Should Iran Face Heavier Sanctions for Taking Americans as Hostages? (H.R. 194)

What is H.R. 194?

(Updated July 13, 2019)

This bill would impose property blocking sanctions and visa prohibitions on Iranian officials and entities found to be responsible for human rights abuses, censorship, corruption, or taking U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents as hostages as determined by the president. It would state that it’s U.S. policy not to pay ransom to secure the release of such hostages. The Secretary of State would be required to provide Congress with a strategy to put an end to Iranian hostage taking including attempting to extradite, try, and convict Iranian officials responsible.

The bill would also state that it’s U.S. policy to stand with the people of Iran who seek the opportunity to freely elect a government of their choosing and to increase the use of all available authorities to impose sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for human rights abuses. It would also express the sense of Congress that the administration should support Iranian desires for basic freedoms with better communication tools free from government suppression.

Argument in favor

For decades the Iranian government has taken hostages to extort other governments, particularly the U.S. This bill would sanction those responsible and help bring that to an end.

Argument opposed

It’s not clear that imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and entities that are responsible for taking hostages will stop those activities because of sanctions.

Impact

Iranian individuals and entities responsible for covered human rights abuses; the State Dept.; and the president.

Cost of H.R. 194

The CBO estimates that enacting this bill cost $1 million in total over the 2018-2023 period, with annual costs less than $500,000 each year.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) reintroduced this bill from the 115th Congress to hold the Iranian regime accountable for taking American citizens hostage by ensuring that those responsible face sanctions:

“Demonstrators throughout Iran protesting the oppressive, corrupt regime in demand of reform and respect for basic human rights illustrates the peoples’ discontent has reached a boiling point. These protests should serve as a stark reminder to the Ayatollahs that Iranian citizens are tired of government officials using the country’s financial resources to fund terrorist organizations abroad while inflation skyrockets at home. Let me be clear, the United States is a friend of the Iranian people. As such, this legislation heeds the public outcry in Iran. They deserve a free, prosperous, and democratic society in which they again have a voice in the direction of their country.”

Original cosponsor Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) added:

“The world is watching as Iranians in cities across the country demand basic human rights from their government. But this radical Iranian regime has long made it its mission to repress its people as well as destabilize the region by financing terrorism and developing dangerous ballistic missiles. The far reaches of this Iranian threat hits us in South Florida, where we continue to demand the release of my constituent Bob Levinson who has been held hostage for nearly 11 years. The United States follows words with actions, and this bill will rightfully punish Iranian officials involved in the kidnapping of American citizens and egregious human rights abuses against its own people.”

This bill has no cosponsors in the current Congress. Last Congress, it passed the House by a 410-2 vote  with the support of 46 bipartisan cosponsors, including 29 Republicans and 17 Democrats.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) Press Release (115th Congress)
  
• CBO Cost Estimate (115th Congress)
  
• Ripon Advance
  
• SunSentinel