Owens Pushes to Freeze Iran’s $6 Billion
WASHINGTON – Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) joined Rep. Michelle Steele (CA-45) to introduce legislation revoking the waiver granted by the Biden Administration that would release $6 billion in frozen funds to Iran.
“Iran is the world’s worst state sponsor of terrorism, and they should not receive a single cent of the $6 billion released by the Biden administration,” said Rep. Owens. “In light of Hamas’ cold-blooded atrocities, including the murder of at least 30 Americans, we cannot provide Iran with a lifeline to continue terrorizing the region. I am proud to support Rep. Steel’s common-sense legislation and will continue to advocate for America’s ally and friend, Israel.”
“There is no room for mistakes in our fight to contain the evil regime that orchestrated the murder of at over 1,400 innocent Israelis and 30 Americans,” said Rep. Steel. “Sending a $6 billion payout to the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism that is all but guaranteed to be used to kill more civilians is the most disgraceful way to waste American tax dollars. I am proud to lead this legislation to put an end to the Biden Administration’s short-sighted actions and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with us.”
On September 11, 2023, the Biden administration announced a deal with the rogue nation in which Iran would release five American hostages in return for a waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money from South Korea to Qatar.
The full text of the legislation is available here.
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