Ros-Lehtinen & Sherman Introduce Bi-Partisan Bill To Enhance U.S. National Security Interests Around the Globe

Press Release

Today U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Subcommittee, introduced H.R. 893, the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Accountability Act.

The Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Accountability Act of 2013:

· Increases sanctions on any person or entity transferring goods, services, or technology for the chemical, biological, or advanced conventional weapons program of Iran, North Korea, and Syria;

· Prohibits assistance to any foreign government that has provided assistance to Iran, North Korea or Syria; or

· Has failed to prevent individuals or entities under its sovereignty from aiding Iran, North Korea or Syria's proliferation activities;

· Calls on the U.S. permanent representatives at the U.N. Security Council, and the IAEA to submit resolutions stating that these three regimes have forfeited their privileges under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

· Requires the imposition of proliferation sanctions under the Iran Sanctions Act by removing waiver authority

Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: "As a nation, we should come to the conclusion that when it comes to these rogue regimes, diplomacy and engagement have not and will not work. Iran has taken steps to continue its enrichment process, North Korea continues its nuclear and ballistic testing, and Syria's arsenal may land in the wrong hands. This bill will really step up the pressure on these regimes and hit them where it hurts: in the pockets. By prohibiting U.S. assistance to any foreign government that provides assistance to Iran, North Korea, or Syria, we can tighten the screws against these regimes and cripple their illicit weapons programs."

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