AJC Applauds U.S. Senate for Passing Iran Sanctions Bill

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Jan 29, 2010, 02:11 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC applauded the U.S. Senate for passing last night the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act (S.2799). The measure will impose sanctions on companies that export gasoline to Iran or assist in the expansion of Tehran's oil-refining capacity.

"In his State of the Union address, President Obama warned Iran's leaders of 'growing consequences' because of their continued defiance of legally-binding UN Security Council Resolutions dealing with their nuclear program," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "This Senate measure is another welcome demonstration of the determination of the United States to prevent the Iranian regime, a grave threat to its people and its neighbors, from arming itself with a nuclear weapon."

The Senate bill combines and enhances several sanctions initiatives. It would facilitate the divestment by state and local governments and other entities of stock in companies investing in Iran, and identify countries of concern with respect to transshipment, re-export, or diversion of certain sensitive items to Iran.

The measure also incorporates the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (S.908) that would impose tough sanctions on companies that engage in the export of refined petroleum products to Iran or that enhance Iran's domestic refining capacity. A companion measure to S.908 was approved by the House last month.

AJC is urging the House and Senate to move expeditiously to reconcile their bills so President Obama can sign the legislation. AJC has long advocated the imposition of tighter, more robust sanctions on Iran in an effort to prevent the regime from developing nuclear weapons and underscore widespread opposition to the Iranian program.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee