Last week, Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the bipartisan Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act, a bill designed to impede illicit purchases of Iranian oil and hold accountable those facilitating Iran’s malicious activities. The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23).
Representative Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, including parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties, has a record of taking a firm stance against antisemitism and championing stronger US-Israel relations. The SHIP Act aligns with his earlier policy stances and demonstrates his ongoing commitment to confronting Iran, one of the largest state sponsors of terrorism and a sworn enemy of Israel.
“Iran is part of a new axis of evil that exists around the globe, working in tandem with Russia, China, and North Korea to evade international sanctions and bolster each other’s economies,” said Rep. Lawler. He firmly believes that curtailing Iran’s economic gain from illicit petroleum trades, particularly through maritime trading with China, is crucial for holding Iran accountable.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jared Moskowitz has been making strides in Florida’s 23rd Congressional District, home to one of the country’s most substantial Jewish populations. He has shown unwavering commitment to safeguarding his constituents’ interests, evident in his support for the SHIP Act.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran funds terror and hate across the world through their international petroleum exports,” said Rep. Moskowitz. “This legislation will impose additional sanctions and deny Iran the ability to destabilize activities across the region, fund terrorist groups, violate human rights, and commit acts of oppression.”
The SHIP Act is a testament to both representatives’ firm stance against terrorism and their commitment to US-Israel relations. Both Lawler and Moskowitz are aware of their constituencies’ Jewish demographics and have prioritized policies that promote regional stability and security.
Their collaboration on the SHIP Act signifies a promising trend of bipartisan cooperation in Congress, prioritizing national security over party lines. Both freshmen representatives aim to address the increasing regional instability caused by Iran’s malign activities, standing firm in their commitment to their constituents and global peace.
The proposed bill is set to be a landmark legislation that might redefine the United States’ approach toward Iran’s economic transactions, thereby curbing its terror activities. With the support of both chambers, the SHIP Act has the potential to strike a blow to Iran’s illicit petroleum trade, further isolating it on the global stage.
