Petroplex News

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) has introduced legislation to prevent Iran from accessing the $6 billion in funds that were unfrozen by the Biden Administration on September 11, 2023. The bill, supported by the Republican Study Committee and co-led by Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01), Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08) along with 103 other co-sponsors, aims to block Iran, which is known as the largest state-sponsor of terrorism, from using these funds for nefarious activities.

In a statement, Congressman August Pfluger expressed concern over the decision to unfreeze the funds, stating, "A month ago on the anniversary of 9/11, the Biden Administration unfroze $6 billion and made it available to Iran—the world's largest state sponsor of terror—while Iran was helping Hamas plan the horrific terror attacks on Israel. This $6 billion will be used to backfill the money that Iran is paying to Hamas if we don’t act. The Administration's supposed 'quiet understanding' with Qatar, also a host country of Hamas, is a disaster waiting to happen. Since the Administration refuses to permanently freeze the funds, Congress will."

RSC Chairman Kevin Hern echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to prevent Iran from financing terrorism, stating, "Appeasing Iran does not work, it just gives them more resources to finance terrorism against Israel and cause chaos in the region. Iran provides over $100 million a year to Hamas; the Biden administration just gave $6 billion to Hamas' biggest backer. The Obama Administration had the same strategy and the same end result: the funds went to support terrorism. Congress must act to ensure President Biden does not follow through with sending the $6 billion to Iran."

The legislation, led by Representative August Pfluger, RSC Chairman Hern (OK-01), Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Representative Mike Gallagher (WI-08), has gained significant support from other members of Congress. With a total of 103 co-sponsors, including Representatives from across the country such as Mark Alford (MO-4), Rick Allen (GA-12), Lauren Boebert (CO-3), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21), the bill is expected to have a strong presence on the House floor.

This bipartisan effort highlights the concern among lawmakers regarding the allocation of funds to Iran, particularly in light of their support for terrorist organizations. By blocking Iran's access to the $6 billion, Congress aims to prevent the financing of terrorism and ensure stability in the region.

The introduction of this legislation sends a clear message that the Biden Administration's decision to unfreeze these funds is being met with opposition and scrutiny. It remains to be seen how this bill will progress through Congress, but the voices of over 100 lawmakers demanding accountability and preventing support for terrorism cannot be ignored.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=926