Dear Friends,
I just returned from the House floor and I wanted to give you a quick update on H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act. I am pleased to report that I, and a bipartisan majority of the House, just voted to pass the bill. This legislation will strengthen pressure on Iran to end its dangerous pursuit of nuclear weapons. The bill authorizes state and local governments to divest from any company that invests at least $20 million in Iran's energy sector; it is a strong message to Tehran that, unless it abides by the international norms of non-proliferation, its economic isolation will continue.
I have also written to President Obama asking him to enforce a law already in existence that could have a powerful impact on Iran's vulnerable energy sector. The Iran Sanctions Act was enacted in 1996 as an important measure to deny Iran the resources to further its nuclear program and to support terrorist organizations. According to the law, a firm that invests more than $20 million in Iran's energy sector is determined to be a violator, and is subject to a range of sanctions.
The Congressional Research Service has identified more than 20 firms that likely violate the Iran Sanctions Act. Yet no administration has ever enforced this law.
Given Iran's continued violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions ordering a halt to uranium enrichment activities, I am strongly urging the President to direct his Administration to fully implement the currently existing Iran Sanctions Act.
I am also a co-sponsor of H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009. This important legislation would cut the lifeline of Iran's oppressive regime, oil, by sanctioning anyone who knowingly helps Iran build its petroleum infrastructure. I will keep you updated on the status of this crucial bill as it moves through Congress.
The risks posed by a nuclear Iran - from threats to our allies, to a Middle Eastern arms race, to a nuclear umbrella for terrorists - are too grave to ignore. I want to assure you that I am working hard in Congress to prevent Iran from attaining nuclear weapons.
Sincerely,