WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 1, 2015 – U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 3457, the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act, which would prevent the president from lifting sanctions on Iran until all judgments are paid by Iran for its acts of terrorism:
“I voted for the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act because we must prevent Iran from getting a pay day through sanctions relief while its victims are awaiting billions in compensation. U.S. courts have held Iran liable for numerous attacks carried out by its terrorist proxies, including the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut and 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, which together killed 260 American servicemen.
“Dozens of such judgments remain outstanding, with more than $40 billion in unpaid damages through more than 80 cases over the last 15 years. Iran must pay up now. It is completely unacceptable and absurd that the Obama Administration, during its negotiations with Tehran, did not seek for Iran to immediately compensate the families of those whose lives were taken by the largest state sponsor of terrorism—Iran.
“Iran will soon obtain $150 billion in unfrozen assets, as well as gain immeasurable economic and financial benefits by escaping the sanctions regime and reintegrating into the global economy. The Administration is touting the Iran Nuclear Deal as the only alternative to a war. However, sanctions on Iran throughout the past five years have proven to cripple its economy and hinder its acquirement of nuclear bombs.
“I will continue to hold the President accountable for his egregious actions in making this deal with Iran, demand Iran immediately pay its terrorist victims, and fight against any measure that allows Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.”
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