Klein Provision Gives Teeth to Final Iran Sanctions Bill

Press Release

House to vote on tough sanctions today; send to President's desk

Congressman Ron Klein, (FL-22) a member of the small group negotiating final language for a tough new Iran sanctions bill, announced today that his provision requiring companies to certify that they do not conduct illegal business with Iran before they are eligible for U.S. government contracts will be included in the final bipartisan sanctions legislation. The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010 (H.R. 2194) is scheduled to be considered by the House this afternoon.

Klein's provision is a key lynchpin of the final Iran sanctions bill and provides real teeth to a tough new package of sanctions. The Klein provision marks the first time ever that sanctions on companies doing business with Iran will be enforced without having to wait for the Administration's investigations.

"We have sent a direct message with unmistakable clarity: Iran is already engaged in a headlong pursuit of nuclear weapons, and we as Americans do not have a moment to waste," Klein said. "This language is about taking immediate action to crack down on companies who are supporting Iran. No more endless delays and no more wasted opportunities. Our provision says, once and for all, that companies must make a choice: either do business with the U.S. government or do business with Iran, not both. We cannot allow Iran to continue trying to develop nuclear weapons -- not on our watch, and not on our dime."

The Klein provision cracks down on companies doing business in Iran's critical energy sector by requiring any company applying for a contract with the U.S. government certify, in advance, that they do not conduct business with Iran. Companies who cannot truthfully complete the certification will be banned from government contracts, and stiff penalties are in place for deceptive certifications.

"It has been an honor to be a part of the small group crafting the final joint House-Senate Iran sanctions package," Klein said. "Democratic and Republican members of Congress are both 110 percent committed to making sure that Iran does not continue on its current dangerous path towards nuclear weapons. On this issue, we speak with one voice."

The final sanctions package is expected to be signed into law by the President before July 4. Klein's provision takes effect 90 days from the day the legislation is signed into law.

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