Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio, Maggie Hassan, and Jacky Rosen have expressed their support for the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations business meeting. Senator Rubio emphasized the importance of holding accountable all individuals and entities involved in the illicit trade of Iranian oil, including the Chinese Communist Party.

Senator Hassan highlighted the necessity of cutting off the Iranian regime's key revenue streams, especially in light of Iran's recent attack on Israel. She urged Senate colleagues to support the bipartisan legislation to impose sanctions on those enabling purchases of Iranian oil.

Senator Rosen emphasized the need to prevent the Iranian regime from destabilizing the region and threatening American interests and allies. She pointed out that Iran relies on funding from illicit oil sales to finance its aggression, making the SHIP Act crucial in cracking down on these activities.

The SHIP Act sets a statement of policy to deny Iran the ability to engage in destabilizing activities, imposes sanctions on entities involved in the illicit Iranian oil trade, and requires a report from the administration on the increase of exports of petroleum and petroleum products from Iran.

U.S. Representative Michael Lawler introduced companion legislation in the House, demonstrating bipartisan support for efforts to address the issue of illicit Iranian oil trade.