Moments ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (H.R. 4744), legislation introduced by Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.
This legislation states that Congress stands with the people of Iran in their desire for basic freedoms, and it provides the Trump Administration with the tools necessary to hold Iranian government officials responsible for human rights violations, corruption, and censorship. Moreover, it holds the Iranian regime accountable for taking Americans hostage and prioritizes working with our allies to enforce sanctions against those responsible for this despicable practice.
"The radical Iranian regime continues to deny its people even basic rights. But instead of taking care of its people, this regime would rather finance terrorist groups seeking to kill Israelis and destabilize Syria and the region," said Congressman Deutch. "This is not the behavior of a nation that respects international law and fundamental human rights.
"The despicable practice of taking Americans and other foreigners hostage must end. Those responsible for failing to help in the case of my constituent, Bob Levinson, will be held accountable. With this vote, my colleagues in Congress are standing firmly with the Levinson family in demanding the safe return of Bob, the longest-held American in history, and holding the Iranian government responsible for what amounts to kidnapping and taking hostage Americans."
Click the image below to watch Congressman Deutch's floor statement.
This legislation states that Congress stands with the people of Iran in their desire for basic freedoms, and it provides the Trump Administration with the tools necessary to hold Iranian government officials responsible for human rights violations, corruption, and censorship. Moreover, it holds the Iranian regime accountable for taking Americans hostage and prioritizes working with our allies to enforce sanctions against those responsible for this despicable practice.
"The radical Iranian regime continues to deny its people even basic rights. But instead of taking care of its people, this regime would rather finance terrorist groups seeking to kill Israelis and destabilize Syria and the region," said Congressman Deutch. "This is not the behavior of a nation that respects international law and fundamental human rights.
"The despicable practice of taking Americans and other foreigners hostage must end. Those responsible for failing to help in the case of my constituent, Bob Levinson, will be held accountable. With this vote, my colleagues in Congress are standing firmly with the Levinson family in demanding the safe return of Bob, the longest-held American in history, and holding the Iranian government responsible for what amounts to kidnapping and taking hostage Americans."
Click the image below to watch Congressman Deutch's floor statement.
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