Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), passed four bipartisan measures, including legislation sanctioning Iran for serious human rights abuses. A summary of the committee action, including adopted amendments, will be available HERE.

On H.R. 4744, as amended, which sanctions Iran for serious human rights abuses, Chairman Royce said: “For years, the regime in Tehran has systematically squashed all opposition in Iran with brutal tactics, including torture and mass executions. Yet very few Iranian government officials have been designated for human rights violations. The head of the regime’s judiciary was not designated specifically for human rights abuses until last December.    

“This is the same Iranian regime that is holding American citizens – including one who is in very poor health – on sham charges in one of the largest ransom schemes ever devised. It is far past time that the regime faces consequences for its attacks on Americans and Iranians alike. The legislation we are considering today does just that.” 

On H.R. 4681, as amended, which limits assistance for areas of Syria controlled by Assad, Chairman Royce said: “While the U.S. is of course sensitive to the humanitarian needs of Syrians living in devastated areas – and we remain the single largest donor for emergency assistance – we should not be responsible for rebuilding areas controlled by the Assad regime, Iran, Russia, Hezbollah or Iranian-backed militias. 

“It would be unconscionable to give money and resources – which would likely be siphoned off by corrupt officials – to the Assad regime while the Syrian people continue to suffer chemical weapons attacks, rocket bombardment and starvation.”

On H. Res. 644, as amended, which condemns the slave auctions of migrants and refugees in Libya, Chairman Royce said: “Since the fall of Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been rocked by chaos. The resulting power vacuum has led to the expansion of terrorist groups that are heavily involved in criminal activities, including human trafficking. There have been multiple disturbing reports of serious abuses of migrants and refugees in Libya – including reports of slave auctions. This resolution condemns these horrific abuses.”

Additionally, the committee passed the following measure:

  • H. Con. Res. 111, introduced by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), recognizing and supporting the efforts of the United Bid Committee to bring the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup competition to Canada, Mexico and the United States.

A summary of the committee action, including adopted amendments, will be available HERE.

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