Post by bot on Jan 9, 2016 15:58:49 GMT -5
Hoyer Supports Introduction of Iran Enforcement Bills
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement announcing his support for a bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Joe Kennedy (MA-04) and Ted Deutch (FL-21) to quickly impose sanctions if the Iranian government commits an act of terror, provides support for terrorist organizations or violates international law by acquiring ballistic missile technology, as well as a second bill introduced by Rep. John Delaney (MD-06) and Rep. Kennedy that would permanently codify sanctions on entities that transfer ballistic missiles or advanced conventional weapons to or from Iran:
“The bipartisan legislation that Reps. Joe Kennedy and Ted Deutch introduced today in the House, along with the bill introduced by Reps. John Delaney and Kennedy, are important steps in the ongoing process of countering Iran’s aggression and blocking its support for terrorism. The introduction of these bills should send a strong signal to hardliners in Iran that backing terror or pursuing ballistic missile technologies – activities outside the scope of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) but still in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions – will merit decisive action from the Congress and our global partners.
“Iran’s ballistic missile tests in recent weeks served as a powerful reminder of why the United States and our allies must remain vigilant even as we move ahead with the JCPOA’s implementation. That agreement must be viewed within the context of Iran’s nuclear program, and any sanctions relief that Iran is able to earn through a full and verified adherence to its obligations under the JCPOA must have no bearing on sanctions that will remain in place or be expanded as a result of its other nefarious activities.
“The United States will continue to deal firmly with Iran and ensure that it cannot acquire the weapons to threaten our troops in the region, Israel, and our European and Gulf allies. I applaud Reps. Kennedy, Delaney, and Deutch for their leadership on this important issue of national security.”