Katko Blasts Biden Administration for Quietly Lifting Sanctions on Iran

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. John Katko (R-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, today challenged the Biden Administration’s decision to lift sanctions on three former Iranian officials in its pursuit of a nuclear deal with the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. For months, Homeland Republicans have warned of the irreversible impact sanctions relief could have on our homeland and national security.

In a letter to Janet Yellen, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Katko wrote, “As Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I remain steadfast in opposing the lifting of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terror. I was troubled to learn that just last week the Biden Administration lifted economic sanctions on three former Iranian officials, as well as several Iranian energy companies.”

“It is my firm belief that continuing to lift sanctions would be a historic mistake that would leave the United States less secure. Continuing to operate from a position of weakness and appeasement will only further embolden the Iranian regime’s efforts to endanger the lives of Americans, undermine U.S. interests, and threaten the safety and security of our ally, Israel,” Katko continued. 

Background

• On February 19, Katko stated that any move by the Biden Administration to provide sanctions relief to Iran would be a historic mistake that repeats failed appeasement attempts of the past.

• On February 22, Katko led members of the Homeland Security Committee in imploring President Biden to reconsider lifting sanctions on Iran.

• On April 22, Katko again underscored the importance of maintaining strong sanctions on Iran.

View the full letter here.

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