Ft Wayne Times

President Biden missed the Iran sanctions assessment deadline mandated by Congressman Jim Banks’ MAHSA Act, which required an evaluation of potential sanctions on the Supreme Leader of Iran and other senior Iranian officials by July 23, 2024. The Act also necessitates the imposition of these sanctions following the assessment. In response, Rep. Banks issued a statement.

Congressman Banks stated, "This is the most anti-Israel White House in American history. Vice President Harris has shamefully refused to preside over Prime Minister Netanyahu’s first joint address since Hamas’s horrific October 7th killing spree, while the president ignores Congress and the law to benefit the complicit Iranian regime. I hope all who attend today’s historic speech recognize the damage done this leaderless and weak administration has done to America and our allies."

He added, "I am calling on the White House to comply with the law, enforce the MAHSA Act and hold Iran accountable."

The House initially passed the MAHSA Act in September 2023. Rep. Banks introduced it during the 117th Congress after Mahsa Amini's death at the hands of Iran’s “Morality Police.” Her death led to widespread pro-democracy and anti-regime protests in Iran and globally. Senators Rubio (R-FL) and Padilla (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in April 2024, which was subsequently signed into law by President Biden.

The MAHSA Act had 128 House cosponsors and received support from organizations such as the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).