Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the U.S. Senate seeks to permanently implement sanctions against Iran.
The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act, which passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in May, builds on the existing Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.
The bill would permanently implement energy and weapons sanctions on the Iranian regime and remove the 1996 bill’s sunset clause, which currently allows it to expire.
“Sanctions have been critical in holding Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions, including support for terrorist proxies,” stated Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), an original sponsor of the legislation.
“With Iran closer than ever to a nuclear weapon, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation that applies pressure on the Iranian regime,” she said.
Other sponsors of the bill include Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.).
“We must prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon and stop its support of terrorism,” Hassan stated. “By making permanent energy and weapons sanctions on Iran, this bipartisan legislation will strengthen American national security and send a clear signal that the United States will not tolerate Iran’s aggression.”
AIPAC praised the bill and stated that it is “crucial” for Washington to “maintain economic pressure on Tehran to end its destructive actions,” as the United States negotiates with Iran.