Kirsten Gillibrand on Iran

Summary

Senator Gillibrand has been a vocal opponent of actions taken by Iran to further their nuclear program. In 2009, she supported measures to cut business ties with any company that does business with Iran. She stated that the US needs to send a strong, clear signal to Iran that until it halts its nuclear ambitions, the dangerous state will be denied the benefits of access to the global economy.

That same year, Senator Gillibrand issued a statement noting her support for the Iran Refined Petroleum Act. This act would give President Obama the authority to impose economic sanctions on foreign firms exporting gasoline and other refined petroleum products to Iran.

When sanctions were finally implemented, Senator Gillibrand responded by stating that the US was sending a clear message to Iran and companies that do business with Iran that the status quo will not be tolerated. She stated that the US must show Iran that until they halt their nuclear development, they will not have any access to the global economy, and neither will any company doing business with Iran

 

Cut Ties with Companies Doing Business with Iran

In March of 2009, Senator Gillibrand issued a press statement noting her support for immediate passage of federal law that would allow President Obama to impose tougher sanctions and checks against companies tied to Iran, including blocking federal contracts to violators and imposing a three year ban on government contracts against companies that falsely claim they do not conduct business with Iran’s refined petroleum sector.

Senator Gillibrand, “We need to send a strong, clear signal to Iran that until it halts its nuclear ambitions, the dangerous state will be denied the benefits of access to the global economy. Company offenders whose profits serve to fuel Iran’s nuclear ambitions should not be allowed to do business with the U.S.— period. Taking a tougher stance against companies tied to Iran’s refined petroleum capacity would provide the President with a more robust set of tools to address Iran's existential threat to our nation and our allies.”

 

Iran Refined Petroleum Act

In April of 2009, Senator Gillibrand released a press statement noting her cosponsorship of the Iran Refined Petroleum Act. The act would give President Obama the authority to impose economic sanctions on foreign firms exporting gasoline and other refined petroleum products to Iran.

The Iran Refined Petroleum Act targets foreign companies providing the following services that would support Iran's economy:

• Sell gasoline or other refined petroleum products to Iran;
• Provide ships, shipping services or insurance for this trade;
• Finance or broker any such activity; and
• Assist Iran's efforts to increase domestic refining capacity.

 

Sanctions on Iran

In June of 2010, Senator Gillibrand issued a press statement noting her support for sanctions recently passed against Iran.

“I commend President Obama, Secretary Clinton, Ambassador Rice, and their team for their work and determination to pass international sanctions. While many of us would have liked to have seen stronger sanctions, this move by the UN Security Council demonstrates international solidarity against the threat posed by Iran. It is critical that all countries around the world implement the UN action with their own crippling sanctions against Iran. Our nation must lead by example and continue moving forward with new sanctions legislation that undercuts Iran’s ability to fund its nuclear program.”

Later in the month, Senator Gillibrand issued a statement praising passing of the legislation through the Senate.

Voting Record

Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009

In Jume of 2010, the Senate voted on legislation to enact sanctions on Iran's oil system hoping to force it to engage diplomatically on its nuclear program. The measure passed 99-0. Kirsten Gillibrand voted in favor of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009.

 

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

Session-111; Bill Number-S 908; Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act - Cosponsor

A bill to amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by expanding economic sanctions against Iran.

Session-111; Bill Number-S 908; A bill to amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by expanding economic sanctions against Iran. - Cosponsor

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should continue to support diplomatic efforts in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.N. Security Council to end Iran's illicit nuclear activities; (2) diplomatic efforts with Iran are more likely to be effective if the President is empowered with the explicit authority to impose additional sanctions on the government of Iran; (3) it should be U.S. policy to encourage foreign governments to direct state-owned and private entities to cease all investment in, and support of, Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum products to Iran; (4) the President is urged to impose sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran and any other Iranian financial institution engaged in proliferation activities or support of terrorist groups; (5) the Department of the Treasury should continue to work with allies to protect the international financial system from deceptive and illicit practices by Iranian financial institutions involved in proliferation activities or support of terrorist groups; (6) U.S. concerns regarding Iran are strictly the result of that government�s actions; and (7) the people of the United States have feelings of friendship for the people of Iran and regret that developments in recent decades have created impediments to that friendship.

Session-111; Bill Number-S 3022; Iran Human Rights Sanctions Act - Cosponsor

Directs the President to impose visa entry and financial sanctions on a person determined to be complicit in human rights abuses committed against Iranian citizens or their family members on or after June 12, 2009, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Iran. Requires that: (1) the list of such persons required by this Act be made available to the public and posted on the Department of the Treasury and the Department of State websites; and (2) the President consider data obtained by other countries and nongovernmental organizations that monitor Iran's human rights abuses in preparing such list.

Session-110; Bill Number-H R 1400; Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 - Cosponsor

To enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by imposing additional economic sanctions against Iran, and for other purposes.

Session-110; Bill Number-H Con Res 362; Iran and Nuclear Weapons - Cosponsor

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the threat posed to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and the vital national security interests of the United States by Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and regional hegemony, and for other purposes.

Session-112; Bill Number-S Res 386; Free and Fair Elections in Iran - Cosponsor

A resolution calling for free and fair elections in Iran, and for other purposes.

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