East Arizona News

U.S. Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-01) has introduced the Fortify Israel Act, a bill that aims to repurpose the $6 billion in funds recently unfrozen for Iran to support Israel in bolstering its defenses against Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. The legislation proposes that these funds be made available to Israel through a non-interest-bearing account, to be used for the procurement of weapons, equipment, and services.

The bill also includes a provision stating that any current or future Iranian assets seized by the U.S. Treasury Department will be permitted for Israel's use in its fight against terrorism. Moreover, the legislation prohibits the release of any blocked assets to Iran until all hostilities between Hamas, other Iranian-backed groups, and Israel have ceased. It further requires Israel to be fully compensated for any harms resulting from Hamas' invasion before any Iranian assets are unfrozen. Additionally, Congress must be notified at least 30 days in advance of any release of Iranian assets.

In a statement, Congressman Schweikert emphasized the urgency of supporting Israel in the face of the recent attacks orchestrated by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. He said, "The United States must stand firmly and offer unwavering support to our strongest ally in the Middle East by any means necessary. This legislation ensures any current or future foreign assets frozen by the Treasury Department, including the $6 billion in Iranian funds recently unfrozen, be used to support Israel's right to defend itself. The Iranian regime and other state sponsors of terrorism can no longer be permitted to fund Hamas' terrorist activities against the people of Israel."

The Fortify Israel Act has garnered support from several co-sponsors, including Reps. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Keith Self (TX-03), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mike Carey (OH-15), Rich McCormick (GA-06), and Matt Rosendale (MT-02).

For the full text of the bill, click here.

To find out more, go to this link: https://schweikert.house.gov/2023/10/11/schweikert-introduces-legislation-redirecting-frozen-iranian-assets-to-support-israel/