Rep. Schneider Announces Support of Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced his support for the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2013, which was introduced today by 26 Senators, including Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and would implement new sanctions on Iran if the regime breaks the terms of the interim agreement or fails to reach a final agreement.

"As the Administration continues to explore a diplomatic solution, we need to send a clear, strong message to Iran that the United States is fully committed to implementing additional, punishing economic sanctions if Iran fails to abide by the Joint Plan of Action or refuses to reach a final agreement to permanently end its nuclear weapons programs," Schneider said. "This bill reinforces and builds on the core architecture of the sanctions regime that was successful in bringing Iran to the negotiating table. The goal of sanctions and the consequential negotiations remains reversing and dismantling Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities. Iran must come to the table understanding that negotiations leading to an end to its nuclear program is the one and only path to sanctions relief."

The Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act expands the breadth and depth of the sanctions architecture, extending the reach to companies, individuals and economic sectors that would be subject to greater sanctions should the Iranian regime fail to implement terms of the Joint Plan of Action (JPA) or attempt to delay negotiations towards a permanent nuclear deal.

Schneider, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is a leader in the effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He helped coauthor and pass new, broader sanctions legislation in the House in July, and in October, he sent a letter, signed by 77 of his colleagues, urging the Obama Administration to authorize additional sanctions on Iran.

Earlier this month, The Israel Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act, introduced by Schneider and Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), to help strengthen Israel's defense systems against threats like a nuclear Iran, unanimously passed the House by a vote of 399-0.

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