New York, NY, June 25, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today hailed passage by Congress of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010, which passed the Senate by a vote of 99-0 and passed the House by a vote of 408-8.

The bill grants the President new authority to impose sanctions designed to pressure Tehran to end its nuclear weapons program by targeting its refined petroleum sector as well as international financial institutions that do business with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iranian banks.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

The United States continues to lead the international effort to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons using tough sanctions.  The overwhelming approval by Congress affirms the strength of America's political will and resolve to head off the Iranian nuclear threat and to pressure Iran to change course.
 
We are grateful to key Congressional leaders for their determination to advance this bill across the finish line and to send it to the President's desk for his signature.  In the Senate, we commend Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL).  In the House, we commend Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Representatives Howard Berman (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.