The House easily approved legislation Monday that would intensify U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil as conflict in the Middle East rages on.
The “Enhanced Iranian Sanctions Act,” H.R. 1422, backed by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and nearly 300 bipartisan co-sponsors, cleared the chamber by voice vote under fast-track consideration.
The legislation would widen the reach of sanctions to “essentially any company” that helps Iran sell oil, liquefied natural gas and related fuel products, Lawler said during floor debate. He chairs the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.
“This comes after the regime funded Hamas’ attack on Israel. … It comes after they funded constant Houthi attacks and funded Hezbollah,” Lawler said. “And where do they get this funding from? They get it from the illicit oil trade, in which China is the biggest purchaser of Iranian petroleum.”
