Holland Reporter

Congressman Bill Huizenga, Congressman Brian Mast, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, and Congressman Joe Wilson have raised concerns about the Biden Administration's decision to grant waivers allowing the transfer of Iranian funds from Iraq to Oman and other jurisdictions. The lawmakers question how the administration can justify providing financial support to the Iranian regime amidst ongoing attacks on American troops and international cargo ships.

In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Huizenga, Mast, Luetkemeyer, and Wilson stated, “The November sanctions waiver will expire in the coming weeks. Given the Biden Administration’s posture on the last waiver we presume that the Biden Administration will renew the waiver again to continue to allow for the transfer of funds from Iraq to Oman."

The lawmakers expressed concerns about the implications of these waivers, emphasizing that by waiving sanctions, the administration is effectively providing a financial lifeline to the Iranian regime, which continues to support terrorist organizations globally.

The letter highlighted recent attacks carried out by Iran-backed groups, including the lethal drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan by Kata’ib Hezbollah and the missile and drone attacks on global shipping by the Iran-backed Houthis. The lawmakers also referenced the atrocities committed by Hamas in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of innocent people in Israel.

The legislators called into question the rationale behind the administration's decision to renew the sanctions waiver, particularly in light of Iran's continued destabilizing activities in the Middle East. They requested unclassified responses to a series of detailed questions regarding the nature and implications of the financial transactions facilitated by the waivers.

Huizenga, Mast, Luetkemeyer, and Wilson underscored the importance of understanding the administration's approach to waiving sanctions on Iran and urged prompt responses to their inquiries. The lawmakers emphasized their oversight role in monitoring the economic sanctions and financing of terrorism activities, signaling their commitment to holding the administration accountable for its decisions.

The letter was signed by Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL), Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), who serve as Subcommittee Chairmen in relevant committees overseeing financial services, foreign affairs, national security, and international relations.