WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Preventing Recognition of Terrorist States Act, which would direct the U.S. Secretary of State to designate the illegitimate Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and the Taliban as a terrorist organization. 

The bill would also impose sanctions against foreign individuals who knowingly provide assistance to the Taliban and require a report, within six months, from the U.S. Department of State that determines whether the Taliban should be designated as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker under the Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. Additionally, the legislation would require the U.S. government to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not go to foreign terrorist organizations in Afghanistan.

“The Taliban is a terrorist organization with a long history of oppressing and murdering Afghans and providing safe haven to the same Al-Qaeda terrorists who attacked us on 9/11,” said Senator Tillis. “It is shocking the White House would even consider giving foreign aid to the Taliban. By designating the Taliban as a terrorist organization, this legislation would prevent that from happening.”

Read the full bill text here. 

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