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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) voted in support of H.R. 3457, The Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Rep. Latta is a cosponsor of the bill.

H.R. 3457 prohibits the President from providing Iran with sanctions relief – and therefore implementing the recent nuclear agreement – until he certifies to Congress that Iran has paid compensation to American victims of terrorism sponsored by the Iranian regime who have successfully obtained judgments in U.S. courts.

“Iran has sponsored some of the most horrific acts of state sponsored terrorism inflicted on Americans both here and abroad. The victims and their families deserve reparations for these crimes, and we have an obligation to ensure they receive them before allowing any relief of sanctions,” said Rep. Latta. “The failings of the President’s deal are many, but to lift sanctions and infuse the economy of Iran with tens of billions of dollars before the state has fulfilled its obligations to these Americas and their families is unconscionable.”

The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) gives U.S. victims of state-sponsored terrorism the ability to bring suit in U.S. courts and collect damages from those states. Over the past 15 years, American courts have awarded nearly $43.5 billion in damages to Iran’s victims and their families, judgments issued for more than 80 FSIA cases.

Acts of terror linked to Iranian support or financing by U.S. courts include the 9/11 attacks, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing, the 1983 attack on the Beirut Marine barracks, and a number of other bus bombings, suicide attacks, assassinations and hostage takings.

“The President and Secretary Kerry – against the will of Congress and the American public – chose to move forward on a deal with Iran that will revitalize the regime’s economy. This influx of capital will allow Tehran to increase its stature as the world’s leading state-sponsor of terrorism, and place them on the path to becoming a nuclear power,” Latta continued.

“It is beyond all reason that the payment of damages to the victims of these atrocities – and the release of the four American’s currently being held hostage – was not included as a prerequisite for any relief of sanctions. The countless victims of Iranian-supported terrorism deserve recompense, and are guaranteed none without this legislation being signed into law.”

Examples of Iranian Terrorism Against Ohio Victims

Anne Dammarell of Cincinnati, OH, was injured in the 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing in Beiruit. $6.8 million judgment

Alan Beer of Cleveland Heights, OH was killed in a 2003 bus bombing in Jerusalem. $300 million judgment 

More:

#NotOneCent for Iran Until it Compensates its Victims (VIDEO)