H.R.2574 - No Iranian Energy Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2574, the "No Iranian Energy Act," aims to impose sanctions on the importation of natural gas from Iran by the Government of Iraq. The bill amends the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 to specifically target Iran's natural gas industry. It expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should sanction Iran's emerging gas industry.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would likely reduce Iran's revenue from natural gas exports to Iraq. This could strain Iraq's energy supply and potentially impact its relationship with the United States. The bill could also affect international energy markets and diplomatic relations.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthens U.S. national security by limiting Iran's financial resources.
- Reduces Iran's ability to fund activities viewed as destabilizing.
- Reinforces U.S. efforts to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East.
- Potentially encourages Iraq to seek alternative energy sources, possibly from the U.S. or its allies.
- Demonstrates U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions against Iran.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain relations with Iraq, a key partner in the region.
- May lead to increased energy costs for Iraq, impacting its economy.
- Could create a humanitarian crisis in Iraq if energy supplies are severely disrupted.
- May incentivize Iran to pursue other means of generating revenue, potentially through illicit activities.
- Risks alienating other countries that rely on Iranian natural gas.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the powers granted to Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) and to declare war and provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 and 11). It does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or liberties. The bill's focus on foreign policy and national security aligns with the executive branch's responsibilities, but Congress has a clear role in setting foreign policy through legislation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).