WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and other Republican senators in introducing the Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act (ISSRA). The legislation would require Congress to review any actions the Biden White House takes to terminate or waive sanctions on Iran.

“Iran is the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism, and its leaders are actively working with China and Russia to undermine stability across the globe. Congress cannot allow the Biden administration to blink when it comes to the threat that this new axis of evil poses to the United States’ national security. The Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act would ensure that Congress reviews any effort the Biden White House makes to weaken sanctions on Iran,” said Kennedy.

“As Iran’s terror-sponsoring regime continues to pursue nuclear weapons to harm Americans and our regional partners and allies, it is critical to provide insurance if President Biden keeps trying to run around Congress and relieve sanctions on Iran. My legislation will make it abundantly clear to the Biden Administration that any agreement made with Iran that involves sanctions relief must be submitted for Congressional review,” said Hagerty.

This bill would provide insurance should the Biden administration attempt to circumvent congressional review under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act by making a deal with the Iranian regime that includes relieving sanctions.

Congress used this approach to review Russia sanctions relief under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017, which passed both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support.

Background: 

• This week, foreign leaders alleged that Iran and the U.S. are engaging in indirect talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
• Last month, Biden administration officials briefed senators in a classified discussion on Iran.

Full text of the ISSRA is here.