New Cornyn Pompeo Bill Forces Administration to Hold Iran Accountable for Possible Geneva Violations

Texas Insider Report: WASHIGTON D.C. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) have introduced legislation to require the Obama Administration to hold Iran accountable for possible violations of the Geneva Convention related to the apprehension and detention of American sailors earlier this year. The No Impunity for Iranian Aggression at Sea Act would require the Obama Administration to impose sanctions on those responsible if violations occurred.

The scenes of American sailors being taken captive and hauled back to Iranian soil against their will were deeply troubling and Irans actions posed a threat not just to Americans in uniform but to the stability of the entire region" Sen. Cornyn said. The U.S. must send a clear message that the regime in Tehran will not be allowed to violate international law with impunity and in the absence of leadership from the President Congress will step up to hold them accountable." The boldness of the Iranian regime in capturing and holding ten U.S. Navy sailors forcing them onto their knees hands on their heads is sickening"Congressman Pompeo said. Further for Iranian forces to do all this on the night of the American Presidents State of the Union address is a slap in the face to our country.  My legislation requires the Obama administration to investigate if and how Iran violated the Geneva Convention and will also impose sanctions on the Iranians found responsible for these actions.  We must respond with force when Iran or any other country mistreats our men and women in uniform and demonstrates total disregard for international law.  If that response will not come from the White House it will come from Capitol Hill."

    Background on the No Impunity for Iranian Aggression at Sea Act    The bill requires the President to report to Congress within 60 days with:

1. A determination as to whether Irans actions in the January 12 2016 incident constituted a violation of either:
2. a)the Geneva Convention; or
3. b)the right under international law to conduct innocent passage."
4. A certification as to whether any federal funds including the $1.7 billion payment announced January 17 were paid to Iran as a ransom to effect the release of the sailors or the five U.S. civilians who Iran released on January 16.

If the President determines that the Geneva Convention or the right of innocent passage were violated he would be required to:

• Provide a list of those Iranian persons who were complicit in the violations; and
• Impose mandatory sanctions on each individual including travel/immigration sanctions and blocking/prohibiting of all transactions in property in the U.S.