- 14 October 2009
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- Congress, Sanctions
The House of Representatives today approved a bill that permits state and local governments to divest any public funds from companies that do more than $20 million a year in business with Iran’s energy sector. The bill, known as the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009, passed by a vote of 414 – 6.
Supporters of the bill, introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), believe that divestment and sanctions in general will help pressure Iran’s government over its nuclear program. Frank said the bill makes it “very clear” that Americans are concerned about Iran’s nuclear program, and the bill permits them to address their concerns.
One of the dissenting votes was cast by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) who said, “I don’t think the sanctions are going to help with the talks. I don’t think sanctions are going to assist us in our efforts to try to bring Iran into a new position in the world community.”