Washington D.C. –U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) is the driving force behind efforts to promote legislation to Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act, a bipartisan initiative that aims to impose sanctions against illicit purchases from Iranian oil. The legislation is designed to hold those who support to support Iranian regime, especially given the ongoing Iranian oil exports to China.
Senator Britt along in conjunction with senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and 27 Senate colleagues, have recently proposed an amendment to the Senate version of SHIP Act. The bipartisan nature of this initiative was highlighted in lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives that approved the companion version the bill by a majority vote of 342-69 earlier in the month.
SHIP Act SHIP Act targets the financing of the Iranian regime’s violent actions against protesters within the country, as well as its support of terrorist proxy groups such as Hamas as well as Hezbollah. As per senator Britt, Iranian oil sales specifically to China can significantly contribute to the financing of these operations. She also stressed the need to hold accountable Iran as she described it as the largest state sponsor of terrorism.
Senator Britt expressed her concern about what she believes is the Biden Administration’s appeasement strategy toward Iran. She claimed that since the time that President Biden was elected, Iran has garnered nearly $80 billion in the sale of oil, increasing Iran’s capacity to finance terrorists. Senator Biden said that the only way to peace is unwavering American power.
In her remarks the senator Britt was pleased with the bipartisan support for the SHIP Act received in the House and called on Senate Majority Chuck Schumer to speed up review of Senate version. She stressed the importance of making Iran accountable for its actions that she believes pose a threat to national security, both domestically as well as internationally.
A variety of senators comprising Democrats Maggie Hassan (N.H.) and Jacky Rosen (Nev.), joined their Republican colleagues in co-sponsoring SHIP Act. The list includes senators from a variety of States and Regions, which highlights the broad bipartisan support for legislation that targets Iranian activities that are funded through oil sales.
The legislative effort is in response to current concerns over Iran’s activities and the potential negative consequences. The Senate has to make a decision of whether or not to adopt and approve the SHIP Act, as advocated by Senator Britt along with her colleagues.
