Republican Congressman Don Bacon has joined the growing list of lawmakers backing a bill that would require the U.S. administration to designate the Algeria-backed Polisario separatist militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
His endorsement is seen as a significant development because of his seniority and long background in US national security, le360 reported.
Bacon, first elected in 2016, served nearly 30 years in the US Air Force with a focus on intelligence and cybersecurity.
He now chairs the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Innovation, a position that gives him influence over legislation dealing with hybrid threats, digital security and defense strategy.
The bipartisan measure was introduced on June 24, 2025, by Republican Joe Wilson and Democrat Jimmy Panetta. It would compel the State Department to add Polisario into the FTO list.
With Bacon’s backing, nine members of the House now support the proposal. The core group includes Wilson, Panetta, Mario Diaz‑Balart, Jefferson Shreve, Randy Fine and Lance Gooden.
Pat Harrigan, a former Green Beret, also endorsed the bill on February 13, and Zachary Nunn, a colonel in the Iowa National Guard, followed on February 24.
Advocates say their support reinforces the argument that lawmakers with operational military experience view the Polisario as part of a broader pattern of regional instability.
Support is also emerging in the Senate. Senator Ted Cruz said in February he would introduce a parallel bill and used a hearing on North Africa and the Sahel to warn of the Iran influence over the Polisario, warning of possible access to Tehran’s drones.
