Benjamin Gilman: “I rise in support of H.R. 1954, the ILSA Extension Act. The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act requires that the executive branch…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1954, the ILSA Extension Act. The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act requires that the executive branch consider sanctions against foreign firms that invest in the energy sectors of Iran and Libya. Its aim is to deprive those countries of revenues that they can use to foment terrorism against our Nation and its allies and to develop weapons of mass destruction. The act, which was initially passed in 1996, which I was pleased to sponsor, will expire on August 5. On May 9, the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held hearings on the bill in draft form. On May 23 I introduced a bill, the ILSA Extension Act, together with my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), that would renew the act for an additional 5 years. On June 13, the Committee on International Relations favorably reported H.R. 1954 by a record vote of 41 ayes and 3 noes. On July 13, the House Committee on Ways and Means unanimously adopted to adopt a 5-year renewal extension as well. Bipartisan support for renewing ILSA is strong in the Congress. At the present time, we have 252 cosponsors in the House of Representatives, and in the Senate 74 Senators. Support for extension remains strong because Iran continues to threaten our national security by developing weapons of mass destruction and by supporting radical groups that support terrorism.”