WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) helped lead bipartisan legislation that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives to combat growing Iranian aggression in the Middle East.

“Iran has directly, or through their terrorist proxies including Hezbollah, Hamas, and PIJ, killed hundreds of Americans, and attacked our bases and our allies in the region. Iran has even armed Russia with scores of suicide drones and missiles. We cannot forget where the money ends up when sanctions are lifted on Iran — the world’s leading state sponsor of terror. I’m proud to have helped lead bipartisan legislation to stand against the terrorist-backing, oppressive Iranian regime and their countless human rights abuses,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).  

The Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act (Fight CRIME Act) passed in 403 to 8 vote and requires the Administration to provide Congress with its diplomatic strategy to secure the renewal of U.N.’s restrictions — set to expire in October — on Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. The legislation also tightens existing U.S. sanctions on persons supporting Iran’s missile and drone programs.

The Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability Act passed in a 410 to 3 vote and would impose sanctions on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Ebrahim Raisi, and their respective offices for brutal human rights abuses against protestors opposing the regime’s enforcement of compulsory hijab laws. On the one year anniversary of the killing of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini by Iran’s Morality Police for improperly covering her hair, this bill is a testament to Congress’ support for the Iranian protestors and human rights.

A resolution condemning Iran’s persecution of the Baha’i minority passed in a 413 to 2 vote and condemns Iran for its religious persecution against the Baha’i faith and urges the State Department to impose sanctions on Iran for its brutal practices.

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