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Walberg: Block All Ransom Payments to Iran

September 23, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) voted on Thursday for the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act to ensure there are no future cash payouts to Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. The legislation was introduced in response to the Obama administration shipping $1.7 billion in cash to Iran in exchange for the release of American prisoners.

"When American hostages sit on a tarmac until pallets of cash secretly arrive on an unmarked cargo plane, it's not merely a coincidence—it's ransom, pure and simple. The administration's dangerous ransom payment, in violation of longstanding policy, has put more American lives at risk and given the Iranian regime an enormous cash infusion to further escalate and finance terrorist activity. This bill prioritizes our national security and prohibits more reckless ransom attempts," said Walberg.

Congressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.