WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, January 25, 2023, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution co-led by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), commending the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran who are demonstrating against the Iranian regime for its human rights abuses. Iran is the world’s leading state-sponsor of terror.

The resolution passed the House by a vote of 420 to 1.

Gottheimer co-led this bipartisan legislation along with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10).

Since the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who was arrested for violating the country’s strict dress code laws, protests have been raging across Iran. While estimates vary, approximately 18,000 protestors have been arrested, and roughly 500 protestors have already been killed by Iranian security forces, including 69 minors. Most recently, Iran executed two protestors following two sham trials and has sentenced several other protestors to execution.

The bipartisan resolution was cosponsored by more than 60 members of Congress. In addition to expressing support for Iranian protestors demonstrating for their freedoms, the resolution also condemns the brutal beating and death of Mahsa Amini as well as the violent suppression by the Iranian regime of those participating in the current demonstrations.

“Iran is the world's leading state-sponsor of terror. We must stand with the brave people of Iran as they fight back against the oppressive Iranian regime and their human rights abuses,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “With this bipartisan resolution passing the House today, we're making clear that we support those brave individuals committed to freedom and human rights, both in Iran and around the world. Now, I urge the Senate to pass this bipartisan bill so that it can get to the President's desk.”

“The murderous regime in Iran continues its violent crackdown on its citizens’ rights and civil liberties,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24). “Today, the House reaffirmed with one voice our commitment to support these brave protestors, who are more resolved than ever to fight this regime. These courageous Iranians are demanding a government that respects their rights at home, stops funding terrorism abroad and makes peace with its neighbors. They are demanding a future built on freedom, justice, the rule of law, and prosperity. This resolution makes clear that the U.S. House of Representatives stands with them and that the United States will continue to do all it can to hold the regime, which is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, accountable.”

“I am proud to join Congresswoman Tenney in leading this important bipartisan resolution re-affirming support for the brave Iranian men and women speaking out against the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10). “As the regime continues to escalate its violent crackdown, we must continue to do all we can to support the Iranian people’s right to self-determination and ensure the regime is held to account for its crimes. That means no sanctions relief for the regime, and fully enforcing all of our existing sanctions.”

“The Iranian regime — which has long persecuted its own people and demonized and endangered Jews and Israel — is engaged in unprecedented and unrelenting violations of human rights against its courageous citizens. ADL commends the Iranian people for their bravery in risking their lives to speak out and stand up to this regime. ADL has long supported these efforts, and we thank Reps. Claudia Tenney and Josh Gottheimer for their leadership in speaking out in support of the Iranian people. The U.S. must stand firm in its resolve to defend people of Iran,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO.

Additional co-sponsors include Representatives Claudia Tenney, Scott Peters, Elise Stefanik, Dan Crenshaw, Maria Salazar, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Waltz, Josh Gottheimer, Chrissy Houlahan, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Michael McCaul, Don Beyer, Joe Wilson, Rob Wittman, Doug Lamborn, Eric Swalwell, Steve Cohen, David Trone, Susie Lee (NV), Bill Foster, Gerry Connolly, Brad Schneider, David Cicilline, Barbara Lee (CA), Jim Costa, Darrell Issa, Dina Titus, Jim Himes, Mike Levin, Steve Womack, John Rutherford, Joseph Morelle, Jan Schakowsky, Jerry Carl, Ami Bera, Ted Lieu, Greg Murphy (NC), Jennifer Wexton, Andy Kim (NJ), Katie Porter, Mark Pocan, David Joyce (OH), Nancy Mace, Guy Reschenthaler, Brian Mast, Jake Ellzey, Angie Craig, Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna, Kathy Manning, Mike Lawler, Derek Kilmer, Nikema Williams, Kevin Kiley, Haley Stevens, Darren Soto, David Scott, Lauren Boebert, Mikie Sherrill, Dusty Johnson, Rich McCormick, Shri Thanedar, and Nick Langworthy.