Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently questioned Jack Lew, the nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Israel, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. Rubio expressed his concerns about Lew's nomination, stating that the nominee has "misled and lied to Congress in the past."

During the hearing, Rubio addressed an issue regarding Iran's access to U.S. financial institutions. He referred to a statement made by Lew in July 2015, where Lew had claimed that Iran would not have access to U.S. financial institutions. However, Rubio pointed out that there was evidence of a special license being issued, allowing Iran access to U.S. financial institutions.

Rubio further emphasized that the U.S. Treasury actively encouraged banks to convert funds for Iran, despite two banks deciding not to do so. He also mentioned that the Treasury conducted over 200 roadshows worldwide, encouraging U.S. banks to do business with Iran and downplaying potential penalties.

Rubio then brought up a letter he and Senator Kirk had sent to Lew in 2016, inquiring about specific licenses and assurances that the United States would not assist Iran in gaining access to U.S. dollars elsewhere in the international financial system. Lew responded to the letter, denying any intention to grant Iran access to the U.S. financial system.

Rubio questioned Lew's response, stating that a special license had indeed been issued, contradicting what Lew had previously claimed. He also highlighted the fact that Lew had proactively reached out to banks that had no previous business with Iran.

Lew, in response, disputed Rubio's description of the facts and argued that his actions were intended to facilitate the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran, rather than welcoming Iran into the U.S. financial community. He stated that Iran had sanctioned him for human rights violations, indicating that the country believed he had not done more than what was promised in the JCPOA.

Rubio clarified that his allegations were based on a report by the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations, and he believed that the issue needed to be addressed.

The questioning by Rubio at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing shed light on concerns regarding Jack Lew's nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Rubio's focus on Lew's alleged misleading statements and actions regarding Iran's access to U.S. financial institutions raised important questions about Lew's suitability for the position. The hearing provided an opportunity for both Rubio and Lew to present their perspectives on the matter.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-questions-u-s-ambassador-to-israel-nominee-at-senate-foreign-relations-committee-hearing/