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Bipartisan Congressmen Introduce Sanctions on Iranian Proxy Groups

January 16, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Steve Chabot (R-OH), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) are calling for President Donald Trump to apply terrorism sanctions on two notorious Iranian-backed armed groups for contributing to the destabilization of Iraq.

"The Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act of 2019 is a necessary step to hold As-Saib Ahl Al-Haq (AAH) and Harakat Hizballah Al-Nujaba (HHN) responsible for their violation of basic human rights in Iraq and across the region," said Wilson. "These two groups have American blood on their hands and are responsible for over 6,000 attacks against the United States and our coalition forces since 2011. It is our responsibility to continue promoting peace through strength. Imposing these sanctions will send a strong message from the United States – we will not allow Iran to continue wreaking havoc in the Middle East without suffering the consequences. I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his continued leadership against terrorist organizations, and I will continue to stand up for stability and peace in the Middle East."

"Congress must stand up against those who destabilize the Middle East. AAH and HHN are terrorist organizations which violate human rights and threaten American troops, exactly the type of groups that should be subject to economic sanctions," said Sherman.

"As-Saib Ahaal Al-Haq and Harakat Hizballah Al-Nujaba must no longer be allowed to spread terror, destabilize Iraq, and carry out the orders of the IRGC. I have long believed that we must do more to stifle terrorism, push back on Iran and counter the Mullahs' ambitions. As a result, I am proud to join my colleagues in this effort intended to put an end to these groups' heinous activities, and I am hopeful that Congress will complete work on this important legislation in the near future," said Chabot.

"In Iraq, Iranian-backed militias beholden to Qassem Soleimani have been committing human rights abuses for years. As-Saib Ahl Al Haq and Harakat Hizballah Al-Nujaba have been threatening American troops and the Iraqi people for far too long. This bipartisan legislation is an important step towards punishing these groups and their backers for their nefarious activities in Iraq and the region," said Suozzi.

To read more about H.R. 361, the Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act of 2019, click here.