Why I voted Yes on H.R. 3457

Statement

I voted "Yes" on H.R. 3457, the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act.

This bill prohibits the President from waiving, suspending, reducing, providing relief from, or otherwise limiting the application of sanctions against Iran until he has certified to Congress that Iran has paid outstanding legal judgements brought against it by U.S. persons.

U.S. courts have awarded more than $43 billion to Americans in judgments against the state of Iran for human rights abuses and other violations of international law. Iran, however, has refused to pay a dime. Before we allow Iran to benefit from the lifting of sanctions under the recent nuclear agreement, which will provide them with a cash windfall of more than $150 billion, we should ensure that Iran meets its outstanding legal obligations and is held to account for its past terror activity.

This legislation was approved by a bipartisan vote of 251-173.

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