Gabbard Announces Support of Zero Tolerance for Terror Act

Representative Tulsi Gabbard. U.S. House of Representatives photo.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced on Thursday that she supported the bipartisan Zero Tolerance for Terror Act.

The act was introduced in response to Iran illegally launching two ballistic missiles in October and November 2015.

In investigating the Oct. 10 launch, the United Nations Security Council found that the launch violated UNSC Resolution 1929, but no action was taken against Iran.

Congresswoman Gabbard, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is one of the original co-sponsors of the legislation. Under the legislation, Congress would impose quick sanctions if the Iranian government commits an act of terror, provides support for terrorist organizations, or violates international law by acquiring ballistic missile technology.

“It’s been just 6 months since Iran agreed to curb its nuclear activity and end its pursuits to develop a nuclear weapon, and Iran is already using other means to threaten our allies and violate its international commitments, including two recent ballistic missile tests that directly violate the UN Security Council Resolution 1929 and were aimed at threatening our allies in Israel and the Arab Gulf,” said Congresswoman Gabbard. “If we fail to take action to hold Iran accountable now, ensuring there are consequences to their actions, all future efforts to enforce the terms of these agreements will ring hollow.”

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action would scale back nuclear sanctions, but does not limit the ability of Congress to enact new sanctions related to acts of terror or the development of ballistic missles.

“By giving Congress the ability to quickly respond to Iranian violations of international law, this bill sends a clear message that we will hold their government accountable for continued illegal ballistic missile development or support for terror organizations,” said Congressman Joe Kennedy. “As we move closer to implementation of the JCPOA, that message must be clear, not only to Iran, but also to Israel and our allies around the world.”

The Zero Tolerance for Terror Act was sponsored by United States Representatives Joe Kennedy III and Ted Deutch. Representative Gabbard, along with Representatives Juan Vargas, Jim Bridenstine, Joe Wilson, and John Delaney are the original cosponsors.