Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) is spearheading efforts to advance the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at imposing sanctions on illicit purchases of Iranian oil. The legislation seeks to hold accountable those enabling the Iranian regime, particularly in light of continued Iranian oil sales to China.
Senator Britt, in collaboration with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and 27 Senate colleagues, recently introduced the Senate version of the SHIP Act. The bipartisan nature of the initiative was underscored by the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed the companion version of the bill with an overwhelming 342-69 vote earlier this month.
The SHIP Act targets the financing of the Iranian regime’s repressive actions against protestors within the country and its support for terrorist proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. According to Senator Britt, Iranian oil sales, particularly to China, contribute significantly to funding these activities. She emphasized the need for accountability for Iran, which she labeled as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.
Senator Britt expressed concern over what she sees as the Biden Administration’s strategy of appeasement towards Iran. She argued that since President Biden took office, Iran has garnered nearly $80 billion from oil sales alone, enhancing Tehran’s capacity to fund terrorism. The senator asserted that the only viable pathway to peace is through unwavering American strength.
In her statement, Senator Britt applauded the bipartisan support the SHIP Act received in the House and urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to expedite consideration of the Senate version. She emphasized the urgency of holding Iran accountable for actions that, in her view, threaten national security both domestically and internationally.
A diverse group of senators, including Democrats Maggie Hassan (N.H.) and Jacky Rosen (Nev.), joined their Republican counterparts in co-sponsoring the SHIP Act. The list includes Senators from various states and regions, highlighting the widespread bipartisan support for measures targeting Iranian activities funded by oil sales.
The legislative push reflects ongoing concerns about Iran’s actions and their potential consequences. The Senate now faces the decision of whether to take up and pass the SHIP Act, as advocated by Senator Britt and her colleagues.
