Should the House Condemn Iran’s Crackdown on Peaceful Anti-Regime Protests? (H. Res. 676)

What is H. Res. 676?

(Updated April 12, 2018)

This resolution would express that the House of Representatives stands with the people of Iran who are peacefully protesting against the country’s regime and condemns the regime’s human rights abuses, corruption, and destabilizing activities abroad. It would demand that the regime abide by its international obligations to respect human rights and civil liberties such as freedoms of assembly, speech, and press. The resolution would support efforts by the Iranian people to build the foundation for the emergence of a freely elected, open, and democratic political system.

Further, it would call on the executive branch to impose targeted sanctions and convene emergency sessions of the United Nations Security and Human Rights Councils to condemn the ongoing human rights violations. The resolution would also encourage companies to reject requests by the Iranian regime to cut off the people’s access to social media and other communications platforms.

As a simple resolution, this legislation is non-binding and wouldn’t be considered by the Senate if passed.

Argument in favor

The Iranian regime is brutally cracking down on the people of Iran who are peacefully expressing legitimate frustration with the regime. The House should condemn the crackdown on such protests and express support for the Iranian people’s human rights as they push for a free, democratic society.

Argument opposed

While the people of Iran should be free to protest the regime with fear of violence or other persecution, the U.S. House of Representatives won't do anything to improve the situation by passing this resolution. It will only inflame tensions between Iran and the U.S. without leading to any real action.

Impact

The Iranian people; the Iranian regime; international organizations; and the executive branch.

Cost of H. Res. 676

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) offered the following statement on the introduction of this bill:

“On Tuesday, the House will vote on a bipartisan resolution to join the administration in supporting the people of Iran. The radical regime in Tehran denies basic freedoms and crushes opposition with deadly force while pushing billions of dollars to terrorist activities abroad. As brave Iranians take to the streets to protest the regime’s brutality and corruption, the U.S. cannot repeat the mistakes of the past. This resolution condemns the regime’s crackdowns on legitimate protest, and makes clear that America stands with Iranians who want peace, freedom, and a better life.”

This legislation has the support of one cosponsor in the House, Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY).

Of Note: In recent weeks more than 1,000 people have been arrested and at least 20 killed during anti-government protests in Iran. The protesters have expressed frustration with Iran’s stunted economy, limited freedoms granted by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ruling clerics, and the country’s support for the Syrian government, Palestinian groups and Hezbollah.

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has cracked down on the protests and blamed them on foreign instigators such as the U.S., Israel, and Saudi Arabia. The regime has taken steps to cut off protesters access to social media and other communications platforms.

Media:

• House Foreign Affairs Committee Press Release
• Washington Times