The House of Representatives is likely to vote on the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194) before departing for their December break.
This important action comes at a time when Iran is refusing to seriously engage with the United States and other world powers and suspend its uranium enrichment program.
This week, Iran rejected the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors’ November 27 resolution calling on Iran to suspend its nuclear activities, and vowed to build ten additional enrichment plants.
The legislation (full text here) contains sanctions curtailing Iran ’s ability to import and produce refined petroleum, measures which could be implemented if Iran rejects U.S. overtures and continues to enrich uranium in defiance of five U.N. Security Council resolutions.
The legislation was introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
Since Iran must import up to 40 percent of its refined petroleum, curtailing its access to gasoline and diesel fuel could have a severe impact on the Iranian economy, forcing the regime to confront a real choice: continue its illicit nuclear program and risk economic ruin OR suspend the program and open the door to relief from sanctions.
As President Barack Obama said, “If Iran does not take steps in the near future to live up to its obligations, then the United States will not continue to negotiate indefinitely, and we are prepared to move towards increased pressure.”
Contact your House members and urge them to vote for the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194):
Click here to send an e-mail to your House member through AIPAC’s Take Action page.
Click here to find contact information for your House member. You will be prompted to enter your zip code. You can also reach your Representative through the Capitol switchboard at (202) 225-3121.
Sample phone script: “I am calling to ask the Representative to vote YES on the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194), when it comes to the floor for a vote.”
You may have the opportunity to speak with a staff person or leave a message at your member’s office. In most cases, the person who answers the phone will listen to your message and take notes, but not engage you in a lengthy conversation.
All American citizens should contact their congressional representatives regarding this vote. It takes literally two minutes of your time.