On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., the ranking Democrat on the U.S. House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, unveiled a bill allowing Congress to impose sanctions on Iran if it backs terrorism acts.
Deutch, an opponent of President Barack Obama’s deal with Iran over its nuclear program, insisted that agreement did not prevent Congress from imposing such sanctions if needed. He brought out the “Zero Tolerance for Terror Act” with U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D-Mass. The measure also has the support of some Republicans including U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, the chair of the U.S. House Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee.
"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," Deutch said. "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."
“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 Kennedy. “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."
Deutch and Kennedy have teamed up before to focus on Iran. Last month, after that Middle Eastern nation tested missiles in violation of UN resolutions, the two congressmen paired up to send a letter to the White House in which they urged Obama to get tougher with Iran
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