Senate Democrats today blocked an effort led by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to solidify sanctions on Iran until they end their open assassination plots against Americans. Her request comes the day after the Iranian Foreign Ministry vowed to retaliate on Americans for the death of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. The threat was posted while Iranian President Raisi was on U.S. soil, through a visa approved by the Biden administration, for the U.N. General Assembly.
Yesterday, alongside fellow veteran Representative Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), Ernst introduced the PUNISH Act, which would enforce U.S. sanctions on Iran until the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that Iran has not supported any attempt or activity to kill a U.S. citizen, a former or current U.S. official, or an Iranian living within the United States.
Upon its introduction, a number of organizations have announced their support for the legislation: America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Action Fund, FDD Action, Heritage Action and Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC). The bill also has 26 cosponsors in the Senate and 24 cosponsors in the House.
