Rothfus Votes to Prevent Future Ransom Payments to Iran

Press Release

Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] released the following statement after the House passed the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act (H.R. 5931), of which Rothfus was an original cosponsor. The bill prevents Barack Obama and future administrations from providing cash payments to Iran, and it ensures that future payments are subject to greater congressional oversight:

"Last month news broke that President Obama did indeed pay a $400 million cash ransom to Iran despite his denial," said Congressman Rothfus. "Today I voted to pass legislation to prevent Barrack Obama from continuing his policy of providing funding to Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism."

Specifically, H.R. 5931:

makes clear that the Obama Administration violated longstanding U.S. policy by paying ransom for the return of Americans held hostage by Iran;
prohibits cash payments to Iran--period; and
demands transparency on future settlements to ensure they are not used to pay ransom.

Source