House of Representatives passes legislation that would expand sanctions, cracking down on wider range of energy issues.
By REUTERSUS Capitol building 311(photo credit: REUTERS/Jim Bourg)
WASHINGTON - The US House of Representatives passed legislation on Wednesday that would expand sanctions on Iran, cracking down on a wider range of energy issues and closing some loopholes in existing energy and financial sanctions.Some senators in both parties are also working on legislation to tighten sanctions on Iran, the world's fifth biggest oil exporter, because of concerns it is developing a nuclear bomb.RELATED:US House-Senate panel approves Iran sanctions US Senate OK's sanctions on Iran central bank
In a 410-11 vote, the House passed a bill that would expand sanctions on companies involved in the oil industry, including on investments, selling Iran goods or services used in refineries, or providing Iran with refined products worth $5 million or more in a year.The bill would also place sanctions on developing infrastructure or ports, or buying Iranian sovereign debt.Earlier this week, congressional leaders agreed to legislation on new sanctions on Iran's central bank that they hope to quickly pass. Click here for full Jpost coverage of the Iranian threat
