Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee issued the following statement after Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman this morning asked the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold off on legislation that would increase nuclear-related sanctions on Iran:

“The Administration’s comments today are troubling.  Rather, I strongly encourage the Senate to pass sanctions legislation now.  It is critical that we increase the pressure on Iran to increase our negotiating leverage and deny Tehran the resources to continue its nuclear program.  Before we slow down on sanctions, we must see actions – not simply talk – from Iran.  Iran is only at the table because of our economic pressure.  Why fool with success?”    

Note:  Chairman Royce is the author of the bipartisan Nuclear Iran Prevention Act (H.R. 850), which overwhelmingly passed the House in July and is currently pending in the Senate.  The legislation increases pressure on the Iranian regime amid its continued attempt to acquire a nuclear weapons capability.  The legislation broadens economic sanctions, strengthens human rights sanctions, and increases oversight of the implementation and enforcement of existing sanctions.

Chairman Royce intends to hold a hearing to measure Tehran’s actual commitment to negotiate at the 100th day of Rouhani’s presidency.

 

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