Rep. Kelly offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 121.
A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to oppose the Iranian nuclear agreement and affirm the rights and responsibilities of the states to sanction businesses under their jurisdiction for conducting business with state sponsors of terrorism.
Whereas, On July 14, 2015, a coalition of six nations, led by the President of the United States, reached an agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding their nuclear program. Formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the agreement seeks to limit Iran's capacity to refine weapons-grade nuclear material and develop nuclear weapons in exchange for a drawdown of related international sanctions; and
Whereas, The Iranian agreement, currently before the Congress of the United States, is not in the strategic interest of the United States and our allies. The agreement largely leaves in place Iran's nuclear infrastructure, and it allows Iran to continue research and development on advance centrifuges that can refine weapons-grade nuclear material and on the intercontinental ballistic missiles that can carry nuclear warheads. While limits on the amount of nuclear material and inspections are aimed to counteract new weapon development, Iran has a long history of deceiving the international community. Iran's advancements in nuclear technology could encourage other Middle East nations to seek their own nuclear technology, especially given Iran's hostile and aggressive statements toward area nations, including Israel; and
Whereas, Congress should reject the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. By doing so, Congress will prevent the Iranian government from obtaining an estimated $150 billion in frozen assets currently being held by foreign banks. This money could be redirected by Iran to organizations like the Shiite militias in Iraq, the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Palestinian terror groups, and other regional proxies for Iranian terror. Additionally, other sanction relief provided in the agreement just provides more funding for military buildup and state sponsorship of terrorism; and
Whereas, The Tenth Amendment to the United States' Constitution ensures that states may enact and enforce sanctions against businesses within their jurisdiction that choose to conduct business with state sponsors of terrorism, like Iran. Michigan, like many other states, has enacted legislation that divests public money from companies that do business with state sponsors of terrorism and prohibits public contracts from being awarded to these businesses. States could also compel banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions to divest in businesses doing business with Iran. Regardless of Congress' decision on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, they should affirm the rights and responsibilities of the states to sanction businesses for conducting business with state sponsors of terrorism; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Congress of the United States to oppose the Iranian nuclear agreement and affirm the rights and responsibilities of the states to sanction businesses under their jurisdiction for conducting business with state sponsors of terrorism; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.