Congresswoman Nancy Mace has reintroduced the Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2025, which seeks to designate the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization and label the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The bill would also prevent federal agencies from recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
The legislation comes in response to ongoing concerns about the Taliban’s actions since their takeover of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. troops in August 2021, an event that resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members. Since regaining control, the Taliban have implemented restrictions on Afghan women and girls, including bans on education and most employment opportunities. The group has also maintained ties with al-Qaeda, as shown by a U.S. strike in July 2022 that killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul.
Congresswoman Mace stated, “The Taliban are terrorists, and any effort to legitimize them is reckless and dangerous. They harbor America’s enemies, oppress women and girls, and represent every value our nation stands against. The United States must never legitimize terrorists or terrorism.”
If enacted, the bill would:
– Officially list the Taliban as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
– Designate Afghanistan’s current regime as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, leading to increased sanctions.
– Bar federal agencies from taking actions that could be seen as recognizing Taliban sovereignty.
– Prevent federal funds from supporting diplomatic recognition for the Taliban-led government.
The bill states that it is U.S. policy to consider the Taliban’s rise to power as an illegitimate coup d’état and notes that individuals designated as terrorists by the United States hold significant roles within their regime.
“We’ve seen what happens when America sends mixed signals to our enemies,” said Congresswoman Mace. “This legislation draws a bright line in the sand and makes clear—now and forever— the Taliban will never be treated as a legitimate government by the United States.”
Nancy Mace has served in Congress representing South Carolina’s 1st district since 2021 after replacing Joe Cunningham. Before her tenure in Congress, she served in South Carolina’s House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020. Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1977, Mace currently lives in Charleston. She graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999.
