Rockland Reporter

Yesterday, Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) led a bipartisan letter, signed by more than three dozen of their colleagues from both parties, urging the Biden Administration to implement new sanctions on Iranian petroleum.

Last year, Representatives Lawler and Moskowitz introduced the SHIP Act requiring the imposition of sanctions on foreign ports and refineries that knowingly process Iranian oil. In addition to this bill, Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer introduced the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act, which requires the imposition of sanctions on Chinese financial institutions that process transactions involving Iranian oil. Both bills passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, were incorporated into the most recent supplemental national security package, and became law when President Biden signed that legislation on April 24th.

"The illicit Iranian oil trade has allowed Iran to raise over $100 billion just since 2021, allowing the regime to invest in its terrorist-proxies and sow insecurity across the Middle East," the lawmakers write. "However, Iran does not act alone. China is the largest purchaser of Iranian oil, buying a significant majority of 80-90% of these exports. We have been clear that the U.S. must act decisively to stop the Iran-China oil trade and eliminate this significant source of Iran’s revenue. Existing sanctions on Iranian oil must be strictly enforced, but it is also imperative that the Administration fully utilize the new authorities created by H.R. 815."

"As Iran continues its campaign of terror, we urge you to expeditiously implement sanctions enacted through the SHIP Act and the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act," the lawmakers conclude. "Additionally, we urge you to keep Congress updated on the implementation process and the results of these sanctions once imposed. We look forward to hearing back on the steps the Administration has taken to adhere to existing law."

Like the underlying bills, this effort has broad bipartisan support from lawmakers and has been endorsed by a wide range of organizations including AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), FDD Action (Foundation for Defense of Democracies Action), and JINSA (Jewish Institute for National Security of America).

"At a time when Iran’s dangerous destabilization of the Middle East is on full display, it’s imperative that United States spare no effort to restrict funding for regime's nefarious designs. Stringent enforcement of sanctions - especially on Iran's energy sector - is a bipartisan priority that must be implemented sooner rather than later," AIPAC stated.

"FDD Action strongly supports Congressional efforts to enforce sanctions against enablers of Iran’s illicit oil trade. Tehran has raised over $100 billion from oil exports since 2021 which it uses to finance terror proxies and sow instability across Middle East. With enactment National Security Act 2024 which includes new authorities targeting those who aid abet regime’s terrorist activities now time administration rigorously implement law kneecap Iranian oil exports," FDD Action stated.

"Biden administration suspended enforcement most Iran sanctions unsuccessful bid have them rejoin 2015 nuclear deal results gambit disastrous foreign currency reserves skyrocketed budgets various terror repression arms increased dramatically response earlier year Congress pressed Biden Administration enforce oil sanctions passing SHIP Act commend representatives led Reps Lawler Moskowitz Gottheimer urging administration implement critically important law," JINSA stated.

Congressman Lawler is one most bipartisan members 118th Congress represents New York's 17th Congressional District just north New York City contains all parts Rockland Putnam Dutchess Westchester Counties letter can viewed here.