The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Representative Young Kim’s (CA-40) H.R. 6323, the Iran Counterterrorism Act of 2023. The bill requires Iran to cease support for acts of international terrorism as a condition for the President to waive secondary sanctions imposed on the regime in Tehran. It also establishes a congressional review process for national security interest waivers of these sanctions if Iran continues its support for global terror.
Chairman McHenry (NC-10) expressed his support for the bill, stating, “Hamas’s terrorist strike last October on innocent Israeli civilians was a wake-up call for many around the world." He commended Congresswoman Kim for authoring the Iran Counterterrorism Act, emphasizing the need for Congress to have a stronger role in future sanctions relief for Iran.
Rep. Kim highlighted the urgency of the legislation, pointing out the dangers of emboldening Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. She remarked, “Just as Hamas was preparing its assault on Israel, the Biden administration greenlit the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian funds that Iran President Raisi said he would spend ‘wherever we need it.’ We cannot afford to embolden Iran any further." The Iran Counterterrorism Act aims to restore Congressional oversight and hold Tehran accountable.
The bipartisan support for the Iran Counterterrorism Act in the House reflects a commitment to addressing the issue of international terrorism and ensuring that Iran is held responsible for its actions.