Ander Crenshaw: Iran Needs to Pay Reparations for Backing Terror Attacks

From his perch on the U.S. House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., went to bat for the “Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act” which ensures sanctions are kept on Iran unless it pays reparations for terror attacks. 

Crenshaw slammed President Barack Obama’s deal with Iran over it nuclear program on Tuesday.   

“The president’s Iran agreement is a bad deal – plain and simple. Let’s consider its removal of sanctions and release of frozen assets that will effectively pump $150 billion into the Iranian economy,” said Crenshaw. “That’s one of many faulty pieces of this negotiation. And, it becomes even more so knowing more than $43 billion in damages to hundreds of Americans victims of Iranian terrorism remains unpaid to this day. No matter where you stand on this deal or sanctions relief, I think we can all agree that’s wrong.”   

“As a point of law, American courts have found Iran complicit in a long list of heinous acts of terrorism,” Crenshaw added. “That includes the 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, the Khobar Tower bombings in Saudi Arabia, and the 2006 Tel Aviv suicide bombing that killed 16-year-old Daniel Wultz from the Florida city of Weston. Yet, Iran stands to receive a $150 billion windfall, while those who suffered at its hands await more than $43 billion in just compensation.

“That’s why I support the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act,” said Crenshaw.  “Iran does not deserve a shred of relief until every single cent owed to its victims of terrorism is paid. On the road ahead, I will continue to do everything in my power to stop the president’s agreement in its tracks and hold him accountable.  This legislation is a step in that direction.”