This week, Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer led a series of efforts to prevent foreign adversaries from funding acts of terrorism.

As chair of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, Rep. Luetkemeyer introduced the Iran Sanctions Accountability Act to implement responsible standards of due diligence and prevent Iran from skirting sanctions. Along with closing loopholes, the bill forces the president to attach requirements to humanitarian aid, preventing funds from directly or indirectly supporting illicit acts including terrorism.

“We cannot blindly trust the Iranian government, or any other adversarial regimes, to act responsibly with funds we’ve unfrozen or provided for humanitarian aid. It is both naïve and irresponsible to neglect oversight of U.S. dollars once they’ve left our accounts,” Rep. Luetkemeyer said.

Reps. Patrick McHenry and Bill Huizenga joined Rep. Luetkemeyer in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday requesting clarity on the administration’s decision to release $6 billion in assets to Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. President Biden reversed the decision after widespread criticism, but the congressmen demand details on Iran’s ability to leverage the assets.

Read the full letter HERE. 

On Thursday, Rep. Luetkemeyer sent a letter to President Biden and Sec. Yellen raising concerns over the $100 million pledge to Gaza and the West Bank. Without significant due diligence and controls in place, the aid will likely divert to fund terrorist activity whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or another terrorist stronghold. The letter demands answers to questions about preventing inappropriate use of the funds prior to their release. Carelessly handing the enemy $100 million is beyond unacceptable— it’s despicable.

Read the full letter HERE. 

He led an additional letter to Sec. Yellen inquiring as to whether $6 billion to Iran has been re-frozen following recent terrorist attacks, the extent of Iran’s ability to utilize the funds, and whether the Iranian government can leverage the assets as collateral.

Read the full letter HERE.

Rep. Luetkemeyer is supporting two pieces of legislation to re-freeze the $6 billion and prevent the Biden administration from lifting Iran sanctions again in the future. Working with Reps. Meuser and Nunn, the bills reflect similar efforts from Senator Republicans that have so far stalled.

“Our latest efforts will cut down on waste, ensure our foreign aid fulfills its intended purpose, and prevent the president from inadvertently funding acts of terrorism. Our wicked enemies are unable to compete militarily or economically and turn to sponsoring terrorist outfits as proxy armies. By restricting the funding of these criminals, we will effectively cut off their lifelines and bleed them dry,” Rep. Luetkemeyer said.