Skip to main content

Fight over Iran's access to dollars takes partisan turn

A flurry of Republican bills are getting no love from Democrats.
U.S. Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY) speaks to the media before attending a closed meeting for members of Congress on the situation in Syria at the U.S. Capitol in Washington September 1, 2013. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts    (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) - RTX133XB

Congressional Republicans appear to be hurtling toward a showdown over Iran's access to the US dollar with little or no support from Democrats, potentially dooming their legislative efforts to block further concessions to Tehran.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., on April 19 unilaterally introduced legislation that would prohibit the Obama administration from allowing the US dollar to be used to facilitate trade transactions. Royce has so far failed to secure the endorsement of his Democratic colleague, Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., even as the Republican leadership's blessing suggests a House vote could come soon.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.