ICYMI

Rep. Issa: Biden enriched Iran by more than $50 billion. Here’s how to turn off the spigot

On October 18, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), a senior member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, published an op-ed in Fox News Digital (co-authored with Foundation for the Defense of Democracies Senior Adviser Richard Goldberg) detailing how the Biden Administration has enriched and emboldened the Iranian regime.

An excerpt:

“While Biden’s words condemn Hamas’ heinous crimes against humanity, he continues to enrich Hamas’ parent company, Iran. And while Biden is correctly giving Israel the time, space, and resources it needs to prepare for Hamas’ destruction, he’s simultaneously giving Iran the time, space, and resources it needs to rebuild that which Israel destroys.

With dozens of Americans living in Israel dead at Hamas’ hands, and many more missing or held hostage in Gaza, how can the president of the United States look those families in the eye and tell them it’s in America’s interest to appease the regime that sponsored this massacre?”

The full article can be found here.

Rep. Issa Introduces Most Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Legislation in Congress

“This Administration enriched and emboldened Iran to the tune of $50 billion – that ends now”

On October 20, Congressman Issa (CA-48) introduced the No Funds for Iran-Backed Terror Act, the most comprehensive legislation in Congress to fundamentally alter the direction of U.S. policy toward Iran and finally enforce America’s laws – which the Biden White House has refused to do.

“From day one, Joe Biden steered his administration straight towards Tehran and began a campaign of concessions that led to the war now being waged on Israel,” said Rep. Issa. “This has facilitated as much as $50 billion to Iran this year alone, which only emboldened its commitment to sponsor terrorism. It ends now.

Throughout this year and particularly over the summer, the Biden Administration has systematically underenforced oil sanctions, freed Iranian funds in Iraq, which are now in Oman, and notoriously waived sanctions on September 11, 2023, to release $6 billion in funds held in South Korea which are now in Qatar. It is widely reported that these actions are part of an as-yet undeclared nuclear “understanding” with Iran.

Issa described the framework of his legislation and its four primary components:

·         Require the President to enforce existing sanctions on Iranian oil and certify that he is doing so.

·         Suspend waiver authority so that the Biden Administration cannot abuse escrow accounts as it did to release the $6 billion from South Korea.

·         Revoke waivers and re-freeze funds released from Iraq and South Korea.

·         Takes steps to block Iran from capitalizing on special drawing rights at the International Monetary Fund.

“Dozens of Americans are dead at Hamas’ hands. Many more are missing or being held hostage in Gaza. Can Biden look the families in the eye and tell them it was in America’s interest to appease the regime that sponsored this massacre?” said Issa. “This comprehensive legislation marks a necessary course correction in American policy to treat Iran not as a strategic partner, but as the enemy they are.

The bill text can be found here.

ICYMI: This week, Congressman Issa and the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies senior adviser Rich Goldberg published an op-ed in Fox: Biden enriched Iran by more than $50 billion. Here’s how to turn off the spigot read it here.

ICYMI

Rep. Issa Proposes Maximum Sanctions on Iran

“This comprehensive legislation is a necessary course correction from Biden’s failed policies.”

On October 23, Congressman Issa (CA-48) has introduced the No Funds for Iran-Backed Terror Act, the most comprehensive legislation in Congress to fundamentally alter the direction of U.S. policy toward Iran and finally enforce America’s laws – which the Biden Administration has refused to do.

The bill was highlighted in a report from Fox News detailing how the Biden policies of appeasement and failures to enforce existing sanctions have reportedly enriched Iran – the principal supporter of Hamas – by as much as $50 billion in one year alone/

An excerpt:

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said that the Biden administration, over the past year, has waived sanctions on Iran which facilitated roughly $50 billion to the country.

The administration, he said, “has systematically underenforced oil sanctions, freed Iranian funds in Iraq, which are now in Oman,” and notoriously waived sanctions on Sept. 11, to release $6 billion in humanitarian funds as part of a prisoner swap – a move that was heavily scrutinized following the Hamas attacks.

Issa said his new bill, the No Funds for Iran-Backed Terror Act, will “fundamentally alter the direction of U.S. policy toward Iran and finally enforce America’s laws.”

The bill text can be found here.

Rep. Issa Questions State Department’s Global Engagement Center: “Failed to Uphold Free Speech, Advance America on the World Stage”

On October 25, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) delivered sharp criticism to the leader of a government agency that he believes has engaged in a pattern of “censorship of conservatives, the stifling of their free speech rights, and the failure to advance the nation’s interest on the world stage.”

In today’s hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Oversight & Accountability Subcommittee Hearing, Rep. Issa questioned Global Engagement Center (GEC) Principal Deputy Coordinator Daniel Kimmage about the many ways it has fallen short of its mission and has wasted millions of taxpayer funds. In his questioning, Rep. Issa pressed Kimmage on the GEC’s grant to the Global Disinformation Index, which targeted mainstream American conservative media outlets, and the GEC’s failure to in any way address the debunked hoax – which appeared in media around the world – that Israel had bombed a hospital in Gaza.

“It’s clear from today’s hearing that the GEC is not effectively making America’s case around the world and has moved far away from its founding purpose to engage audiences and allies with the facts,” said Rep. Issa. “But if the GEC won’t seek to correct the record about the leading disinformation story in the world and spends millions of dollars subsidizing censorship of conservatives and developing video games, the case for its reauthorization got harder today, not easier.”

This was a continuation of Rep. Issa’s work earlier this year to hold the GEC and State Department Accountable for their role in the censorship of individual Americans and established conservative media.

“The federal government has plenty of offices that issue reports. If that’s all the GEC is going to do, its future may be as limited as its record of success,” said Rep. Issa.

Rep. Issa’s full Q&A from the hearing can be found here.

Issa: Iran’s Foreign Minister Should Be Immediately Expelled

On October 26, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) issued the following statement calling for the immediate expulsion of Iran’s foreign minister who is currently in New York City:

“Media reports confirm that Iran’s foreign minister is in New York City while Americans are held hostage by one Iranian proxy and our troops are under attack by others.

Is there no limit to the Biden appeasement of Iran? After all that has happened, after all the Americans killed, captured, and held hostage by Tehran’s terror army Hamas?

It can’t be business-as-usual with Iran going forward and this Administration must course correct. If it does not, Americans, our allies, and our partners — foremost among them Israel — will continue to pay the highest price for this Administration’s weakness in the face of evil. Biden continues to show that he simply can’t be trusted with America’s foreign policy.

Iran’s foreign minister should be immediately expelled from our country. And every Biden official involved in approving his visit should be fired.”

Rep. Issa to Mayorkas: Where is the Truth About Terrorist Encounters at Southern Border You Promised to Provide?

On October 26,  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reminding him he has failed to provide – as he agreed to do under oath – information on individuals on the terrorist watchlist encountered at the southern border by U.S. officials.

This letter is a follow-up on Rep. Issa’s initial request for this information during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on July 26, 2023, since which Mayorkas and the DHS have neglected to follow through on.

In the hearing, Rep. Issa stated, “140 people on the terrorist watchlist so far this year. For the record, would you please give us the status of each of those individuals so we know what you did with people who were on a terrorist watchlist, who were apprehended – many got away – but were apprehended, where they are today, so that Congress can know.”

“Congressman, I would be pleased to provide you with that information, with respect to the individuals encountered at the southwest border,” Mayorkas pledged in response.
A full three months later, Mayorkas has failed to provide the information or reply in any way on this matter.

In the letter, Rep. Issa states:

As you sat before the Judiciary Committee during that July hearing, several members vocalized serious concern and raised significant questions regarding the Biden Administration’s willful failure to enforce the law at the border. On your watch, officials have recorded more than six million illegal border encounters, including 169 attempted entrants by aliens recorded on the terrorist watch list – the largest number ever recorded. And the problem is only growing worse: In the last week, the San Diego border sector reportedly issued guidance to watch for Hamas and Hezbollah fighters attempting to enter via the porous southern border.

Fundamentally, Americans have a right to understand how, why, and when a suspected terrorist entered our country. It is fair to assume that if NO terror suspects were permitted to enter or remain in this country, you would have emphatically stated this for the nation to understand.

The full letter can be found here

Issa: The Biden State Department’s Global Engagement Center Needs to Justify its Existence.

On November 3, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has submitted questions for the record (QFRs) to obtain necessary information following last week’s House Foreign Affairs Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee hearing examining the State Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC). This was highlighted in an exclusive feature in the Washington Examiner.

“The GEC didn’t make much of a case for its budget, especially given its unapologetic support for censorship of American citizens,” said Rep. Issa. “These questions show just how much more it has to answer for.”

Upon receiving incomplete and insufficient testimony during the hearing from GEC Acting Coordinator Daniel Kimmage, Rep. Issa is submitting these QFRs in a good-faith effort to better determine the GEC’s effectiveness and impact.

An excerpt of Rep. Issa’s QFR:

Overall Effectiveness

1. What metrics does the GEC use to determine the effectiveness of its work?
2. Can you list the category of activities the GEC conducts?
   1. What percentage of GEC resources are devoted to each?

Role in the Federal Government

1. What is the total number of employees working at the GEC – including appointees and detailees – and is there an organizational chart the GEC will provide for the review of this committee?

1. The GEC’s mission is to coordinate U.S. information response throughout the U.S. government. Does the GEC find that in practice other agencies take its direction and widely use/refer to its published materials?

1. What functions does the GEC provide in the information operations space that are not provided by other elements of the U.S. government?

The full QFR document can be found here.

Issa Reaffirms U.S.-Philippines Alliance, Condemns PRC Agression in South China Sea

“It is past time to address the PRC’s bullying tactics in the South China Sea to enforce unlawful territorial claims against American allies and other sovereign nations.”

On November 4, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced a resolution to reaffirm the United States’ alliance with the Philippines and condemn the aggressive acts by China to advance their objectives in the Indo-Pacific through intimidation and military aggression.

The resolution was finalized only days after Chinese navy ships rammed Filipino vessels in areas where China has made sweeping territorial claims, one of several aggressive maneuvers by Chinese ships in the South China Sea.

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Ami Bera (CA-06), and Mike Waltz (FL-06).

“The PRC’s continued aggression in the South China Sea, and especially toward American allies, must not go unaddressed any longer. This Congress will reaffirm the United States’ steadfast commitment to support the Philippines in the face of this aggression and end the PRC’s campaign of coercion in a region where their sovereignty does not reach,” said Rep. Issa.

“I’m proud to join my Congressional colleagues in solidifying the longstanding alliance between the United States and the Philippines,” said Rep. Vargas. “China’s harassment violates international law, and this bipartisan resolution reaffirms our support for the Philippines and their defense against China’s maritime incursions in the South China Sea.”

“I am honored to lead this bipartisan resolution, demonstrating unwavering solidarity with the Philippines while condemning the dangerous actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea. The recent actions are part of a broader pattern of persistent aggression by the People’s Republic of China in the South China Sea which poses a threat to our allies and partners in the region. I commend the Biden Administration for its commitment to upholding the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and its announcement to increase joint patrols with the Philippines and other partners in the South China Sea. The United States and Congress will continue to stand with our allies and partners against the PRC’s unlawful aggression and their flagrant disregard for international law,” said Rep. Bera.

“Now, more than ever, we must condemn China’s harassment and violation of international law in the South China Sea,” said Waltz. “This aggression by China’s Coast Guard and maritime militias endanger the Philippines, our allies in the region, and the safety of international waters. Proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress to affirm our commitment to defending the Philippines and international waters from China’s illegal and malicious maritime incursions.”

The text of the resolution can be found here.

Issa, Bera, Waltz, Vargas Reaffirm U.S.-Philippines Alliance, Condemn PRC Aggression in South China Sea

“It is past time to address the PRC’s bullying tactics in the South China Sea to enforce unlawful territorial claims against American allies and other sovereign nations.”

On November 6,  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and congressional colleagues Ami Bera (CA-06), Mike Waltz (FL-06), and Juan Vargas (CA-52) introduced a resolution to reaffirm the United States’ alliance with the Philippines and condemn the aggressive acts by China to advance their objectives in the Indo-Pacific through intimidation and military aggression.

The resolution was finalized only days after Chinese navy ships rammed Filipino vessels in areas where China has made sweeping territorial claims, one of several aggressive maneuvers by Chinese ships in the South China Sea.

“We can no longer ignore the PRC’s escalating aggression in the South China Sea – especially toward American allies. That’s why Congress is reaffirming our country’s steadfast commitment to the Philippines and telling the truth about the PRC’s campaign of coercion in a region where their sovereignty does not reach. I thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for making this resolution a reality,” said Rep. Issa.

The text of the resolution can be found here.

Issa: The JAX Act Corrects the Record for Hundreds of Women Who Served in Combat

“This bill is about telling the truth and recognizing courage under fire”

On November 8, Congressman Darrell Issa testified before a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee and urged support of his legislation The JAX Act, which is named for Jaclyn Scott – call sign “Jax” – one of the 310 Cultural Support Team members (CSTs) who were deployed alongside Special Operations Forces soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In his testimony, Rep. Issa outlined how the JAX Act will simply and accurately amend the military records of these female veterans and allow them the opportunity to have their medical claims reassessed at the VA. Currently, these women are being denied this designation, leading to the denial of rank, benefits, and critical health care services.

“These 310 women served in combat and in the same capacity as their male counterparts. But to this day, they’ve not received proper combat distinction. It’s time for the truth to be told,” said Rep. Issa. “The JAX Act is not a new entitlement. It is the overdue correction of an error that has denied hundreds of female combat veterans the recognition they are owed for their brave service to our country. We have an opportunity to make this right.”

Rep. Issa’s testimony can be found here.

Issa, Gallagher, Barr, Ricketts Demand Biden Administration Pause on STA Renewal Negotiations with PRC

Issa: “It can no longer be technology shared – and then technology stolen”

On November 9,  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Republican colleagues Mike Gallagher (WI-8), Andy Barr (KY-6), as well as Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) have sent a letter to Biden Administration officials calling for a halt on negotiations to renew the U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (STA).

The letter was sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai in response to ongoing talks by U.S. officials to renew the agreement with the PRC.

The letter outlines concerns over the CCP’s exploitation of American innovation and threats to national security while stating the need to allow Congress the opportunity to address the issue legislatively. This was highlighted in an exclusive piece from the New York Post.

An excerpt of the letter:

The STA, first signed in 1979, is the first major agreement between Washington and Beijing following diplomatic normalization. Decades later, it is clear that the benefits of scientific cooperation have overwhelmingly flowed one way. Dangerously, the CCP also routinely attempts to exploit civilian research and research partnerships for military purposes. Meanwhile the CCP’s rampant, unlawful intellectual property theft is well documented and has reportedly cost the United States hundreds of billions per year.

Given that Congress intends to legislate on this matter, we request that you pause negotiations until this work is complete. At a minimum, given the importance of this issue and the growing legislative attention, it is essential that elected representatives in Congress are provided the opportunity to thoroughly review and assess any negotiated text before an extension is signed.

“Renewal of the STA will only allow for the continued exploitation of American innovation and research by our nation’s largest competitor in technological advancement. It is evident that the scale is tilted in favor of the CCP in this agreement, and in the interest of protecting American innovators and national security, the STA must not be renewed,” said Rep. Issa. “My colleagues and I cannot more strongly urge the Biden Administration to halt current negotiations and allow Congress to take up this matter.”

“For years, thanks to its strategy of military-civil fusion, the Chinese Communist Party has abused the openness of the American scientific community to steal American research and coopt it for its own malign purposes, including to surveil the Chinese public and strengthen its military-industrial complex. Amid rumors that the Biden administration will try to quietly extend the Science and Technology Agreement between the US and China, my colleagues and I request they pause any negotiations as Congress fine tunes legislation in the best interest of the American people,” said Rep. Gallagher.

“The Chinese Communist Party will manipulate or disregard any and all rules in their quest to gain technological and military advantages. That’s why I introduced the Science and Technology Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act to strengthen oversight of science and technology agreements. Given the Biden administration’s failure to stand up to the CCP time and time again, continuing with negotiations would be a major national security risk. They should stop negotiations until Congress has had the opportunity to weigh in,” stated Senator Ricketts.

“When the U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (STA) was signed, it was the common hope that greater integration with the West would lead the People’s Republic of China to more liberalization and the adoption of a rules-based order. We now know that China’s response to this olive branch from the United States has been decades of intellectual property theft, technology transfer, and other subversive actions in severe violation of the spirit of the original agreement. As the Biden Administration prepares for another meeting with General Secretary Xi, this Administration should pause any new STA agreement and Congress should pass my legislation, the Science and Technology Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act to ensure any cooperation is truly in the interest of the United States,” said Rep. Barr.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

Rep. Issa Introduces Unprecedented Legislation to Protect Communities from Sexually Violent Predators

On November 10, at a press conference in Poway, CA, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced The Stopping Sexually Violent Predators Act the most comprehensive legislation to date to reset the broken system that is currently forcing sexually violent predators (SVPs) into communities and near children and families.

“In California, Governor Newsom has made our communities less safe by essentially compelling communities to accept the relocation of dozens of these violent predators into our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Issa. “But this issue is not unique to California, which is why we need a federal solution to at least prevent the compulsory placement of SVPs and develop a solution. There is obviously a better way than the current broken system.”

SVPs are clinically diagnosed individuals convicted of sexually violent crimes. They are designated by doctors as incurable and are neither undergoing treatment nor in recovery. They are an obvious danger to any community, which is why these individuals should be confined within secure facilities, not in local neighborhoods.

Even though 70% of SVPs released into communities in California were returned to custody for violating their release terms, California’s state government continues to demand that these predators be forced into residential areas near families, children, and seniors. In fact, the number of SVPs in our community has continued to rapidly increase.

The Stopping Sexually Violent Predators Act will:

1. End federal taxpayer funding for SVPs outside of correctional or secure medical facilities.
2. Require states to report all convicted SVPs to the federal Department of Justice for review of potential federal charges.

The following community representatives attended today’s press conference:

• East County Parent Alliance
• Keep RB Safe
• ForUs Group
• The Rad Movement
• PUSD Community Watch
• John Franklin, Mayor, Vista
• Caylin Frank, Deputy Mayor, Poway
• Brian Pepin, Councilman, Poway

The bill text can be found here.

Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 48th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and eastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, Poway, Temecula, Murrieta, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.