Congressmen Mike Bishop (MI-08) and Mike Conaway (TX-11), a senior member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today introduced H.R. 6774, the Iran Payments Accountability Act of 2018, to require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) submit a report to Congress detailing Iran's use of assets received from sanctions relief and cash settlements delivered by the U.S. government. The report from DNI must include whether the assets were utilized to sponsor terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah, fund military operations in Syria, facilitate illicit narcotics operations, or attack U.S. nationals, or members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and if so -- the bill would require the Secretary of State to demand the repayment of these U.S. funds through any means necessary including through the imposition of new or increased sanctions.
"The Obama Administration delivered $1.7 billion dollars, along with billions of dollars in sanctions relief, to the Iranian regime -- the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism. My constituents, and Americans across the nation, have every right to know how and where these dollars were used. Specifically, the American people have a right to know if these funds were used to foment terrorism, military activity, or other criminal acts. That's why I introduced the Iran Payments Accountability Act to provide transparency and empower the State Department to secure repayment from Iran if these funds are traced to terrorist organizations or illicit activities." said Rep. Mike Bishop.
"In 2016, President Obama's made a deal with Iran that included a cash payment to Iran of $1.7 billion, requiring little in return. It is unclear what this money has been used for, which is why I'm proud to join my colleague Congressman Bishop in introducing this legislation today to require the Director of National Intelligence to specifically look into whether any of this money was used for illicit purposes. If so, this legislation starts the process to reclaim this money and sanction Iran. It is crucial that we prevent any future potential harm to Americans and innocent civilians around the world," said Rep. Conaway.