Reps. Ted Deutch, Joe Kennedy Introduce Bipartisan Zero Tolerance for Terror Act

Press Release

Today, U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, joined Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) to introduce the bipartisan Zero Tolerance for Terror Act. The legislation, which follows a letter sent to the President expressing concern over Iran's recent ballistic missile tests, would allow Congress 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. While the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will scale back nuclear sanctions, it does not limit the ability of Congress to enact new sanctions related to acts of terror or development of ballistic missiles.

"By giving Congress the ability to quickly respond to Iranian violations of international law, this bill sends a clear message that we will hold their government accountable for continued illegal ballistic missile development or support for terror organizations," said Congressman Joe Kennedy III. "As we move closer to implementation of the JCPOA, that message must be clear, not only to Iran, but also to Israel and our allies around the world."

"Iran's recent ballistic missile tests and this week's unveiling of a new underground missile depot are powerful reminders of this regime's blatant disregard for international law," said Congressman Ted Deutch. "With Iran set to receive billions of dollars in sanctions relief and no indication that it plans to suspend its illegal missile development, support for terrorism, or egregious human rights abuses, Congress must be prepared to act swiftly and decisively. This legislation enhances our ability to hold Iran accountable at a moment's notice while sending the regime the message that it cannot continue to violate international law without consequence."

Joining Reps. Kennedy and Deutch to introduce the legislation in response to Iran's recent illegal ballistic missile launches are five bipartisan cosponsors who both supported and opposed the nuclear deal with Iran. They include Reps. Juan Vargas (D-CA), Jim Bridenstine (R-OK), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and John Delaney (D-MD). After investigating the October 2015 launch, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) found Iran to be in violation of UNSC Resolution 1929 but did not take action against Iran.

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