The US Republican Study Committee (RSC) has unveiled an $895.2 billion defense spending proposal focused on implementing strict sanctions against Iran and eliminating funding for what it deems as “woke” military spending.
This move represents a clear divide between the Biden Administration and congressional Republicans regarding defense spending and military priorities.
With the GOP controlling the House, albeit narrowly, this proposal could lead to a significant fiscal confrontation between the two parties as they work towards passing the annual government funding legislation.
One key aspect of the RSC proposal targets Iran, specifically addressing concerns arising from Hamas’ October 7th terror attack on Israel, funded and backed by the Iranian regime.
Included within this plan is the intention to prevent the U.S. from removing existing sanctions on Iran unless it ends its financial and material support for Hamas. Additionally, the proposal aims to hinder the Biden Administration’s attempts to rejoin the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
Furthermore, the RSC wishes to cement into law a previous executive order issued during the Trump Administration, labeling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a foreign terrorist organization.
As part of its broader strategy against Iran, the RSC allocates substantial attention to counteracting Tehran’s worldwide terror operations.
To achieve this objective, the committee calls upon the administration to bolster cooperation with regional partners and impose additional economic penalties on the nation. Lawmakers involved in drafting the proposal assert: “the Biden administration’s efforts to re-enter the failed Iran nuclear agreement have not led to success.” Instead, they claim, “Iran’s regime is closer than ever before to acquiring a nuclear weapon and has started enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels.”
Amongst the various provisions targeting Iran, one particular component stands out – Representative Jim Banks’ (R., Ind.) initiative branding Iran accountable for Hamas’ conflict with Israel.
As per his suggestion, the US will be prohibited from rolling back any punitive actions imposed on Tehran until it discontinues providing resources to Hamas.
Moreover, the proposition seeks to put a stop to certain contentious concessions granted under the Obama Administration, allowing Iran to gain access to approximately $10 billion in assets maintained overseas.
These waivers were recently extended by the State Department despite objections raised by members of Congress due to escalating acts of terror orchestrated by Iranian proxy forces throughout the region.
Additionally, another provision incorporated within the RSC’s blueprint advocates blocking any state funds intended for advancing a potential nuclear accord with Iran until Tehran dissolves its monetary connections with China and sever ties with radical organizations such as Hamas.
Another piece of legislation endorsed by the RSC strives to penalize Iran’s Supreme Leader, parliament, and president for severe violations of human rights committed against democratic activists who protested against the government.
Furthermore, separate bills sponsored by the RSC seek reductions in aid allocated to the Lebanese armed forces, significantly influenced by Iran-supported Hezbollah, and suspensions in assistance offered to the Iraqi authorities pending their distancing themselves from militant factions linked to Iran operating inside the country.
