Sanctions Against Libya, Iran Pass Unanimously

The House unanimously approved new sanctions against Iran and Libya Wednesday that would punish foreign companies that invest in the two nations, both accused of sponsoring terrorism.

The legislation is backed by the administration but has drawn criticism from European countries that say it attempts to unilaterally impose U.S. policy on them.

The bill, passed 415-0, lists six possible sanctions options against Iran and requires the president to impose at least two on any person or business that invests $40 million or more in one year in Iran’s energy sector.

The Senate passed a similar bill last December sponsored by Sen. Alfonse D’Amato, R-N.Y. Differences between the two measures must now be worked out.

The House version mandates sanctions on foreigners who sell weapons, aviation equipment and oil equipment to Libya in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Libya and Iran are both on the State Department list of nations that support international terrorism.

“This bill, in short, will require foreign companies to choose between investing in our market or those of Iran and Libya,” said Rep. Benjamin Gilman, R-N.Y., chairman of the House International Relations Committee.