[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 125 (Wednesday, August 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IRAN SANCTIONS ACT OF 1996 AMENDMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2007

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the following letters on the bill 
H.R. 957 from the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on 
Financial Services, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs be included 
during the debate on H.R. 957.


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                                    Washington, DC, July 13, 2007.
     Hon. Tom Lantos,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 957, to 
     amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand and clarify 
     the entities against which sanctions may be imposed. This 
     bill was introduced on February 8, 2007, and was referred to 
     the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition, to this 
     Committee, among others. The bill has been reported by the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs.
       There have been some very productive conversations between 
     the staffs of our committees, during which we have proposed 
     some changes to H.R. 957 that we believe help clarify the 
     intent and scope of the measure. My understanding is that 
     there is an agreement with regard to these changes, and so in 
     order to expedite floor consideration, I agree to forego 
     further consideration by the Committee on Financial Services. 
     I do so with the understanding that this decision will not 
     prejudice this Committee with respect to its jurisdictional 
     prerogatives on this or similar legislation. I request your 
     support for the appointment of conferees from this Committee 
     should this bill be the subject of a House-Senate conference.
       Please place this letter in the Congressional Record when 
     this bill is considered by the House. I look forward to the 
     bill's consideration and hope that it will command the 
     broadest possible support.
                                                     Barney Frank,
     Chairman.
                                  ____



                                  Committee on Ways and Means,

                                    Washington, DC, July 27, 2007.
     Hon. Tom Lantos,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing regarding H.R. 957--to 
     amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, to expand and clarify 
     the entities against which sanctions may be imposed--which 
     was reported by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 
     22, 2007, and is expected to be on the suspension calendar 
     next week.
       As you know, the Committee on Ways & Means has jurisdiction 
     over import matters, such as the import ban and restrictions 
     on imports imposed by the Iran Sanctions Act and the 
     International Emergency Powers Act. Accordingly, the 
     provisions of H.R. 957 fall under the Committee's 
     jurisdiction.
       There have been some very productive conversations between 
     the staffs of our committees, during which we have proposed 
     some changes to H.R. 957 that I believe help clarify the 
     intent and scope of the measure. My understanding is that 
     there is an agreement with regard to these changes.
       In order to expedite this legislation for floor 
     consideration, the Committee will forgo action on this bill 
     and will not oppose its consideration on the suspension 
     calendar. This is done with the understanding that it does 
     not in any way prejudice the Committee or its jurisdictional 
     prerogatives on this, or similar legislation in the future.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming 
     our understanding with respect to H.R. 957, and would ask 
     that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be 
     included in the Record.
       I look forward to the bill's consideration on the floor and 
     hope that it will command the broadest possible support.
           Sincerely,
                                                Charles B. Rangel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____



                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 27, 2007.
     Hon. Charles B. Rangel,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 
     957, which amends the Iran Sanctions Act to expand and 
     clarify the entities against which sanctions may be imposed, 
     and for other purposes.
       I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this 
     legislation and the mutually agreed upon text that is being 
     presented to the House. I recognize that the bill contains 
     provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee 
     on Ways and Means. I agree that the inaction of your 
     Committee with respect to the bill does not in any way 
     prejudice the Committee on Ways and Means or its 
     jurisdictional prerogatives on this on this or similar 
     legislation in the future.
       I will ensure that our exchange of letters be included the 
     Congressional Record.
           Cordially,
                                                       Tom Lantos,
                                                         Chairman.

     

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