In House Committee·Last action 382 days ago

Bill would make Iran sanctions tougher and harder to lift

Officially: Maximum Pressure Act

This bill would keep many Iran sanctions in place for years and make new relief much harder. It targets Iranian leaders, key industries, foreign banks, and groups tied to missiles, drones, and terrorism. It also gives Congress more control over future easing of sanctions.

Where it stands

Sitting in Foreign Affairs

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Several Iran sanctions orders would become federal law. They would stay in force until the president certifies that Iran has met detailed nuclear, missile, terrorism, and human-rights conditions.
Major Iran sanctions laws would no longer expire on their own. The bill adds new rules for ending them and removes the sunset dates from the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 and parts of the 2010 Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act.
Iran’s Supreme Leader and people around him would face mandatory sanctions. The bill covers his office, appointees, related entities, and some family members, with U.S. asset freezes and visa bans, while keeping exceptions for humanitarian trade and United Nations duties.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Counters Iran's Nuclear Threat: Supporters argue that the bill will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons by eliminating its enrichment capabilities.
Deters Terrorism Support: The bill holds Iran accountable for funding terrorist groups, aiming to stop attacks like the one on October 7, 2023.
Stops Ballistic Missile Proliferation: By sanctioning entities that aid Iran's missile program, the bill seeks to prevent regional threats.

✕Arguments against

Risk of Escalation: Critics argue that the bill could increase tensions with Iran, potentially leading to conflict.
Humanitarian Concerns: There are worries that sanctions could harm Iranian civilians, despite exceptions for food and medicine.
Burden on Financial Institutions: U.S. banks and financial institutions may face challenges enforcing the sanctions.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

Latest: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Rules, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (4/1/2025)

APR 1

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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Bill would make Iran sanctions tougher and harder to lift

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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