Iran Accountability Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose the Iran Accountability Act of 2016 (H.R. 5631). Unfortunately, I could not be in DC to vote against the bill as I was home in Minneapolis for the funeral of Philando Castile.

The Iran Accountability Act of 2016 undermines the ability of the United States to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal. The bill uses non-nuclear reasons to re-impose certain secondary economic and financial sanctions lifted on the JCPOA's implementation day and could require the President to impose new nuclear-related sanctions on Iran. Thus, if implemented, the bill would prevent the Administration from implementing a number of its commitments outlined in the JCPOA.

If the Iran Accountability Act of 2016 were to become law, both our partners and Iran would question our commitment to the nuclear deal. The provisions contained within this bill could even open a path for Iran to restart its nuclear program. This would not only put the nuclear deal at risk, but also undermine our national security interests and significantly damage U.S. credibility and leadership abroad.

The JCPOA is a historic diplomatic achievement worth protecting. So far, Iran has complied with the deal. Without resorting to violence, it has constrained Iran's nuclear program, led to the dismantlement of key components of the program, and subjected Iran's program to unprecedented verification and monitoring requirements.

Simply put, the JCPOA ensures that Iran's nuclear program is and continues to be peaceful. We must not jeopardize this achievement by backtracking on our commitments. Therefore, I oppose this bill.

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