Lawmaker calls for review of US exports to Iran to see if sanction exemptions are being abused

[Dover]

Source: AP

Lawmaker wants review of US exports to Iran

Lawmaker calls for review of US exports to Iran to see if sanction exemptions are being abused

SHARON THEIMER
AP News

Jul 11, 2008 17:11 EST

A lawmaker will seek a broad review of exports to Iran to see whether exemptions to U.S. trade sanctions are being abused. Cigarettes, bull semen and other goods have gone Iran's way as exports grew during President Bush's time in office.

Rep. David Scott, vice chairman of the House subcommittee on terrorism, nonproliferation and trade, said Friday that he will press for a congressional review of sanctions enforcement following an Associated Press investigation that found U.S. exports to Iran rose from about $8 million in 2001, Bush's first year in office, to nearly $150 million last year.

The goods — sent under agricultural, medical and humanitarian exemptions to the sanctions — also included soybeans, medicine and medical equipment, brassieres, musical instruments, cosmetics and military apparel, among other things.

"Once it's been brought to light, then it's our duty to go ahead and move on it and not just stand idly by," said Scott, a Georgia Democrat whose panel is part of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He said he will reach out to Democrats and Republicans for a bipartisan review. "I think this is an issue that the full committee should take a look at."...cont'd



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[wishlist]

1. Need to look at Halliburon and related companies closer too n/t

[Wizard777]

2. YEP! They're over there snaping up all the contracts Cheney is scaring the world off of

with his sabre rattling and crazy ass war talk. It's the oldest trick in the book. Scare them off the money. Except instead of using ghosts like they did in every episode of Scooby Doo. Cheney's using bombs to scare them off the money.