January 07, 2016

KENNEDY, DEUTCH INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPEDITE TERROR AND BALLISTIC MISSILE SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN

Washington, D.C. – Following a letter sent to the President expressing concern about last year’s Iranian ballistic missile tests, Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) today introduced the bipartisan Zero Tolerance for Terror Act which would allow Congress to quickly impose sanctions if the Iranian government commits an act of terror, provides support for terrorist organizations or violates international law by acquiring ballistic missile technology.  While the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will scale back nuclear sanctions, it does not limit the ability of Congress to enact new sanctions related to acts of terror or development of ballistic missiles.
 
Kennedy and Deutch are joined by five cosponsors, a mix of Democrats and Republicans who both supported and opposed the nuclear agreement, in introducing the legislation in response to Iran illegally launching two ballistic missiles in October and November 2015. After investigating the October 10th launch, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) found that the launch violated UNSC Resolution 1929, but the Council did not take action against Iran.
 
“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 Congressman Joe Kennedy III. “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."

"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," said Congressman Ted Deutch, who serves as Ranking Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. "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."

In addition to Kennedy and Deutch, original cosponsors for The Zero Tolerance for Terror Act include Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA), Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK), Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Congressman John Delaney (D-MD). 
 
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For Immediate Release:
January 7, 2016
 
Contact:
Emily Kaufman (617) 332-3333
Dan Black (202) 225-5931

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