The U.S. House Representatives on Monday sent a message to Iran with a resolution aimed at cutting the country’s access to cash, though three Michigan Democrats were a “nay.”
“Tonight, the House took decisive action,” said Michigan Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga, sponsor of HR 5921, said Monday. “The No U.S. Financing for Iran Act will help cut off Iran’s ability to finance terrorism. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to protect Americans, stand up for Israel, and hold the Iranian regime accountable for their actions.”
The 294-105 vote follows Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend that involved a barrage of hundreds of missiles and drones, as well as repeated calls for President Biden to do more to restrict the country’s funding for terrorism.
HR 5921 prohibits the Treasury from issuing licenses that allow U.S. financial institutions to trade with Iran, and cuts off financing from the International Monetary Fund and IMF’s Special Drawing Rights program the country used to access $5 billion in 2021.
“My bill is targeted,” Huizenga said on the House floor. “It tightens our grip on the Ayatollahs while permitting licenses to allow for humanitarian aid to continue to flow to the Iranian people.”
Ten of Michigan’s 13-member congressional delegation supported the move, while three voted “nay.” Downstate Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Debbie Dingell, and Dan Kildee all voted against HR 5921.
Tlaib, a Palestinian-American who has led an “Abandon Biden” movement in an attempt to force the president to demand a ceasefire, did not acknowledge or explain her vote on social media, opting instead to focus on the Affordable Connectivity Program and gun rights.
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It’s the same deal with Dingell, who posted about funding for flood resilience.
Kildee condemned Iran’s attack on Sunday and called for action on a Senate-passed national security bill, but has not explained his vote on HR 5921.
“I condemn Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel,” Kildee posted to Facebook. “Iran has called for the destruction of Israel, and America must continue standing with Israel, or democratic ally, as it defends itself from these attacks. We must also seek to prevent this dangerous situation from escalating into a broader regional war in the Middle East.”
Several other members of Michigan’s congressional delegation have spoken out about the attack, all in support of Israel.
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“Iran’s actions underscore how continued appeasement of an avowed enemy does not work,” Tipton Republican Rep. Tim Walberg posted to X. “I continue to stand with Israel.”
Iran’s actions underscore how continued appeasement of an avowed enemy does not work.
I continue to stand with Israel.
— Rep. Tim Walberg (@RepWalberg) April 14, 2024
“Pray for our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel,” wrote Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet. “In uniform as a Marine and as your Representative, I’ve been to Israel and have seen firsthand the dangers they are facing.
“The Biden Administration’s continued capitulation to Iran has created one of the most unstable atmospheres for our ally’s in decades. It’s unacceptable.”
“Iran must be severely punished, as over 200 Iranian weapons fired at Israel,” Detroit Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar posted to X. “USA must stand with Israel and support Israel’s defense against Iran.”
“The world is less safe because Joe Biden is siding with people who chant ‘Death to America’ – while refusing to enforce sanctions on Iran and unfreezing billions of Iranian assets,” wrote Rep. John James, R-Farmington Hills. “Weakness projected at the global stage is emboldening America’s adversaries.”
Birmingham Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens posted: “President Biden has made clear our steadfast commitment to stand by the Israeli people in their hour of need. I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for all those in the region.”
“President Biden’s weakness on the world stage continues to lead to widespread death and destruction,” Bruce Republican Congresswoman Lisa McClain posted to X. “This is a major attack that cannot go unanswered.
“We must never waver in our support for our allies in the Middle East. They need it now more than ever.”
Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Lansing, described Iran’s attack as an “absolute escalation” in comments to MSNBC, acknowledging Israel’s “right to self defense.”
“Iran’s complex attack on Israel … was unprecedented. Israel – like any country – has the right to self-defense, and while we want strategic thinking from all parties, Iran chose to take this conflict to a new place,” she posted to X. “PS: the only other country launching attacks combining ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones is Russia, against Ukraine.”
“Iran is an avowed enemy of the United States that seeks to wipe Israel off the map,” wrote Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Caledonia. “We cannot let that happen. I stand with Israel.”
Grand Rapids Democratic Congresswoman Hillary Scholten posted to Facebook: “Having a strong international, democratic alliance means we’re there for our allies and they are there for us. We’re praying for the people of Israel and will be there to support their security in the wake of attacks by Iran.”