Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Marianna Levyash-Talk Radio News Service

Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) pushed for a number of wide-ranging sanctions against Iran during a hearing Tuesday.

“I intend to move forward in this Committee, this month, on comprehensive sanctions legislation. I am committed, as I think my colleagues are as well, to ensuring that this Congress equips this President with all of the tools he needs to confront the threats posed by Iran," said Dodd.

He announced that they intend to incorporate the Senate's collaborative efforts into legislation that includes:

"Penalties on companies that support Iran’s import of refined petroleum products... the authorization for state and local governments to divest from companies involved in critical business with Iran."

Dodd added, "Our legislation will further tighten our trade embargo on Iran and enhance Treasury’s mandate to freeze assets tied to Iran’s terrorist and proliferation activities and help cut off Iran’s access to the most sensitive and advanced technology available, through tougher export controls on these products sent to Iran through its blackmarket trading partners.”

Dodd hopes that this new legislation will reinforce ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran.