Congressional Round Up

Congress is considering a number of legislative initiatives that may be of interest to the Iranian American community.  The PAAIA Public Policy Center is pleased to provide a round-up on the status of the legislation. In general, PAAIA focuses on bills and congressional actions concerning three areas: civil liberties, foreign policy towards Iran, and immigration.  PAAIA recognizes that it is important that Iranian Americans be informed about legislative initiatives in these areas and the positions that their members of Congress take concerning them.

BILLS & RESOLUTIONS

Foreign Policy

S.2195: A bill to deny admission to any representative to the UN who has engaged in espionage, poses a threat to US, or has engaged in terrorist activity

On April 1, 2014, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced S.2195. The legislation gained a total of 7 co-sponsors, the most recent of whom are Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL), Dan Coats (R-IN), Rob Portman (R-OH), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), David Vitter (R-LA), and Thad Cochran (R-MS). On April 7, 2014, S.2195 passed the Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the title by unanimous consent. It has now been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2195 would deny admission to the United States to any representative to the United Nations who has engaged in espionage activities against the United States, poses a threat to United States national security interests, or has engaged in a terrorist activity against the United States.

H.R.3707: A bill that directs the U.S. to: (1) take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the residents of Camp Liberty/Hurriya in Iraq; (2) provide all necessary assistance to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to process refugee applications by the residents of Camp Liberty/Hurriya and (3) admit the residents of Camp Liberty/Hurriya as refugees in the U.S.

On December 11, 2013, Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA/48^th) introduced H.R.3707. The legislation has gained a total of 52 co-sponsors, the most recent of whom are Representatives Donald Payne (D-NJ/10^th) and Rush Holt (D-NJ/12^th).

H.R.3707 directs the United States to: (1) take all necessary and appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the residents of Camp Liberty/Hurriya in Iraq; (2) provide all necessary and appropriate assistance to the United Nations (U.N.) High Commissioner for Refugees to process refugee applications by the residents of Camp Liberty/Hurriya and to secure their safe resettlement outside of Iraq; and (3) admit the residents of Camp Liberty/Hurriya as refugees in the United States and not delay or bar such resettlement because any such resident is or has been a member of, or supports or has supported, organizations or groups that were subject to the Secretary of State’s decision of September 21, 2012. H.R. 3707 also directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report to Congress on U.S. efforts to guard the safety of Camp Liberty/Hurriya residents and secure their orderly resettlement.

H.R.4357: A bill to deny admission to any representative to the UN who has engaged in espionage, poses a threat to US, or has engaged in terrorist activity

On April 1, 2014, Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO/5^th) introduced H.R.4357. The legislation gained a total of 49 co-sponsors, the most recent of whom are Representatives John Campbell (R-CA/45^th), Rob Bishop (R-UT/1^st), Paul Broun (R-GA/10^th), Tim Griffin (R-AR/2^nd), David Joyce, (R-OH/14^th), Alan Nunnelee (REP-MS-1) (cosponsor) Louie Gohmert (R-TX/1^st), Kevin Brady (R-TX/8^th), Bill Johnson (R-OH/6^th), Tom Cotton (R-AR/4^th), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN/4^th), Peter Roskam (R-IL/6^th), Vern Buchanan (R-FL/16^th), Mike Rogers (R-AL/3^rd), Sean Duffy (R-WI/7^th), Leonard Lance (R-NJ/7^th), Walter Jones (R-NC/3^rd), Scott Garrett (R-NJ/5^th), Paul Cook (R-CA/8^th), Bob Latta (R-OH/5^th), Michael Grimm (R-NY/11^th),Patrick McHenry (R-NC/10^th), Steve Stockman (R-TX/36^th), Tom Cole (R-OK/4^th), and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA/1^st). On April 10, 2014, H.R.4357 passed the House and now awaits the President’s signature.

H.R.4357 would deny admission to the United States to any representative to the United Nations who has engaged in espionage activities against the United States, poses a threat to United States national security interests, or has engaged in a terrorist activity against the United States.

H.R.4411: A bill to prevent Hezbollah and associated entities from gaining access to international financial and other institutions

On April 7, 2014, Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC/11^th) introduced H.R.4411. The legislation has gained a total of 24 co-sponsors, the most recent of whom are Brian Higgins (D-NY/26^th), Billy Long (R-MO/7^th), Grace Meng (D-NY/6^th), Jim Jordan (R-OH/4^th), Gerald Connolly (D-VA/11^th), Blake Farenthold (R-TX/27^th), Matt Salmon (R-AZ/5^th), Peter King (R-NY/2^nd), Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA/3^rd), Paul Cook (R-CA/8^th),  Adam Kinzinger (R-IL/16^th), James Lankford (R-OK/5^th), Michael McCaul (R-TX/10^th), Todd Rokita (R-IN/4^th), Randy Weber (R-TX/14^th), Rob Bishop (R-UT/1^st), Doug Collins (R-GA/9^th), Ron DeSantis (R-FL/6^th), Ted Deutch (D-FL/21^st), and Steve Pearce (R-NM/2^nd).

H.R.4411 would prevent Hezbollah and associated entities from gaining access to international financial and other institutions, and for other purposes.

Special Category

H.CON.RES.27: Supporting the formation of a bipartisan Presidential Commission to study the establishment of a National Museum of the American People

On March 19, 2013, Representative James P. Moran (D-VA/8^th) introduced H.CON.RES.27.  The legislation has gained a total of 35 co-sponsors, the most recent of whom is Delegate Donna Christensen (D-VI/AL), and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

H.CON.RES.27 would create a presidential commission to study the establishment of a National Museum of the American People. The museum would tell the story of all the peoples who came to the United States and contributed to its success and prosperity.  The museum would also serve as a resource to assist state, local, and ethnic museums in presenting exhibits that celebrate the heritage of the people of the United States. 

Click here to view all of the current proposed legislation and policies that impact our community.