April 25, 2025
Republicans in the House of Representatives have introduced a package of 10 bills intended to tighten the noose around the neck of the Islamic Republic. The main bill would put the US sanctions against Iran—most of which are based on executive orders from presidents dating back to Jimmy Carter—into the statute books.
That would mean that no sanction could be lifted without first getting the approval of Congress. Another bill would bar a president from issuing waivers to sanctions. The point is to prevent a Democratic successor to President Trump from undoing sanctions.
The odd thing is that Trump has vowed to finish the job with Iran quickly, saying Iran must clearly give up its nuclear program or face bombing. The package of bills is based on the concern that Trump won’t do that and the issue will still be alive four years from now.
Furthermore, if a Democrat is selected four years from now and wins a majority in the House and Senate, as often happens when a new president is elected, then sanctions could easily be lifted. The Republican Study Committee, a part of the GOP caucus in the House of Representatives, described the package, which it designed, as “the toughest Iran sanctions package ever proposed by Congress.” The package has an excellent chance of passing the House, but likely would not pass muster in the Senate where a 60 percent majority is required to move most legislation. Rep. August Pfluger of Texas, the chair of the Republican Study Committee, said he expected to see the 10 bills on the floor of the House for a vote in the near future.
He also said that Trump’s team supports all the bills in the package, which is a surprise because one bill would kill the current waiver allowing Iraq to buy Iranian natural gas. Trump just signed that waiver in March.
