His public statements and policy directives were cited in legal challenges to the act's enforcement. Hezbollah, its allies, and critics—including advocacy groups and legal scholars—have legally challenged the act's provisions, particularly those targeting financial institutions and state actors facilitating Hezbollah's operations. These critics argued the law's implementation disproportionately harmed Lebanese civilians and undermined U.S. diplomatic efforts in Lebanon. Schenker's role in enforcing the law consequently made him a target for opposition from groups advocating for a more nuanced approach to Hezbollah.

Since 2015

David Schenker

lobbied_for

During his tenure at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and later as Assistant Secretary of State, Schenker was a vocal advocate for the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015. He authored policy papers and provided congressional testimony supporting the legislation, which aligned with his broader efforts to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East. His advocacy contributed to the bill's passage and implementation.

Since 2015

Recent Events

Amended by Public Law 117-263

HIFPA was amended by Public Law 117-263

12/23/2022

Amended by Public Law 115-272

HIFPA was amended by Public Law 115-272

10/25/2018

Barack Obama signed Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 into law

Barack Obama, as President, signed the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 into law

12/18/2015

Challenged: Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 → David Schenker

As Assistant Secretary of State, and previously as Levant Country Director at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, David Schenker was a vocal supporter involved in the implementation and enforcement of the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015. His public statements and policy directives were cited in legal challenges to the act's enforcement. Hezbollah, its allies, and critics—including advocacy groups and legal scholars—have legally challenged the act's provisions, particularly those targeting financial institutions and state actors facilitating Hezbollah's operations. These critics argued the law's implementation disproportionately harmed Lebanese civilians and undermined U.S. diplomatic efforts in Lebanon. Schenker's role in enforcing the law consequently made him a target for opposition from groups advocating for a more nuanced approach to Hezbollah.

1/1/2015

Lee Zeldin became original co-sponsor of Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015

Lee Zeldin served as original co-sponsor of the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015

1/1/2015

Key Facts

Key Information

Legislative Details

About

Key Relationships

Recent Events