Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced that on Wednesday, May 15, he will convene a hearing to examine U.S. policy toward Iran.  The hearing, entitled “Preventing a Nuclear Iran,” will begin at 1 p.m.

Chairman Royce on the hearing:  “Iran’s march towards nuclear weapons continues.  A nuclear Tehran is the gravest threat facing the U.S. and our allies.  The U.S. must respond with crippling sanctions and a coherent policy aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.  Only by taking pressure on the regime to the max does this policy have a chance of succeeding.   

“Congressional testimony from the Administration regarding Iran is overdue.  This hearing will provide an opportunity to examine U.S. policy toward Iran.  The hearing will also be a chance to press the Administration on critical questions surrounding U.S. participation in the P5+1 negotiations and its implications for the enforcement of sanctions.”             

In February, Chairman Royce, joined by Rep. Eliot Engel, the Committee’s ranking member, introduced the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act (H.R. 850) aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability, and further increasing economic pressure on Iranian leaders as the regime develops its nuclear program and commits gross human rights violations. The bipartisan legislation, with 311 cosponsors, broadens economic sanctions, strengthens human rights sanctions, and increases oversight of the implementation and enforcement of existing sanctions. Information about H.R. 850, including a section-by-section summary, is available HERE.

What: 
Hearing:  “Preventing a Nuclear Iran”

When: 
1 p.m., Wednesday, May 15

Where: 
2172 Rayburn House Office Building
***Live video feed available HERE

Witness List:

The Honorable Wendy R. Sherman
Under Secretary for Political Affairs
U.S. Department of State

The Honorable David S. Cohen
Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence
U.S. Department of the Treasury

***See foreignaffairs.house.gov for updates. 

***Coverage note:  All Foreign Affairs Committee proceedings are webcast live at foreignaffairs.house.gov/live-video-feed.

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