Bipartisan legislation sponsored on Nov. 2 by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) would establish and authorize funding to enforce sanctions against Iran, which since 2021 has increased its oil revenue by $80 billion and used it to fund Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah terrorists.
“Iran is using its oil revenue to fund terror around the world — including Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack on Israel,” Rep. Pfluger said. “The United States cannot allow this behavior to go unchecked.”
Funds authorized under the Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act, H.R. 6201, would be used to enforce United States sanctions on Iran and its proxies, pay off America’s public debt, and codify the Export Enforcement Coordination Center, according to Rep. Pfluger, who introduced the bill alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on Nov. 1 sponsored the same-named S. 3197 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The lawmakers say that enactment of the measure would help cut off Iran’s funding for its terrorist proxies by equipping Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the funds needed to enforce oil sanctions.
“I am proud to lead bipartisan legislation with Rep. Panetta, as well as Sens. Ernst and Blumenthal, to provide the Department of Homeland Security HSI with the tools they need to seize illicit Iranian oil sales and ensure this money can no longer be used to fund terrorism,” said Rep. Pfluger.
If enacted, the bill would authorize a one-time investment of $150 million for the Iran Sanctions Enforcement Fund that would have to be paid back within 10 years, adjusted for inflation, according to the summary released by the lawmakers.
Additionally, the bill would ensure the authority given to HSI and other agencies to carry out sanctions enforcement could not be undone by a future president by codifying into law the 2010 Executive Order that established the Export Enforcement Coordination Center, the summary says.
Rep. Panetta pointed out that while many sanctions are already in place against Iran, too few enforcement mechanisms exist to stop the country from selling oil and funding terrorism activities.
“Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation bolsters the ability to enforce those same sanctions with more manpower and increased access to tools that the United States can use to better target and stop the transfer of Iranian oil,” he said.
Rep. Pfluger’s proposed bill has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.