SE Kentucky News

U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) has voted in favor of the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, a bill that was passed by House Republicans on Thursday. The purpose of this bill is to freeze $6 billion in Iranian funds that were released by the Biden Administration in exchange for American hostages in September.

In support of his vote, Congressman Rogers stated, "Iran continues to fund brutal terrorism around the world, and the United States should not be in the business of negotiating billions of dollars that could be used to do more harm and inspire more hostage operations." He further emphasized that Iran supports groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, disregarding innocent lives. Congressman Rogers believes that the recent terrorist attack on Israel highlights the need to freeze these funds, stating, "The terrorist attack on Israel magnified the need to freeze these funds. We must continue to stand against all forms of tyranny, and this bill ensures proper sanctions are restored to protect our allies."

The urgency of freezing these funds is underscored by the fact that just one month after the Biden Administration waived sanctions for the money transfer, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists carried out a brutal attack in Israel, resulting in the death of over 1,300 people and the kidnapping of 130 others. This incident has created yet another hostage situation.

The No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act imposes immediate and mandatory sanctions on any financial institution that attempts to engage in transactions with the $6 billion currently held in Qatar banks. This effectively freezes the funds and prevents Iran from accessing them.

The bill has now been sent to the Senate for consideration. If passed, it will further strengthen sanctions against Iran and hinder their ability to fund terrorist activities.

For more information about Congressman Rogers and his work in Washington and Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.

To find out more, go to this link: https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A0FE9429-6BCF-4BFD-AEA5-30BF20ACB1FB