Duval Times

On December 5, 2023, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marsha Blackburn, along with six other Republican colleagues, introduced the Iran China Accountability Act. The purpose of this legislation is to weaken Iran's ties with Communist China and condition any future nuclear deal on certain conditions.

According to Senator Rick Scott, Iran cannot be trusted due to its support for terrorist organizations like Hamas, who are attacking Israel and committing heinous acts of violence. Additionally, Iran's alliance with Communist China, a major adversary of the United States, poses a threat to the nation's way of life. Senator Scott stated, "Nothing Iran does is good for America." The Iran China Accountability Act aims to send a clear message to Iran that until they cut ties with Communist China, condemn human rights abuses, and stop funding terrorism against Israel, the United States will not provide any financial support for a nuclear agreement.

Senator Marsha Blackburn, who led the legislation, emphasized the need to hold the Iranian regime fully accountable for its actions. She stated, "Iran would love nothing more than to enter into another nuclear deal that props up their terrorist activity and also benefits their fellow New Axis of Evil partner - Communist China." Senator Blackburn highlighted the importance of protecting national security interests and ensuring that Iran is not granted a nuclear deal without guarantees.

Other senators who cosponsored the legislation expressed their concerns about the Iranian regime and its alliance with China. Senator John Hoeven emphasized the need to stand up to both Iran and China and hold them accountable for their destabilizing activities, support for terrorism, and human rights abuses. Senator Kevin Cramer recognized that the pursuit of the Iranian nuclear deal has only emboldened and enriched Iran, and it is time to recognize the collaboration between adversaries.

Senator Marco Rubio stressed that any agreement with Iran must take into account the regime's support for terrorist groups like Hamas and its cooperation with Communist China. He stated, "It is essential that the U.S. does everything in its power to hold these perpetrators accountable." Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith expressed her concerns about the Biden administration's eagerness to re-enter a dangerous nuclear deal and highlighted the importance of Congressional oversight.

Senator Ted Cruz emphasized the need to block any reckless policy that would allow Iran and China to form a partnership. He stated, "China and Iran have formed an alliance, along with Russia, with the goal of undermining the United States." Senator Thom Tillis echoed the sentiment and emphasized the importance of opposing any partnership between China and Iran, given their egregious human rights violations.

The Iran China Accountability Act includes several provisions, such as requiring any nuclear agreement to be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the U.S. Senate. It also prohibits the use of funds for a nuclear agreement until Iran terminates its agreements with China, cuts ties with terrorist groups like Hamas, verifies the destruction of all chemical weapons, and ceases the incarceration of Uyghurs. The legislation also condemns Hamas-incited terrorist attacks on Israel.

In summary, Senators Rick Scott and Marsha Blackburn, along with their Republican colleagues, have introduced the Iran China Accountability Act to weaken Iran's ties with Communist China and condition any future nuclear deal on specific requirements. The legislation aims to hold Iran accountable for its support of terrorist organizations, human rights abuses, and alliance with China. The senators believe that it is crucial to protect national security interests and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sens-rick-scott-marsha-blackburn-lead-legislation-to-weaken-iran-china-ties-condition-any-nuclear-deal