This morning, the House will vote to begin Conference with the Senate to finalize an Iran sanctions bill to be sent to the President.
Many questions remain about what happens from here–will concerns raised by the White House and other Members of Congress be fixed in conference? Will Congress coordinate passage with the White House’s ongoing multilateral efforts or will it act unilaterally and risk undermining the President? Will the final package include anything to support the human rights of the Iranian people?
Here are some key resources regarding the sanctions bills and the conference process:
Conference Analysis
NIAC analysis and recommendations for final sanctions package: don’t neglect human rights
National Association of Manufacturers, Chamber of Commerce study: sanctions will cost U.S. 210,000 jobs and $25 billion in exports
NGO Coalition Calls on U.S. to Lift Ban on Humanitarian Relief for Iranians
Fifteen organizations call for Iran sanctions legislation to support human rights
The Hill: Changing Course on Iran Sanctions
Obama Administration Statements
State Department Letter to Senator Kerry: Sanctions bills may undermine our efforts
White House, State Department: We oppose broad sanctions targeting the Iranian people
Bill Text
H.R.2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2009 (passed the House 12/15/09)
S.2799, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2009 (passed Senate 01/28/10)
H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 (passed House 10/14/09)
April 22, 2010