Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott and Senator Maggie Hassan are spearheading an initiative to make permanent the sanctions on Iran's energy and weapons sectors. This move aims to restrict the Iranian regime's ability to fund terrorism and develop its nuclear program. The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act, supported by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Jacky Rosen, and Bill Hagerty, seeks to cement these sanctions as part of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. The House of Representatives passed this legislation unanimously earlier in May.
Chairman Scott emphasized the importance of countering Iran's actions: “After four years of the Biden administration enabling billion-dollar windfalls for the Iranian regime, we must do everything in our power to stop the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism from developing weapons that threaten the United States and our allies."
Senator Hassan highlighted national security concerns: “We must prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon and stop its support of terrorism.” She noted that making these sanctions permanent strengthens U.S. national security.
Senator Rosen added that sanctions have been vital in holding Iran accountable: “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.”
Senator Hagerty reiterated his support for maintaining pressure on Iran: “As Iran continues to grow its nuclear, missile, and terrorist threats, America’s sanctions laws remain a critical tool for denying Iran the money it needs."
Matt Zweig from FDD Action explained SISA's impact: "SISA would make permanent critical U.S. sanctions on Iran... ensuring pressure remains until Tehran ceases its destabilizing policies."
AIPAC also voiced support for maintaining economic pressure through this legislation as negotiations with Iran continue.
The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act intends to remove any sunset provisions within ISA, ensuring ongoing U.S. commitment against Iranian aggression until significant changes occur.
