House Passes Bill to Impose Sanctions on Iranian Petroleum Amid Hamas, Hezbollah Attacks

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Oct. 3, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Jackson Richman

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Jackson Richman is a Washington correspondent for The Epoch Times. In addition to Washington politics, he covers the intersection of politics and sports/sports and culture. He previously was a writer at Mediaite and Washington correspondent at Jewish News Syndicate. His writing has also appeared in The Washington Examiner. He is an alum of George Washington University.

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November 3, 2023Updated: November 3, 2023

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The House overwhelmingly passed on Nov. 3 a bill that would impose sanctions on Iranian oil.

It passed 342–69 and comes as the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist groups have launched attacks on Israel. Iran is a major producer and exporter of petrochemicals, with China being the major importer. Additionally, the funds the regime receives helps finance terrorist groups.

The Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act, or SHIP Act, was introduced by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and would sanction those who import or aid and abet the importation of Iranian petroleum products. It would require the president, 90 days following the bill’s enactment and thereafter, to sanction foreign persons involved in the trade of Iranian petrochemicals or crude oil. Such persons would be ineligible for visas to stay in or enter the United States.

The 12-page bill would require the administrator of Energy Information Administration, which is part of the Department of Energy, to submit a report to Congress, no later than 120 days after the enactment of the legislation, about Iran’s exportation of petroleum and petroleum products.

The United States has already levied sanctions related to Iranian petroleum.

Overall, Mr. Lawler’s bill was part of a series of resolutions and bills related to Israel and Iran.

The Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, introduced by Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), passed 363–46 on Nov. 1, with one Republican joining 45 Democrats in voting against it.

It would impose sanctions on foreign states and persons supporting Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which is also a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

The bill would require the president, within 180 days of enactment, to impose sanctions on foreign persons and foreign states supporting Hamas.

The measure would expire after seven years or 30 days after the president certifies that Hamas, PIJ, or their affiliates are no longer subject to sanctions.

Foreign states that provide support to Hamas would not receive U.S. assistance for at least one year.

Additionally, a resolution condemning Iran’s nuclear program, introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), passed 354–53 on Nov. 1, with 50 Democrats and three Republicans voting against it.

“It is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable; that Iran must not be able to obtain a nuclear weapon under any circumstances or conditions; to use all means necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon; and to recognize and support the freedom of action of partners and allies, including Israel, to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” the resolution states.

Finally, the House passed on Nov. 2 a supplemental bill to provide $14.3 billion in assistance to Israel—but offsets that amount with the same amount in cuts to IRS funding under the Inflation Reduction Act—a nonstarter for Democrats.

The supplemental funding passed 226–196. Twelve Democrats voted in favor of it. Two Republicans voted against it: Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.).