WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 17, 2016 – U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 5711, which would prohibit U.S. financing for the sale of aircrafts to Iran, as well as prohibit the Export-Import Bank from financing the sale of goods to Iran:
“The Obama Administration has long promised that the U.S. financial sector would remain off-limits to Iran, but broken promises by the Administration have become the status quo, which is why I voted today to prevent U.S. financing for the sale of goods, including aircrafts, to Iran.
“Authorizing aircraft sales to the ayatollahs would allow the Administration to materially aid what its own State Department calls ‘the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism.’ The Ex-Im Bank should also not provide assistance to banks and aircraft leasing companies that do business with Iran. This is a prime example supporting my long-standing position that the Ex-Im Bank should not exist. Americans expect that their bank accounts will not be used to fund loans for Iran, a country that is known for money laundering and funding terrorist activity.
“Not only does Iran continue to repeatedly violate the Iran Nuclear Deal, it celebrated its 37th anniversary of ‘Death to America’ early this month. Why on earth would we provide Iran the funds and tools its terrorist regime will use against us? Iran cannot be trusted, and my colleagues and I have no greater duty than to protect our country and the American people from harm.”
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