Republican Congressmen Scott DesJarlais and Matt Van Epps have joined the list of American lawmakers pushing for the designation of the Algeria-backed Polisario as Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
The “Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act” was introduced in June 2025 in the U.S. House of Representatives by Republican Joe Wilson and Democrat Representative Jimmy Panetta. If “H.R.4119” is adopted, the Polisario and their supporters would face severe legal, financial and diplomatic sanctions.
This bill has gained the support of 15 Congressmen including 13 Republicans, 2 Democrats — plus Chair sponsors (Joe Wilson and Jimmy Panetta). A similar bipartisan bill has been tabled in the Senate by Congressmen Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
Rep. Scott DesJarlais Chairs the House Strategic Forces Subcommittee. He is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, GOP Doctors Caucus and the Border Security Caucus.
Rep. Matthew Van Epps is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, national security leader, and public-sector executive. He held senior leadership positions in Tennessee state government and oversaw statewide procurement, real estate, facilities, and operations, involving billions of taxpayer dollars. Congressman Van Epps worked in small businesses focused on recruiting, healthcare operations, and procurement strategy. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.