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National Security Legislative Calendar

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March 15, 2010 update

[New information bolded and italicized]

This week, Congress will focus on health care, health care, health care. House-Senate conferees have begun meeting on the Iran sanctions bills. Other early action is most likely to happen on the Budget Resolution and a Supplemental Appropriations Bill largely to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

KEY FISCAL YEAR 2011 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS TO BE COVERED

IRAN SANCTIONS LEGISLATION

On October 28, 2009, the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved by voice vote H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009. The bill was slightly modified from its original introduction. The bill had 330 co-sponsors. It imposes sanctions against companies that supply Iran with gasoline or other refined petroleum products. The President would have some discretion on imposing the sanctions. On October 29, the Senate Banking Committee unanimously approved the Dodd - Shelby bill that would impose sanctions on companies that help Iran acquire refined petroleum products.

On December 15, 2009, the House approved the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009: H.R. 2194, by a vote 412 - 12, with four Members voting present. The Senate put off action until 2010.

On January 28, 2010, in surprise timing, the Senate suddenly passed by voice vote S. 2799 - the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2009, which includes the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. It was passed after all of five minutes of debate.

On March 11, 2010, House-Senate conferees began moving towards an agreement on the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. While there is strong momentum behind the bill, the Administration is reportedly seeking authority for the President to waive sanctions and other changes.