Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB256

Introduced
2/2/23  

Caption

A bill to terminate certain waivers of sanctions with respect to Iran issued in connection with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and for other purposes.

Impact

The termination of these waivers is expected to have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy regarding Iran, especially as it relates to nuclear non-proliferation efforts. Supporters of SB256 argue that ending these waivers is essential to ensure that Iran does not advance its nuclear capabilities, maintaining pressure on the Iranian government to comply with international agreements and regulations related to nuclear activities. By reinstating strict sanctions, the bill aims to curb Iran's nuclear program and deter potential threats to regional and global security.

Summary

SB256 is a legislative proposal aimed at terminating certain waivers of sanctions imposed on Iran that were granted in connection with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The bill specifically seeks to eliminate waivers related to activities such as the modernization of the Arak reactor, operations at the Fordow facility, and the transfer and storage of uranium and heavy water. The enactment of this bill would prevent the President from issuing new waivers for these activities, thereby reinforcing the existing sanctions against Iran.

Contention

However, the bill has raised points of contention among lawmakers and international policy analysts. Critics argue that terminating these waivers could further escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, potentially undermining diplomatic efforts that have been made to engage Iran in negotiations about its nuclear program. Some also express concern that a stricter sanctions regime may not effectively lead to a resolution and could harm diplomatic relations with U.S. allies involved in the JCPOA. The debate surrounding SB256 reflects broader discussions on how best to balance sanctions with diplomacy in dealing with Iran.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB3041

A bill to reinstate certain sanctions imposed with respect to Iran.

US SB5643

A bill to impose sanctions with respect to the Government of Turkiye, and for other purposes.

US HR739

Disapproving of the waiver of sanctions on Iran submitted to Congress on September 11, 2023.

US SB3061

A bill to revoke the waiver determination submitted to Congress on September 11, 2023, with respect to certain sanctions imposed with respect to Iran.

US HB5185

To maintain in effect certain sanctions imposed with respect to Iraq in the event of a termination of the applicable declared national emergency, and for other purposes.

US SB4073

A bill to prohibit the use of funds to waive certain sanctions with respect to Iran.

US HB6017

To revoke the waiver determination submitted to Congress on September 11, 2023, with respect to certain sanctions imposed with respect to Iran.

US SB5648

A bill to protect the national security of the United States by imposing sanctions with respect to certain persons of the People's Republic of China and prohibiting and requiring notifications with respect to certain investments by United States persons in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

US SB450

STOP Iran Act of 2023 Sanctioning Transfers and Outbound Products to Iran Act of 2023

US HR1149

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6323) to modify the availability of certain waiver authorities with respect to sanctions imposed with respect to the financial sector of Iran, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1143) condemning Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4691) to provide for congressional review of actions to terminate or waive sanctions imposed with respect to Iran; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5947) to provide for the rescission of certain waivers and licenses relating to Iran, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6046) to designate Ansarallah as a foreign terrorist organization and impose certain sanctions on Ansarallah, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4639) to amend section 2702 of title 18, United States Code, to prevent law enforcement and intelligence agencies from obtaining subscriber or customer records in exchange for anything of value, to address communications and records in the possession of intermediary internet service providers, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.