A Treasury spokeswoman told the Associated Press that an initial payment of $400 million was sent to Iran on January 17, while the remaining $1.3 billion was delivered over two more installments on Jan. 22 and February 5.
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Lankford, in Thursday’s letter, wants Obama to explain why the payments were made in cash and if the administration can account for how Iran is spending the money, including if it’s being used to back terrorism.
The No Ransom Payments Act would require Iran to return the $1.7 billion, prohibit the US government from paying ransom and mandate sanctions against Iranians who hold or detain USA citizens.
At a hearing called by House Republicans, officials from the departments of Treasury, State and Justice defended the payment and its cash delivery.
Following a closed briefing of lawmakers on the payments Tuesday, a Congressional staff member who participated told WSJ that the $1.3 billion was transferred through Europe in two payments on January 22 and February 5.
Also confirmed: Iran’s loot was taken from the Treasury Department’s Judgment Fund, which allowed the administration to circumvent Congress yet again. The so-called Judgment Fund is taxpayer money Congress has permanently approved in the event it’s needed, allowing the president to bypass direct congressional approval to make a settlement. Their legislation would also require Iran to settle claims from US families of victims of Iranian terrorism. Many Republicans, and some officials from Israel, criticized the Obama administration for signing the deal, saying it was bad.
The $1.7 billion was the settlement of a 37-year-old arbitration claim between the USA and Iran.
On their first day back from summer recess September 6, Republicans in both the House and Senate introduced legislation to censure the president over what they call “ransom” payments and block any future ones. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the bill’s primary sponsor.
“The Iranians wanted hard, cold cash going to their military to fund their terrorist network and to buy armaments and military technology”, Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Sean Duffy from Wisconsin told Fox News on Wednesday, noting that the payment was not sent in Iran’s own currency, the rial, and was thus easily transferable and usable.
The money was paid out in several installments – and the Obama administration has said the clandestine cash was to settle an outstanding debt with Iran, while Republican critics have labeled it a ransom.
“It’s long past time for the president to stop stonewalling on these ransom payments and start being straight with the American people about the risky concessions he’s made to the ayatollahs”, he said.
Iran is sponsoring a revolution in Yemen, sending money and equipment to rebels fighting a western backed democracy in that country.
The release of U.S. prisoners coincided with the signing of a breakthrough deal between Iran and six leading world powers, which addressed concerns over Iran’s controversial nuclear program. Republicans have strongly opposed the pact since it was struck last summer, though they were unsuccessful in blocking its implementation.
Philippine leader’s anti-Obama outburst complicates US goals.
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“The total now stands at $1.7 billion that this Administration has handed over to Iran – the world’s most notorious financier of global terrorism and mass murder”. The payment “flowed in the same manner” as the original $400 million that an Iranian cargo plane picked up in Geneva, Switzerland, according to a congressional aide who took part in the briefing. Under the deal, Iran limits its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some sanctions. Foreign cash, of course. Previously, the administration only admitted to paying $400 million.
