Mitch Perry
A Florida Senate committee advanced a memorial resolution calling on the U.S. government to increase economic sanctions on Iran should the two nations fail to agree on the Middle Eastern nation’s nuclear program.
While President Barack Obama already is facing strong opposition in the GOP-led Congress, the GOP-led (but bipartisan on this issue) Florida Legislature wants to weigh in with its opinion. Bill sponsor Joseph Abruzzo said Thursday that if state lawmakers ultimately approve the memorial, Israel’s ambassador to Iran, Rod Dermer, will visit the Sunshine State.
The bill received bipartisan support in the Senate Rules Committee on Thursday, with Niceville Republican Don Gaetz citing precedent from two earlier votes in the Legislature when it came to showing disapproval with Iran.
In 2007 the Legislature passed a bill that directed Florida state pension funds to shed more than a billion dollars in stocks and bonds held with companies doing business in Iran and Sudan. They followed up in 2011, when the Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott signed a new state law prohibiting Florida government entities from contracting with companies invested in Iran’s petroleum energy sector.
Abruzzo added that he’s always revered Florida U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, saying he’s always “guided me on these issues.”
The Miami Democrat added that he’s not optimistic about the Obama administration coming to a successful agreement with Iran, mentioning the fact that two of the P5 + 1 nations that will also be signatories to the agreement are Russia and China. He added that he may add more amendments to the relatively straightforward bill when it makes its way to the Senate floor.
A companion bill is moving through the House sponsored by Republican Erik Fresan and Democrat Doug Rader.
