Iran Freedom and Support Act
Long title | An Act to hold the current regime in Iran accountable for its threatening behavior and to support a transition to democracy in Iran. |
---|---|
Enacted by | the 109th United States Congress |
Effective | September 30, 2006 |
Citations | |
Public law | 109-293 |
Statutes at Large | 120 Stat. 1344 |
Legislative history | |
|
The Iran Freedom Support Act (Pub. L. 109–293 (text) (PDF), 120 Stat. 1344, H.R. 6198, enacted September 30, 2006) is an Act of Congress that appropriated $10 million and directed the President of the United States to spend that money in support of "pro-democracy groups" opposed to the Iranian government.[1] Opponents claimed the bill was a first step towards a US-led invasion of the country.[2][3]
In response to the passage of the bill, President George W. Bush lauded the Congress "for demonstrating its bipartisan commitment to confronting the Iranian regime's repressive and destabilizing activities." [4]
Possible recipients of money
American authorities have refused to announce the names of groups that have received money under this act, and no group has officially acknowledged this either.[5]
Reaction
Following introduction of the bill in the Senate, Iran responded "those who draft such plans lag behind the times, they live in their daydreams."[6]
References
- ^ "Santorum challenges Obama, Bush on Iran funding". CNN. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ "Sheehan, Cindy. Mission Accomplished Day. April 30, 2006". Archived from the original on May 14, 2013. Retrieved July 4, 2006.
- ^ Dennis Kucinich called the act a "steppingstone to war." "Kucinich Speaks Out Against House Bill That Lays The Ground Work For War Against Iran" Archived 2010-06-04 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ President Applauds Congress for Passage of Iran Freedom Support Act. The White House. September 30, 2006.
- ^ Daragahi, Borzou (15 April 2008), "Iran says U.S. aids rebels at its borders", The Los Angeles Times, retrieved 11 May 2020
- ^ Peterson, Scott (29 July 2004), "Why the US granted 'protected' status to Iranian terrorists", The Christian Science Monitor, retrieved 11 May 2020
External links
- Full text of earlier failed Iran Freedom and Support Act of 2004 (S. 2681)
- Full text of earlier failed Iran Freedom and Support Act of 2005 (S. 333)
- US aid to Central Asia: "The rhetoric and the numbers are at odds with one another"