The US Senate overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive foreign aid bill yesterday by a vote of 79-18. The bill, which had previously been approved by the House of Representatives, now heads to President’s desk for his signature.
This legislation is significant because it includes several provisions specifically targeting the Iranian regime. These provisions aim to counter Iran regime’s human rights abuses, sponsorship of terrorism, nuclear program, and ballistic missile development.
Key Measures Targeting Iran’s regime:
- Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act (SHIP Act): This act aims to reduce Iran regime’s oil revenue, a major source of funding for terrorism in the region.
- Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act (Fight CRIME Act): This act targets Iran regime’s development and proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones.
- Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability Act (MAHSA Act): This act highlights human rights abuses by Iranian regime officials, including its current president Ebrahim Raisi, and imposes sanctions on those responsible.
- No Technology for Terror Act: This act makes permanent existing restrictions on the transfer of technology that could be used by Iran’s regime to build weapons.
- Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act: This act aims to increase transparency regarding the financial activities of Iranian leadership.
- Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023: This act targets trade between China and Iran’s regime, specifically the purchase of Iranian oil.
If signed into law, these provisions represent a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the Iranian regime. They aim to pressure the regime to change its behavior and support the Iranian people’s desire for a more representative government.
