2024: Schweikert Voted To Require The Treasury Department To Report To Congress On All Iranian Assets Valued at Over $5 Million. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "amendment no. 2 that would require the Treasury Department to submit a report and briefing to Congress, within 30 days of the bill's enactment, on all assets of the Iranian government, persons or entities valued at more than $5 million and blocked by the U.S. government." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 249 to 167. [House Vote 144, 4/20/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/20/24; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 889; Congressional Actions, H.R. 8038]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Condemn Iran's Attack On Israel. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the resolution that would condemn Iran's April 13, 2024, drone and missile attack on Israel, and call on all countries to unequivocally condemn the attack. It would reaffirm Israel's right to self-defense and the U.S.' commitment to Israel's security. It also would commend the U.S. military, United Kingdom, France and Jordan in intercepting the Iranian missiles and drones. It would resolve that the House of Representatives is ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply and other security, diplomatic and intelligence support." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 404 to 14. [House Vote 141, 4/18/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/18/24; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1143]
2023: Schweikert Voted For Condemning Iran's "State-Sponsored Persecution Of The Baha'i Minority." In September 2023, Schweikert voted for a bill that would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "establish that the House of Representatives condemns Iran's 'state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i minority.' It would call on Iran to immediately release detained Baha'is and end state-sponsored propaganda and policies denying equal rights and opportunities to legal minorities." The vote was on passage. The House agreed to the bill by a vote of 413 to 2. [House Vote 385, 9/12/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/12/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res.492]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Condemn The Beating And Death Of Mahsa Amini By Iranian Police Due To Her Wearing Her Hijab "Improperly" And Support Iranians Who Were Protesting To Defending Their Human Rights And Internet Freedom Programs That Circumvent Government Censorship. In January 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for a resolution that would "state that Congress condemns the beating and death of Mahsa Amini by Iranian police due to her 'improper' wearing of a hijab and condemns Iran's violent suppression of individuals participating in demonstrations in response to Amini's death. It would also state that Congress supports Iranians protesting to defend their human rights, supports internet freedom programs to circumvent government censorship, and welcomes international efforts to support protestors in Iran." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 420 to 1, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 36, 1/25/23; Congressional Quarterly, 1/25/23; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res. 7]
The Resolution Praised The Protestors In More Than 13 Iranian Cities Who Risked Their Safety To Speak Out Against The Human Rights Abuses Committed By The Iranian Government. According to The Hill, "The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution commending protesters in Iran, with just one lawmaker --- Rep. Thomas Massie Loading (R-Ky.) --- voting 'no.' The concurrent resolution, which was approved 420-1, applauds the 'bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran demonstrating in more than 13 cities and risking their safety to speak out against the Iranian regime's human rights abuses.'" [The Hill, 1/25/23]
Mahsa Amini Was A Young Woman Who Died In Police Custody In September 2022 After She Was Arrested For Allegedly Violating Iran's Hijab Mandate For Women. According to The Hill, "The text of the measure points to the death of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian woman who died in police custody in September after the morality police arrested her on allegations that she violated Iran's laws that require women to wear headscarves or hijabs. She was detained for 'inappropriate attire' on Sept. 13, then died on Sept. 16 after falling into a coma. A coroner's report said she died from multiple organ failure, according to NBC News. Her family has said witnesses say she was beaten by officers." [The Hill, 1/25/23]
The Resolution Encouraged The Biden Administration To Continue To Respond To The Protests, Including By Imposing Sanctions Against Iran's Morality Police. According to The Hill, "Additionally, it 'encourages continued efforts by the Biden Administration to respond to the protests,' including sanctions against the Iranian morality police. [...] The resolution encourages on the Biden administration 'to immediately impose, under existing authorities, additional human rights sanctions on officials and entities responsible for the repression of the current protests.'" [The Hill, 1/25/23]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Terminate Waiver Authority For The Transfer Of Certain Funds From South Korea To Qatar. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill that would terminate certain waiver authorities regarding the transfer of certain funds from South Korea to Qatar. It also would terminate any general or specific license issued by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control directly or indirectly related to the transfer of such funds. It would stipulate that the president cannot reissue a new waiver or license. It also would stipulate that the president cannot exercise certain waiver authorities permitting Iran or Iranian persons access to any account established or maintained for petroleum transactions." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 259 to 160. [House Vote 139, 4/17/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/17/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5947]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Require The President To Submit A Report To Congress On The Transfer Of $6 Billion From Restricted Iranian Accounts In South Korea To Restricted Accounts In Qatar. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill (HR 5826), as amended, that would [...] require the president to submit to Congress information on the $6 billion in funds transferred from restricted Iranian accounts in South Korea to restricted accounts in Qatar on or after Aug. 9, 2023." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 391 to 34. [House Vote 131, 4/16/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/16/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5826]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Require The President To Submit Reports To Congress On Iranian Hostage-Taking. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill (HR 5826), as amended, that would require the president to submit various reports and information to Congress on the Iranian government's hostage-taking and wrongful detention of U.S. nationals. Among the bill's reporting requirements, it would direct the president, within 180 days of the bill's enactment and annually thereafter for six years, to submit to Congress information on all cases of hostage-taking or wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Iran or at the direction of the Iranian government within the previous 10 years. It would require the president to submit to Congress information on the $6 billion in funds transferred from restricted Iranian accounts in South Korea to restricted accounts in Qatar on or after Aug. 9, 2023. It also would direct the president to deny the visa of any individual seeking admission to the U.S. as a representative to the United Nations if the president determines the individual has been sanctioned, as of the bill's enactment, under executive orders against persons who commit, threaten or support terrorism and against proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 391 to 34. [House Vote 131, 4/16/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/16/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5826]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Subject U.S.-Origin Technology Exported To Iran To Export Administration Regulations. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill (HR 6603), as amended, that would subject certain foreign-produced items that are products of U.S.-origin technology or software to Export Administration Regulations if they involve the government of Iran or are exported, reexported or in-country transferred to Iran from abroad. It would establish license requirements for export, reexport or in-country transfer of foreign-produced items from abroad that fall under the scope of the bill, with exceptions for certain food, medicine, medical devices and communications technology. It also would authorize the Commerce Department to waive the bill's requirements if the secretary determines that such waiver is in the national interest and submits to Congress a report explaining the waiver. The bill's provisions would sunset seven years after its enactment." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 406 to 19. [House Vote 130, 4/16/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/16/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6603]
2016: Schweikert Voted To Ban Further Cash Payments To Iran, North Korea Or Any State Sponsor Of Terrorism. In September 2016, Schweikert voted for legislation designed to prevent any future cash payments to Iran, in part a response to a $400 million cash payments in January 2016. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "prohibit[ed], in most instances, the U.S. government from directly or indirectly providing U.S. or foreign promissory notes, currency or precious metals, to the governments of Iran, North Korea, and any government that would qualify as a state sponsor of terrorism. The measure would [have] require[d] sanctions be imposed on any Iranian person who kidnaps a U.S. citizen or resident, and would also [have] prohibit[ed] payments to any country for the release of unjustly detained U.S. nationals." The vote was on passage. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 254 to 163, but the Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 554, 9/22/16; Congressional Quarterly, 9/22/16; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5931]
2016: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The Administration From Allowing Iran To Use The Dollar, Which Would Jeopardize The Iranian Nuclear Deal. In July 2016, Schweikert voted for a bill that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "codif[ied] existing U.S. rules forbidding Iran access to the U.S. dollar in even lightning-fast financial transactions. The bill, which passed by a vote of 246-181 would also clarify that U.S. dollars held by foreign financial institutions cannot be used in off-shore transactions on behalf of Iranian banks and businesses." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 246 to 181, but the Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 478, 7/14/16; Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/16; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4992]
The Administration In Part Would Veto The Bill Because It Would Undermine The Iran Nuclear Deal. According to a Statement of Administration Policy, "These bills would undermine the ability of the United States to meet our JCPOA commitments by reimposing certain secondary economic and financial sanctions lifted on 'Implementation Day' of the JCPOA -- the day on which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified Iran's completion of key nuclear-related steps. [...] The President has made it clear that he will veto any legislation that prevents the successful implementation of the JCPOA. If the President were presented with H.R. 4992, H.R. 5119, or H.R. 5631, he would veto these bills." [Statement of Administration Policy, 7/11/16]
The Department Of Treasury Warns That The Bill Could Weaken The U.S. Dollar And Its Status As The World Currency Reserve. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The Treasury Department has warned of consequences of restricting how foreign banks can use their U.S. dollar reserves, saying it risks a weakening of the U.S. dollar as the world's preferred currency reserve." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/16]
2016: Schweikert Voted To Impose Additional Sanctions On Iran Due To Its Ballistic Missile Program, In Contravention Of The Iran Nuclear Deal. In July 2016, Schweikert voted for a new round of sanctions against Iran, focused on its ballistic-missile program, international terrorism and human rights abuses. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "expand[ed] and strengthen[ed] existing U.S. sanctions against Iran related to its ballistic-missile program, support for international terrorism, and ongoing human rights abuses against its population. The measure would [have] mandate[d] sanctions against the Iran Revolutionary Guard, Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization, and would [have] expand[ed] the list of persons subject to sanctions for human rights abuses. The measure would [have] also require[d] the Treasury Department to create and maintain a watch list for entities connected to the Revolutionary Guard. The measure would [have] add[ed] ballistic missile and ballistic-missile launch technology to the list of sanctionable activities. The measure would [have] also authorize[d] the Secretary of State to provide assistance to individuals and entities working to promote democracy in Iran." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 246 to 179, but the Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 467, 7/14/16; Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/16; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5631]
Administration Threatened To Veto The Bill In Part Because It Lacked National Security Waivers And Would Have Violated The Terms Of The Iran Nuclear Agreement. According to Congressional Quarterly, "However, the White House in its veto threat of the bill said the sanctions requirements violate U.S. commitments under the nuclear deal. The administration also faulted the bill for not giving it any national security waiver authorities, which is traditional in sanctions legislation." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/16]
National Iranian American Council: Sanctions Would Reach "Absurd" Levels; Could Lead To Significant Block Of Academic Exchange Between Iran And The U.S. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Tyler Cullis, a legal fellow with the National Iranian American Council, which supports lifting the broader U.S. trade embargo on Iran, said the McCarthy bill would take U.S. sanctions against Tehran to 'absurd' levels. 'If there is a research institute at an Iranian university engaged in certain activities with application to Iran's ballistic missile program, the president would be obligated to include Iran's research sector on the initial list and all persons involved in Iran's research sector, including those employed by or in attendance at Iranian universities and research institutes, would be subject to U.S. blocking sanctions and barred from entering the United States,' he said. 'There could no longer be any hoped-for academic exchange between the United States and Iran.'" [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/16]
2016: Schweikert Voted To Bar The U.S. From Purchasing Heavy Water From Iran. In July 2016, Schweikert voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "prohibit[ed] federal funds from being used to purchase or issue licenses to purchase heavy water, a component of nuclear reactors, from Iran." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 249 to 176, but the Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 441, 7/13/16; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/16; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5119]
Legislation Was In Response To The U.S. Purchasing 32 Tons Of Heavy Water From Iran. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill is a response to an April announcement by the Energy Department that it would buy 32 tons of heavy water from Iran for $8.6 million. Heavy water is an ingredient used to make nuclear warheads. Under the terms of the nuclear deal, Tehran agreed to reduce its stockpile of the material." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/16]
The Administration Said That The Purchase Was To Keep Iran From Having Access To So Much Heavy Water, In Accordance With The Iranian Nuclear Agreement; The President Has Threatened To Veto. According to a Statement of Administration Policy, "Removal of excess heavy water from Iran denies Iran access to material that could be stockpiled for potential nuclear weapons production while also providing the international market access to an important commodity for research and non-nuclear industries. As part of the JCPOA, Iran committed to a limit on the amount of heavy water that it could accumulate, but may sell its excess heavy water, further ensuring that Iran does not use this product to develop material for a nuclear weapon. [...] The President has made it clear that he will veto any legislation that prevents the successful implementation of the JCPOA. If the President were presented with H.R. 4992, H.R. 5119, or H.R. 5631, he would veto these bills." [Statement of Administration Policy, 7/11/16]
2016: Schweikert Voted To Prevent The U.S. From Buying Any Heavy Water From Iran. In May 2016, Schweikert voted for an amendment that would have prevented any funding in an FY 2017 Energy and Water appropriations bill from being used to purchase Iranian heavy water. According to Congressional Quarterly, the amendment would have "prohibit[ed] use of funds made available by the bill to buy heavy water from Iran." The underlying legislation was an FY 2017 Energy and Water appropriations bill. The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 251 to 168. The House later rejected the underlying bill. [House Vote 263, 5/25/16; Congressional Quarterly, 5/25/16; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 1149; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5055]
2016: Schweikert Voted To Restrict President Obama's Ability To Lift Sanctions On Iran's Financial Institutions As Called For By The Nuclear Agreement Until The Institutions Stop Conducting Transactions With The Revolutionary Guard Or Other Terrorist Organizations. In February 2016, Schweikert voted for a bill that would restrict the president's ability to lift sanctions called for by the Iran Nuclear agreement. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "restrict[ed] the president's ability to lift sanctions on Iranian and other financial institutions, as called for by the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, by requiring various certifications to Congress. Specifically, it would [have] prohibit[ed] the president from removing the foreign financial institutions from the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Control's list of blocked nationals and persons until the president submits to Congress a certification that the institutions have not knowingly facilitated a significant transaction for Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, a foreign terrorist organization or anyone sanctioned in connection with Iran's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic-missile programs." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 246 to 181. The Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 54, 2/2/16; Congressional Quarterly, 2/2/16; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3662]
Legislation Requires The President To Certify That Financial Institutions, Persons Or Individuals Have Not Knowingly Conducted A Significant Transaction With A Foreign Terrorist Organization. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill prohibits the president from lifting sanctions against such financial institutions until he certifies to Congress that the bank or financial institution has not conducted a significant transaction for, or on behalf of, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, a foreign terrorist organization or anyone sanctioned in connection with Iran's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic-missile programs. Similarly, sanctions could not be lifted against persons or entities until the president certifies that they have not knowingly conducted a significant transaction for, or provided material support to, a foreign terrorist organization or anyone sanctioned in connection with Iran's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic-missile programs. This requirement would apply with respect to Iran's proliferation of 'weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or use such item.' In addition, the president could not remove the designation of Iran as a primary money-laundering concern until he certifies that Iran is no longer supporting terrorism, or pursuing weapons of mass destruction or illicit financial activities. (In November 2011, the United States designated the entire Iranian banking sector, including the country's central bank, as a 'primary money-laundering concern.'" [Congressional Quarterly, 1/29/16]
The House Had Earlier Held A Vote On The Legislation, But It Was Voided Due To Attendance Issues. According to Reuters, "The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved legislation on Tuesday that would restrict President Barack Obama's ability to lift sanctions under the international nuclear deal with Iran, nearly three weeks after a similar vote was canceled. [...] The legislation is not expected to become law, even though Republicans control both the House and Senate. Even if it were passed by the Senate, Obama has promised a veto, saying the measure would kill the landmark nuclear agreement. The House narrowly passed the legislation last month, but the vote was voided after nearly a third of the chamber showed up too late to cast their votes." [Reuters, 2/2/16]
2015: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit President Obama From Waiving Iran Sanctions Until Iran Pays All Of The Terrorism-Related Judgements It Owes. In October 2015, Schweikert voted for a bill that would have prevented the president from waiving sanctions on Iran until he certified that Iran paid all of its terrorism related judgements. According to Congressional Quarterly, the bill would have "prohibit[ed] the president from waiving sanctions under the Iran Nuclear Agreement until Iran pays the legal terrorism-related judgment it owes. The president would be required to certify to Congress that the Iranian government has paid all outstanding judgments before Iran's sanctions are lifted or its assets released." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 251 to 173. The Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 533, 10/1/15; Congressional Quarterly, 10/1/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3457]
2015: Schweikert Voted To Effectively Prevent President Obama From Waiving, Suspending Or Reducing Iranian Sanctions. In September 2015, Schweikert voted for a bill that would effectively block President Obama from lifting Iranian sanctions. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "delay[ed] until Jan. 21, 2017, the authority of the president to waive, suspend, or reduce existing sanctions on Iran or on Iranian officials or individuals slated to be granted relief from sanctions under the Iran nuclear agreement." The vote was on the bill. The House passed the bill by a vote of 247 to 186. The Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 494, 9/11/15; Congressional Quarterly, 9/11/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3460]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against Approving The Nuclear Deal With Iran. In September 2015, Schweikert voted against a resolution which according to Congressional Quarterly, would have "Passage of the bill that would express Congress' approval of the Iran nuclear agreement signed on July 14, 2015 between United States, Iran and five other nations." The vote was on passage. The House rejected the bill by a vote of 162 to 269. [House Vote 493, 9/10/15; Congressional Quarterly, 9/10/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3461]
The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act Gave Congress 60 Days, Up From 30, To Review The Iran Nuclear Agreement If A Deal Is Submitted Between July 10 And September 10, 2015. According to AIPAC, "Congress is, then, given a 30-day period to review the agreement and to vote approval or disapproval. During that timeframe, no additional sanction relief could be granted to Iran. If the deal is submitted between July 10 and September 7, the review period rises to 60 days. Nor can sanctions relief be granted in the 12-day period after a resolution of disapproval is adopted, during which the president may veto the resolution, or in the 10-day period following a presidential veto, during which Congress would have an opportunity to override the veto should it choose to do so." [AIPAC, 5/8/15]
Iran Nuclear Agreement Was With P5+1 [China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States] Nations And Iran Under Which Most International Sanctions Were Suspended In Exchange For Iran Suspending Its Nuclear Program For 10-15 Years. According to Congressional Quarterly, the agreement is "between Iran and the P5+1 group regarding Iran's nuclear program under which most international sanctions against Iran would be lifted in return for Iran suspending its nuclear program for 10 to 15 years and being subject to international inspection. Under the accord, most sanctions would not be lifted until the International Atomic Energy Agency certifies that Iran has met the terms of the deal." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Under The Accord, Iran Eliminates 98 Percent Of Its Enriched Uranium Stockpile; Remaining Enriched Uranium Insufficient For Building A Nuclear Weapon. According to Congressional Quarterly, "In return for a lifting of most U.S. and international sanctions, the agreement requires Iran to eliminate about 98% of its stockpile of enriched uranium, allowing it to maintain no more than 300 kilograms enriched to no more than 3.67% purity for 15 years (the 3.67% level is sufficient for civilian nuclear power and research but not for building a nuclear weapon)." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Under The Accord, Iran Must Cut Its Uranium Enrichment Capacity, Cannot Build New Enrichment Facilities And Must Refrain From Any Uranium Enrichment Research And Development For 15 Years. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Iran for a decade must sharply cut its uranium enrichment capacity by reducing from over 19,000 to about 6,100 the number of installed centrifuges used to enrich uranium, with certain centrifuges at the Fordow facility to be modified for stable isotope production and the facility to be converted into a nuclear, physics and technology center. Iran could not build any new uranium enrichment facilities and must refrain from any uranium enrichment research and development for 15 years. It also must reconfigure an unfinished heavy-water reactor at Arak so that it cannot produce weapons-usable plutonium, and it must refrain from building any new heavy-water reactors." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Under The Accord, The IAEA Would Have 'Round The Clock Access' To Declared Nuclear Sites And Access Must Be Granted Within 24 Days Or Sanctions 'Snap Back.' According to Congressional Quarterly, " The IAEA would have 'round-the-clock access' to declared nuclear facilities such as Fordow and Natanz and could continuously monitor and conduct surveillance at such sites. If inspectors have concerns that Iran is developing nuclear capabilities at any non-declared sites, they may request access to those sites or other inspection alternatives; the agreement establishes a process under which access must be granted within 24 days or sanctions could 'snap back.'" [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Under The Accord, Sanctions Will Not Be Lifted Without IAEA Certification, Sales On Conventional Arms And Missiles Will Not End For Five And Years Respectively. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Under the agreement, most sanctions would not be lifted until the IAEA certifies that Iran has met the terms of the deal. Similarly, existing embargoes on sales to Iran of conventional arms and ballistic missiles would not end until five and eight years, respectively, after IAEA certification." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Deal Also Includes "Side Agreement" Between Iran And The IAEA Where Iran Can "Self Inspect" Certain Sites. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The deal also includes a "side agreement" between Iran and the IAEA under which Iran would be allowed to 'self-inspect' certain sites where certain nuclear weapons activities are thought to have occurred." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Center For American Progress President Neera Tanden: The Deal "Represents The Strongest Possible Outcome For The United States." According to Neera Tanden, the President of the Center for American Progress, "The agreement between the P5+1 and Iran that constrains Iran's nuclear program is a historic achievement for the United States and its partners. Iran's nuclear program will now fall under unprecedented international scrutiny to ensure that Tehran cannot pursue nuclear weapons. It represents the strongest possible outcome for the United States and its partners, avoiding both the passive appeasement of Iran and the dangers of military action. It is the best way to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon." [Center for American Progress, 7/14/15]
Former Vice President Richard Cheney: "This Agreement Will Give Iran The Means To Launch A Nuclear Attack On The U.S. Homeland." According to former Vice President Richard Cheney via CNN, "Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Tuesday that President Barack Obama is responsible for directly equipping Iran with the capability to destroy the United States, calling the negotiated nuclear deal 'madness.' [...] In the fiery speech delivered at the American Enterprise Institute, the Republican security hawk unleashed an aggressive attack against the Iran deal, which Congress will begin debating this week. Though congressional Republicans will likely not have enough votes to thwart the White House's nuclear agreement with Iran, Cheney will present his case against the accord. 'This agreement will give Iran the means to launch a nuclear attack on the U.S. homeland,' Cheney said. 'I know of no nation in history that has agreed to guarantee that the means of its own destruction will be in the hands of another nation, particularly one that is hostile.'" [CNN, 9/10/15]
AIPAC: "This Proposed Agreement Fails To Halt Iran's Nuclear Quest. According to AIPAC, "AIPAC has consistently supported diplomatic efforts to end Iran's nuclear weapons program, and we appreciate the commitment and dedication of President Obama and his administration throughout these negotiations. Unfortunately, this proposed agreement fails to halt Iran's nuclear quest. Instead, it would facilitate rather than prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and would further entrench and empower the leading state sponsor of terror. We strongly believe that the alternative to this bad deal is a better deal. Congress should reject this agreement, and urge the administration to work with our allies to maintain economic pressure on Iran while offering to negotiate a better deal that will truly close off all Iranian paths to a nuclear weapon. " [AIPAC, Accessed 9/11/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted To Claim That President Obama Did Not Fully Comply With The Iran Nuclear Review Act. In September 2015, Schweikert voted for a resolution which according to Congressional Quarterly, would have "provide[d] that the president has failed to fully comply with the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (PL 114-17) and that the 60-day congressional review period established by that law therefore has not begun." The vote was on passage. The House passed the resolution by a vote of 245 to 186. [House Vote 492, 9/10/15; Congressional Quarterly, 9/10/15; Congressional Actions, H. Res. 411]
The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act Gave Congress 60 Days, Up From 30, To Review The Iran Nuclear Agreement If A Deal Is Submitted Between July 10 And September 10, 2015. According to AIPAC, "Congress is, then, given a 30-day period to review the agreement and to vote approval or disapproval. During that timeframe, no additional sanction relief could be granted to Iran. If the deal is submitted between July 10 and September 7, the review period rises to 60 days. Nor can sanctions relief be granted in the 12-day period after a resolution of disapproval is adopted, during which the president may veto the resolution, or in the 10-day period following a presidential veto, during which Congress would have an opportunity to override the veto should it choose to do so." [AIPAC, 5/8/15]
Some Republicans Claimed That President Obama Did Not Disclose The Entire Agreement, Specifically Two Inspection Side Agreements Between Iran And The International Atomic Energy Agency. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Specifically, Roskam's resolution stated that the president had failed to submit to Congress two inspection side agreements between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) dealing with possible past military aspects of Iran's nuclear program (the two side agreements were negotiated directly between Iran and the IAEA and are largely secret; the administration has told Congress it does not have access to them). Many Republicans have demanded to see the side agreements, which reportedly would allow Iran to self-inspect certain facilities --- including the Parchin site, where nuclear weapons activities are thought to have occurred --- subject to verification by the IAEA. After conservative." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/9/15]
Iran Nuclear Agreement Was With P5+1 [China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States] Nations And Iran Under Which Most International Sanctions Were Suspended In Exchange For Iran Suspending Its Nuclear Program For 10-15 Years. According to Congressional Quarterly, the agreement is "between Iran and the P5+1 group regarding Iran's nuclear program under which most international sanctions against Iran would be lifted in return for Iran suspending its nuclear program for 10 to 15 years and being subject to international inspection. Under the accord, most sanctions would not be lifted until the International Atomic Energy Agency certifies that Iran has met the terms of the deal." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Under The Accord, Iran Eliminates 98 Percent Of Its Enriched Uranium Stockpile; Remaining Enriched Uranium Insufficient For Building A Nuclear Weapon. According to Congressional Quarterly, "In return for a lifting of most U.S. and international sanctions, the agreement requires Iran to eliminate about 98% of its stockpile of enriched uranium, allowing it to maintain no more than 300 kilograms enriched to no more than 3.67% purity for 15 years (the 3.67% level is sufficient for civilian nuclear power and research but not for building a nuclear weapon)." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Under The Accord, Iran Must Cut Its Uranium Enrichment Capacity, Cannot Build New Enrichment Facilities And Must Refrain From Any Uranium Enrichment Research And Development For 15 Years. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Iran for a decade must sharply cut its uranium enrichment capacity by reducing from over 19,000 to about 6,100 the number of installed centrifuges used to enrich uranium, with certain centrifuges at the Fordow facility to be modified for stable isotope production and the facility to be converted into a nuclear, physics and technology center. Iran could not build any new uranium enrichment facilities and must refrain from any uranium enrichment research and development for 15 years. It also must reconfigure an unfinished heavy-water reactor at Arak so that it cannot produce weapons-usable plutonium, and it must refrain from building any new heavy-water reactors." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Under The Accord, The IAEA Would Have 'Round The Clock Access' To Declared Nuclear Sites And Access Must Be Granted Within 24 Days Or Sanctions 'Snap Back.' According to Congressional Quarterly, " The IAEA would have 'round-the-clock access' to declared nuclear facilities such as Fordow and Natanz and could continuously monitor and conduct surveillance at such sites. If inspectors have concerns that Iran is developing nuclear capabilities at any non-declared sites, they may request access to those sites or other inspection alternatives; the agreement establishes a process under which access must be granted within 24 days or sanctions could 'snap back.'" [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Under The Accord, Sanctions Will Not Be Lifted Without IAEA Certification, Sales On Conventional Arms And Missiles Will Not End For Five And Years Respectively. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Under the agreement, most sanctions would not be lifted until the IAEA certifies that Iran has met the terms of the deal. Similarly, existing embargoes on sales to Iran of conventional arms and ballistic missiles would not end until five and eight years, respectively, after IAEA certification." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Deal Also Includes "Side Agreement" Between Iran And The IAEA Where Iran Can "Self Inspect" Certain Sites. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The deal also includes a "side agreement" between Iran and the IAEA under which Iran would be allowed to 'self-inspect' certain sites where certain nuclear weapons activities are thought to have occurred." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/8/15]
Center For American Progress President Neera Tanden: The Deal "Represents The Strongest Possible Outcome For The United States." According to Neera Tanden, the President of the Center for American Progress, "The agreement between the P5+1 and Iran that constrains Iran's nuclear program is a historic achievement for the United States and its partners. Iran's nuclear program will now fall under unprecedented international scrutiny to ensure that Tehran cannot pursue nuclear weapons. It represents the strongest possible outcome for the United States and its partners, avoiding both the passive appeasement of Iran and the dangers of military action. It is the best way to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon." [Center for American Progress, 7/14/15]
Former Vice President Richard Cheney: "This Agreement Will Give Iran The Means To Launch A Nuclear Attack On The U.S. Homeland." According to former Vice President Richard Cheney via CNN, "Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Tuesday that President Barack Obama is responsible for directly equipping Iran with the capability to destroy the United States, calling the negotiated nuclear deal 'madness.' [...] In the fiery speech delivered at the American Enterprise Institute, the Republican security hawk unleashed an aggressive attack against the Iran deal, which Congress will begin debating this week. Though congressional Republicans will likely not have enough votes to thwart the White House's nuclear agreement with Iran, Cheney will present his case against the accord. 'This agreement will give Iran the means to launch a nuclear attack on the U.S. homeland,' Cheney said. 'I know of no nation in history that has agreed to guarantee that the means of its own destruction will be in the hands of another nation, particularly one that is hostile.'" [CNN, 9/10/15]
AIPAC: "This Proposed Agreement Fails To Halt Iran's Nuclear Quest. According to AIPAC, "AIPAC has consistently supported diplomatic efforts to end Iran's nuclear weapons program, and we appreciate the commitment and dedication of President Obama and his administration throughout these negotiations. Unfortunately, this proposed agreement fails to halt Iran's nuclear quest. Instead, it would facilitate rather than prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and would further entrench and empower the leading state sponsor of terror. We strongly believe that the alternative to this bad deal is a better deal. Congress should reject this agreement, and urge the administration to work with our allies to maintain economic pressure on Iran while offering to negotiate a better deal that will truly close off all Iranian paths to a nuclear weapon. " [AIPAC, Accessed 9/11/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted For Giving Congress The Ability To Approve A Final Nuclear Deal With Iran Before President Obama Could Lift Congressionally-Imposed Sanctions On Iran. In May 2015, Schweikert voted for a bill that would give Congress the authority to approve any final nuclear deal with Iran before President Obama could waive or lift any Congressionally-imposed sanctions on Iran. According to the Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would require "that Congress be given an opportunity to review any final international agreement on Iran's nuclear program before the president could waive or suspend any sanctions on Iran that were imposed by Congress. Under the measure, Congress would have an initial 30 days to review any final nuclear pact with Iran, during which time the president could waive executive branch sanctions against Tehran --- but could not use his authority to grant national security waivers for sanctions enacted into law by Congress. Congressional enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval (over a likely presidential veto) during a 52-day period would permanently prevent the president from granting such waivers." The vote was on a motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments and the House approved the amendments 400 to 25. The Senate voted on May 7, 2015, 98 to 1. The president signed the bill into law on May 22, 2015. [House Vote 226, 5/14/15; Congressional Quarterly, 5/13/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1191]
The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act Prevents The President From Waiving Congressionally Mandated Sanctions For Nearly Two Months While Congress Studies Any Agreement. According to CNN, "The bill would block the President from using his authority to waive congressionally-mandated sanctions against Iran for close to two months while Congress studies an agreement and decides whether to vote on a resolution of disapproval." [CNN, 5/7/15]
The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act Gives President Obama The Advantage By Requiring The Agreement To Only Survive A Veto Override. According to CNN, "Still, the measure gives a strong advantage to the President to seal a deal. That's because the President could veto a disapproval resolution and then block an override effort [...]. 2016 presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and other Republicans were furious their leaders had agreed to the disadvantage. In a statement following the bill's passage Thursday afternoon, Cotton said the Iran deal should be submitted as a treaty requiring a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate." [CNN, 5/7/15]
Bill Mandated Congress Must Be Given The Full Text Of The Agreement, All Related Materials, A Verification Assessment On Iranian Compliance, And A Certification That The Agreement Meets U.S. Non-Proliferation Objectives And Does Not Threaten U.S. National Security. According to AIPAC, "The bill requires the president to submit any comprehensive agreement to Congress within five days of reaching a deal. According to the bill, Congress will be given the full text of the agreement and all related materials, a verification assessment on Iranian compliance, and a certification that the agreement meets U.S. non-proliferation objectives and does not threaten U.S. national security." [AIPAC, 5/8/15]
The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act Gives Congress 60 Days, Up From 30, To Review The Iran Nuclear Agreement If A Deal Is Submitted Between July 10 And September 10, 2015. According to AIPAC, "Congress is, then, given a 30-day period to review the agreement and to vote approval or disapproval. During that timeframe, no additional sanction relief could be granted to Iran. If the deal is submitted between July 10 and September 7, the review period rises to 60 days. Nor can sanctions relief be granted in the 12-day period after a resolution of disapproval is adopted, during which the president may veto the resolution, or in the 10-day period following a presidential veto, during which Congress would have an opportunity to override the veto should it choose to do so." [AIPAC, 5/8/15]
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY): Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act Offers Congress The Best Chance To Weigh In On The Iran Negotiations. According to CNN, "'The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act offers the best chance for our constituents, through the Congress they elect, to weigh in on the White House's negotiations with Iran,' McConnell said on the floor. 'These talks have devolved into something else altogether. Instead of ending Iran's nuclear program, the interim agreement would actually bestow international blessing for Iran to continue it.'" [CNN, 5/7/15]
Any Iran Deal Only Requires 34 Senators Or 144 Members Of The House Of Representatives To Survive. According to the Huffington Post, "President Barack Obama needs 34 senators or 144 House members to stick with him in support of the nuclear deal recently negotiated with Iran. Obama has vowed to veto a congressional resolution of disapproval [...] and one-third of either chamber will be required to prevent the veto from being overturned." [Huffington Post, 8/12/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against Compensating The American Victims Of The Iran Hostage Situation As Part Of The FY 2016 Omnibus. In December 2015, Schweikert voted against creating a fund to compensative the American victims of the Iran hostage situation. According to Congressional Quarterly, the measure would have "create[d] a fund to compensate American victims of terrorism who either hold a final judgment issued against a state sponsor of terrorism under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act or were taken hostage from the U.S. embassy in Iran in 1979. Iranian hostage crisis victims, who are precluded from going to court, would be treated as though each hostage has a judgment for $10,000 per day in captivity (or for spouses and children of hostages, a lump sum of $600,000). The measure appropriates $1 billion for the fund, which in the future would receive criminal and civil penalties levied against state sponsors of terrorism and their co-conspirators." The legislation was, according to Congressional Quarterly, a FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The vote was on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the bill with an amendment. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 316 to 113. The legislation was later combined with a tax extender bill. The Senate passed the larger measure and the president signed it. [House Vote 705, 12/18/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/18/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/15/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/17/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2029]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Extend "Missile-Related Restrictions Relative To Iran." In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports (CRIME) Act, which would, "establish that the United States will seek to constrain Iran's ballistic missile capabilities by 'urgently' seeking an extension of missile-related restrictions relative to Iran, as established in a 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution and using all other available authorities." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 403 to 8, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 383, 9/12/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/12/23; Congressional Actions, H.R.3152]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Allow The U.S. To Prevent Iran From Obtaining Nuclear Weapons Through Any Means Necessary. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended, that would permit the United States to use all means necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons." The vote was on passage. The House passed the resolution by a vote of 254 to 53. [House Vote 560, 11/1/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/1/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 559]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The President From Waiving secondary Sanctions On Iran Unless The Iranian Government Stops Supporting Acts Of Terrorism. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended that would bar the president from waiving secondary sanctions related to Iran, unless Iran's government has stopped providing support to acts of international terrorism. It also would require the president to provide a report to Congress outlining the intent to issue such a waiver and the reasons for doing so. Congress would have 30 days to review the report, or 60 days if the report is submitted after July 9 and before Sept. 8. During the review period, it would bar the president from issuing the waiver without a joint resolution of approval from Congress. If Congress decides not to act, the waiver would take effect, under the bill. It also would prevent the president from issuing a waiver if Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 271 to 147. [House Vote 140, 4/17/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/17/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6323]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Require A Congressional Review Period Anytime The President Proposes Waiving Or Easing Sanctions On Iran. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would establish a congressional review period for examining any proposed presidential action to waive or ease sanctions on Iran during which the president would be forbidden from taking the proposed action while lawmakers debate and potentially vote on blocking that action. It would require the president to submit to Congress a report outlining any proposed waiving or easing of sanctions on Iran or licensing actions that would significantly impact the country prior to taking the outlined actions. It would provide for a 30-day congressional review period, during which the president would be prohibited from taking such action, without congressional approval, that could be extended to 60 days for reports submitted from July 10 to Sept. 7. It also would bar the president from lifting or easing sanctions if Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval, for 12 calendar days while considering a veto of a joint resolution disapproving of the proposed action or for 10 days while Congress considers overriding the veto." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 278 to 141. [House Vote 138, 4/17/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/17/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4691]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Eliminate The Sunset On The 1996 Iran Sanctions Act. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill (HR 3033) that would eliminate the Dec. 31, 2026, sunset on the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act. It also would state that it is the policy of the U.S. to fully implement and enforce sanctions on Iran pursuant to the 1996 law." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 407 to 16. [House Vote 132, 4/16/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/16/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3033]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Require That Transactions Exempt From Sanctions On Iran Do Not Facilitate Support For Terrorism Or The Proliferation Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would require the president to issue regulations to ensure that certain transactions that are exempt from U.S. sanctions on Iran do not directly or indirectly facilitate support for acts of international terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It also would require the president to issue a report to Congress on the efficacy of such regulations one year after the date on which they were issued and every two years thereafter for six years. It would direct the Treasury Department to instruct the U.S. executive director at the World Bank to use the voice and vote of the U.S. to oppose financial assistance to Iran. The bill's provisions would sunset at the earlier of the date that is seven years after its enactment, 30 days after the Treasury Department reports to Congress that Iran is no longer a jurisdiction of primary money-laundering concern, or 30 days after the president reports to Congress that the Iranian government has ceased supporting acts of international terrorism." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 408 to 13. [House Vote 127, 4/16/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/16/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6015]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Include Chinese Financial Institutions That Facilitate The Purchase Of Iranian Oil In Existing Sanctions Against Foreign Institutions That Engage In Significant Transactions Involving Iran. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would expand existing U.S. sanctions against foreign financial institutions that engage in significant transactions involving Iran's financial sector to cover any Chinese financial institution that facilitates the purchase of Iranian oil, regardless of the size, frequency or number of transactions. It would require the president to determine if any Chinese financial institution has conducted a significant financial transaction involving the purchase of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran and report on it to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment, and annually thereafter for five years." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 383 to 11. [House Vote 122, 4/15/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/15/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5923]
2023: Schweikert Voted For The No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "the bill, as amended, that would require the president to impose sanctions on foreign financial institutions that engage in transactions using or involving the assets released to Iran as part of the September 2023 deal to release American hostages held by Iran. Among other provisions, the bill would permit the president to waive these sanctions if they certify to Congress that the Iranian government no longer provides support for international terrorism and has ceased the pursuit, acquisition and development of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and ballistic missiles --- and has verifiably dismantled those operations." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 307 to 119, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 687, 11/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
The Bill Prevented Iran From Obtaining $6 Billion In Oil Sales Revenue Frozen Overseas As Punishment For Support Of Hamas. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House on Thursday passed a bill that aims to prevent Iran from ever getting its hands on $6 billion in oil sales revenue currently frozen overseas as part of a GOP-led effort to punish Tehran for its longtime sponsorship of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that governs the Gaza Strip." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23]
The Bill Required Secondary Sanctions For Foreign Financial Institutions That Facilitate The Transfer Of Frozen Funds. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the legislation would order the mandatory imposition of secondary sanctions on any foreign financial institution that facilitates any portion of the transfer of the $6 billion in Iranian funds that are now frozen in a Qatari bank as part of a quiet diplomatic agreement with Doha." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23]
The Biden Administration Had Previously Made A Deal With Iran To Use The Frozen Funds For Humanitarian Goods In September 2023. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the Biden administration in September struck a deal with Iran that involved South Korean banks transferring $6 billion to the Qatar Central Bank, where the funds were to be used, under U.S. government oversight, to buy humanitarian goods to benefit the Iranian people. In return, Iran released five wrongfully detained Americans. The money was revenue from Tehran's oil sales to South Korea." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23]
Following The October 2023 Hamas Attack, The Biden Administration Agreed That The Funds Would Remain Frozen, However Republicans Wanted Further Assurance. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Following Hamas' Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel, which killed some 1,200 people, the administration said it reached agreement with Doha that the funds would remain frozen. Democratic lawmakers have largely accepted that assurance, but Republicans are pushing for Congress to take the issue out of White House hands." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23]
Critics Of The Bill Stated That It Would Harm Diplomatic Credibility. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Democrats, led by House Foreign Affairs ranking member Gregory W. Meeks of New York, said passage of the bill would do little to advance U.S. national security interests as the $6 billion remains frozen in Qatar, but that it would undermine U.S. leverage over Iran and harm U.S. diplomatic credibility over Washington's willingness to fulfill its end of international agreements." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Add A Sunset Clause To The Bill. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 12 that would terminate the bill five years after its enactment." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 194 to 236. [House Vote 686, 11/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Require The President To Submit A Report On Iran Policy. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 10 that would require the president to submit to Congress, within 120 days of the bill's enactment, a report outlining administration policy related to human rights, nuclear proliferation, the ballistic missile program and regional terrorism in Iran." The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 399 to 28. [House Vote 685, 11/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The President From Waiving Sanctions On Iranian Financial Institutions. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 9 that would prohibit the president from waiving the imposition of sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and other Iranian financial Institutions or issue a general or permit the Iranian government or any Iranian person access to any account established or maintained by a sanctioned financial institution." The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 231 to 198. [House Vote 684, 11/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Add Language Stating That The Houthis Benefitted From The Biden Administration's Failure To Condemn Them To The No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 8 that would add language to express the sense of Congress that the Houthis benefited from the Biden Administration's failure to condemn the Iran-backed terrorist group." The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 226 to 199. [House Vote 683, 11/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The Use Of Funds For Iran. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 6 that would prohibit the use of federal funds to make any funds available to Iran." The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 241 to 181. [House Vote 682, 11/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Add Language Calling On Allies In The Middle East To Condemn Antisemitism To The No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 5 that would add language to express the sense of Congress that all U.S. allies in the Middle East should publicly and unequivocally condemn all forms of antisemitism." The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 422 to 1. [House Vote 681, 11/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Add Language Regarding The Use Of Civilians As Human Shields. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 1 that would add findings language stating that Hamas and associated terrorist organizations backed by Iran use civilians as 'human shields' and that only the unconditional surrender of Hamas will ensure that Israeli and Palestinian lives are saved." The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 412 to 11. [House Vote 680, 11/30/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/30/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 891) that would provide for House floor consideration of the [...] No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act (HR 5961) [...] the rule would provide up to one hour of debate on each bill. It would make in order [...] 12 amendments to HR 5961. It would provide for the automatic adoption of the McCaul, R-Texas, manager's amendment to 5961 that would prohibit sanctions to be imposed on the importation of goods and remove language referring to international financial institutions." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 212 to 205. [House Vote 679, 11/28/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/28/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 891; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5283]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 891) that would provide for House floor consideration of the [...] No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act (HR 5961) [...] the rule would provide up to one hour of debate on each bill. It would make in order [...] 12 amendments to HR 5961. It would provide for the automatic adoption of the McCaul, R-Texas, manager's amendment to 5961 that would prohibit sanctions to be imposed on the importation of goods and remove language referring to international financial institutions." The vote was on the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 213 to 205. [House Vote 678, 11/28/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/28/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 891; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Add Language To The No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act Prohibiting Sanctions On The Importation Of Goods. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "adoption of the rule (H Res 869) that would provide for floor consideration of the [...] No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act (HR 5961).The rule would provide for up to one hour of general debate on each measure. [...] It would provide for the automatic adoption of a McCaul, R-Texas, manager's amendment to HR 5961. The amendment would prohibit sanctions to be imposed on the importation of goods and remove language referring to international financial institutions." The vote was on adoption of the rule. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 198 to 225. [House Vote 660, 11/15/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/15/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Add Language To The No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act Prohibiting Sanctions On The Importation Of Goods. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 869) that would provide for floor consideration of [...] the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act (HR 5961).The rule would provide for up to one hour of general debate on each measure. [...] It would provide for the automatic adoption of a McCaul, R-Texas, manager's amendment to HR 5961. The amendment would prohibit sanctions to be imposed on the importation of goods and remove language referring to international financial institutions." The vote was on the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 218 to 206. [House Vote 659, 11/15/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/15/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5961]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Establish Additional Sanctions For The Purchase Of Iranian Oil. In November 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would require the president, within 90 days of the bill's enactment, to impose property blocking and visa ineligibility sanctions on foreign persons involved in petroleum trade operations with Iran. It would require the Energy Information Administration to submit a report to Congress, within 120 days of the bill's enactment and annually thereafter, describing Iran's growing exports of petroleum and petroleum products. It would require the president to strengthen sanctions on foreign persons involved in petroleum trade operations with Iran, including trade in petrochemicals. The bill's provisions would be terminated 30 days after the president certifies to Congress that Iran no longer provides support for international terrorism and Iran has ceased the pursuit, acquisition and development of, and verifiably dismantled, its nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, ballistic missiles, and ballistic missile launch technology." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 342 to 69. [House Vote 598, 11/3/23; Congressional Quarterly, 11/3/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3774]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Establish "Property Blocking And Visa Ineligibility Sanctions" To Any Foreign Individual Who Engaged In Advancing Iranian Missile Technology. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports (CRIME) Act, which would, "establish property blocking and visa ineligibility sanctions for any foreign person determined to have engaged in furthering Iranian missile technology, including providing materials, exporting or providing financial support. It would require the State Department to report annually to Congress on a diplomatic strategy to renew the U.N. restrictions, the restrictions' impact on Iran, and the U.S. strategy to deter Iranian missile capabilities." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 403 to 8, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 383, 9/12/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/12/23; Congressional Actions, H.R.3152]
2019: Schweikert Effectively Voted For Increasing Funding For The Treasury Office That Oversees Sanctions Against Iran. In June 2019, Schweikert voted for a motion to recommit the FY 2020 minibus appropriations bill, which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "report [the bill] back immediately with an amendment that would increase by $10 million funding for activities by the Treasury Department office on terrorism and financial intelligence to safeguard the U.S. financial system against national security threats and decrease by the same amount funding for General Services Administration facility rental." The vote was on a motion to recommit. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 226-195. The House then passed the bill, but it was never taken up in the Senate. [House Vote 423, 6/26/19; Congressional Quarterly, 6/26/19; Congressional Actions, H.R.3351]
The Procedural Move Increased Funding For The Office Overseeing Sanctions Against Iran By $10 Million. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Republicans managed to include an amendment that would give the Treasury office overseeing sanctions against Iran an additional $10 million through a motion to recommit just before the vote on passage. House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Chairman Mike Quigley, D-Ill., opposed, but enough Democrats backed the provision to get it adopted." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/26/19]
37 Moderate Democrats Voted With Republicans. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House Democratic majority on Wednesday lost a procedural vote to the Republican minority for the first time in four months, as 37 Democrats joined Republicans in adding a last-minute Iran amendment to the fiscal 2020 Financial Services spending bill. The amendment was approved through a Republican motion to recommit --- a procedural tool of the minority used primarily for messaging [...] The 37 Democrats who voted for it were primarily moderate members of the caucus, many of whom are considered vulnerable for reelection in 2020." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/26/19]
2017: Schweikert Voted For New Or Expanded Sanctions On Iran As Part Of A Larger Sanctions Bill On Iran, North Korea And Russia. In July 2017, Schweikert voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "impose[d] various new or expanded sanctions against Iran, including sanctions on persons that engage in or pose a risk of materially contributing to Iran's ballistic missile program and sanctions on officials, agents or affiliates of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps." In addition, also according to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "codif[ied] certain existing sanctions on Russia, including various sanctions tied to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Moscow's annexation of Crimea, and malicious cyber activities relating to the 2016 U.S. elections. The bill would [have] establish multiple new sanctions on Russia, including sanctions on entities conducting malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government and entities which conduct business with the Russian intelligence and defense sectors. [...] The bill would [have] also impose[d] multiple new or expanded sanctions on North Korea, including sanctions against entities that purchase certain metals or minerals from North Korea, and would [have] require[d] the secretary of State to make a determination as to whether North Korea constitutes a 'state sponsor of terrorism.'" The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 419 to 3. The Senate then passed the legislation, sending the bill to President Trump, who signed it into law. [House Vote 413, 7/25/17; Congressional Quarterly, 7/25/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3364]
2013: Schweikert Voted To Impose Additional Sanctions On Iran. In July 2013, Schweikert voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "impose[d] increased sanctions on Iran, including broader economic penalties. It would [have] call[ed] on countries currently purchasing crude oil from Iran to reduce their combined purchases by a total of 1 million barrels per day within a year, limit[ed] Iran's access to overseas foreign currency reserves and impose[d] additional shipping sanctions. It also would [have] expand[ed] a number of existing Iran sanctions relating to human rights and terrorism." The vote was on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. The House adopted the motion, passing the bill, by a vote of 400 to 20. The bill died in the Senate. [House Vote 427, 7/31/13; Congressional Quarterly, 7/31/13; Congressional Actions, H.R. 850]
2024: Schweikert Voted Against Reinstating Robert Malley As Special Envoy To Iran. In June 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "amendment no. 64 that would prohibit the use of funds provided by the bill to pay the salary of, reinstate, or reemploy Robert Malley, the former special envoy to Iran." The vote was on the amendment. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 218 to 188. [House Vote 319, 6/27/24; Congressional Quarterly, 6/27/24; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.1062; Congressional Actions, H.R. 8771]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Require The Treasury Department To Report To Congress On Financial Institution Involvement With Iranian Government Officials. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would prohibit the Treasury Department from authorizing transactions by a U.S. financial institution connected to the import or export of goods, services or technology, other than agricultural commodities, food, medicine, medical devices or humanitarian assistance, to Iran. It would direct the Treasury Department to instruct the International Monetary Fund to oppose financial assistance to Iran and instruct member countries to prohibit the exchange of special drawing rights held by Iran. It also would codify prohibitions on the Export-Import Bank extending credit in connection to transactions from Iran or Iranian government-controlled entities. The bill's regulations would sunset 30 days after the earlier of the date that is the date after the president certifies to Congress that the government of Iran has ceased to support acts of international terrorism and is no longer a jurisdiction of primary money-laundering concern, or 10 years after the bill's enactment." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 419 to 4. [House Vote 126, 4/15/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/15/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5921]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit Transactions By U.S. Financial Institutions Connected To The Import Or Export Of Goods To Iran. In April 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would prohibit the Treasury Department from authorizing transactions by a U.S. financial institution connected to the import or export of goods, services or technology, other than agricultural commodities, food, medicine, medical devices or humanitarian assistance, to Iran. It would direct the Treasury Department to instruct the International Monetary Fund to oppose financial assistance to Iran and instruct member countries to prohibit the exchange of special drawing rights held by Iran. It also would codify prohibitions on the Export-Import Bank extending credit in connection to transactions from Iran or Iranian government-controlled entities. The bill's regulations would sunset 30 days after the earlier of the date that is the date after the president certifies to Congress that the government of Iran has ceased to support acts of international terrorism and is no longer a jurisdiction of primary money-laundering concern, or 10 years after the bill's enactment." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 294 to 105. [House Vote 123, 4/15/24; Congressional Quarterly, 4/15/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5921]
2023: Schweikert Voted For Establishing That "The United States Should Support The People Of Iran In Their Demand For Fundamental Human Rights." In September 2023, Schweikert voted for a bill that would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "establish the sense of Congress that the United States should support the people of Iran in their demand for fundamental human rights and continue to hold the Iranian government accountable for human rights abuses. Among other provisions, it would require the administration to determine annually whether to sanction Iranian authorities, including the supreme leader, president and cabinet ministers, under existing authorities." The vote was on passage. The House agreed to the bill by a vote of 410 to 3, thus, the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 384, 9/12/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/12/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 589]