GOP bill blocks Iran from using sanction relief for terrorism

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) introduced a bill Thursday that would require the administration to ensure that funds made available to Iran through sanction relief aren't used to support terrorism.

Secretary of State John Kerry is working with other countries to ensure Iran gives up its nuclear weapons program in exchange for lifting some economic sanctions. The administration recently requested an extension to negotiation the deal, which will allow Iran to access $2.8 billion-worth of funds over the next four months.

“Before releasing $2.8 billion to Iran through sanctions relief, the administration should certify to the American people that the money will not be used to advance terror, build nuclear weapons or violate human rights,” Kirk said Friday. “How much more time will we allow Iran to develop a nuclear bomb?”

S. 2667, the Iran Sanctions Relief Certification Act, would require the president to certify that the funds made available to the Iranian regime under the extension of negotiations are not used to support terrorism, build a nuclear weapon or violate human rights. Some have accused Iran of supporting terrorist efforts in Iraq, Gaza and Syria.

Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) are lead cosponsor of the bill.

“The last thing America should be doing is playing good cop with Iran and offering the taste of relief to a radical regime,” Cornyn said. “But because the president has decided to do this unilaterally, this important legislation would give Congress greater oversight and ensure Iran is barred from using any relief funds for efforts that pose any danger to America and her allies.”

Republicans have complained that the administration has given Iran too much throughout negotiations without any reassurance that its nuclear program will be dismantled.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/213384-gop-bill-blocks-iran-from-using-sanction-relief-for-terrorism#ixzz38YwyfwVH
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