Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott and Senator Maggie Hassan are spearheading a legislative effort to make permanent the sanctions on Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. This move aims to limit Iran’s ability to finance terrorism and advance its nuclear program. The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act, co-sponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Jacky Rosen, and Bill Hagerty, seeks to cement the provisions of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.
Chairman Scott stated, “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. I’ve consistently called for stronger action to counter Iran’s destabilizing behavior, and by making these sanctions permanent, we’re sending a clear message: the era of appeasing Iran and its terror proxies is over.”
Senator Hassan emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities: “We must prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon and stop its support of terrorism. By making permanent energy and weapons sanctions on Iran, this bipartisan legislation will strengthen American national security and send a clear signal that the United States will not tolerate Iran’s aggression.”
Senator Rosen highlighted the role of sanctions in holding Iran accountable: “Sanctions have been critical in holding Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions, including support for terrorist proxies. 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 Tehran: “As Iran continues to grow its nuclear, missile, and terrorist threats, America’s sanctions laws remain a critical and indispensable tool for denying Iran the money that it needs fund these threats. I’m pleased once again to be an original co-sponsor of the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act.”
Matt Zweig from FDD Action commented on SISA’s significance: “The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act (SISA) would make permanent critical U.S. sanctions on Iran, ensuring pressure on the regime remains in place until Tehran ceases its destabilizing policies.”
AIPAC also expressed strong support for maintaining economic pressure through this legislation as negotiations with Tehran continue.
The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act removes ISA’s sunset provision and underscores U.S. commitment to sanctioning until behavioral changes occur within Tehran’s regime.
The bill passed unanimously in the House earlier this month.
