Introduced in conjunction with the Iran Ballistic Missile Sanctions Act of 2016 (see S. 2725 of 3/17/16), this bill would impose new sanctions on Iran’s support for so-called terrorist groups and alleged human rights abuses. Specifically, it would prescribe requirements for mandatory sanctions on the IRGC and any entity it partially or wholly owns, as well as Mahan Air, an Iranian airline that has “helped the IRGC . . . spread terrorism and militancy,” according to a press release from Kirk’s office. It would also expand the list of specific persons sanctioned in relation to human rights abuses; direct the president to appoint a special coordinator on human rights and democracy in Iran; require U.S. government-run media outlets to increase coverage of Iranian human rights abuses and the benefits of U.S.-style democracy; and, inter alia, codify existing prohibitions on Iran’s access to the U.S. financial system.
20 cosponsors (20R).
Last major action: 3/17/16 referred to Senate Comm. on Foreign Relations.