Us Congress House Bill HB6453

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/17/23
• Refer: 11/17/23

Caption

No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act of 2023

Impact

The bill represents a significant effort by Congress to fortify U.S. national security in response to the evolving threats posed by Iran’s military advancements. Following the expiration of previous international restrictions on Iran's missile activities, this bill seeks to plug gaps and enhance sanctions under various existing laws—including the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996—by broadening the scope to cover unmanned aerial systems and related technologies. The proposed measures are designed to prevent Iran from acquiring materials and technological support essential for developing offensive capabilities.

Summary

House Bill 6453, known as the 'No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act of 2023', focuses on enhancing U.S. sanctions against Iran, specifically targeting its development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and unmanned aerial systems (drones). The bill mandates comprehensive reports evaluating Iran's missile capabilities and the extent of foreign support to its space-launch vehicle and ballistic missile programs. The legislation aims to restrict any exports or transfers that could aid Iran's aerospace ambitions and heighten its military capabilities, particularly concerning missile technology.

Contention

As noted in the bill's discussions, there is a palpable contention surrounding the implications of sanctioning both state and non-state actors that support Iran's military objectives. Critics argue that escalating sanctions could exacerbate tensions in the Middle East and impede diplomatic relations with partners necessary for a more stable region. Moreover, the bill contains provisions necessitating the submission of regular reports to Congress on Iran's capabilities, creating a continuous examination of threats, and demanding accountability from both the government and private sectors involved in related trades.