Episode Details

Iran sanctions are signed into law, a gas pipeline gets fast tracked through a NYC park, the Buffett Rule is (sort of) passed, a "War on Coal" is not really waged, and more from this week in Congress... HR 1905: Iran Sanctions *Signed into law* Sanctions = Shut down trade in and out of Iran. People can't get what they need, they get mad at their government, the government needs to do what we want them to do in order to make the sanctions go away and get their people to back off. What do we want them to do? Stop developing nuclear weapons (if they actually are – hasn't been proven). Stop human rights abuses. Open their oil industry to the "free market" Exxon Mobil, BP and others were welcomed into Iraq after we took over the country History of Iran Pre 1951- Iran's oil was owned by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, now known as BP. 1951- Iran nationalized their oil industry. 1953- CIA, with lots of help from the British, overthrew the democratically elected government, installing the Shah. Oil companies were allowed back in and helped themselves to 50% of the oil profits. 1979- Iranians overthrew the Shah (the dictator installed by the US) and installed the Islamic Republic, who were not US-approved and are still in power today. The Islamic Republic nationalized the banking system and imposed controls on imports and exports, reversing the Shah's free trade policies. They also re-nationalized the oil industry. Current sanctions take aim at that nationalized oil company… Prohibits any country or company from: 1) Helping Iran develop their oil. 2) Helping Iran construct, maintain, or repair their refineries. 3) Helping Iran construct port facilities, railways, or roads that will be used to deliver their oil. Prevents shipping companies from transporting any oil products to or from Iran. Prevents insurance companies from insuring the National Iranian Oil Company or the National Iranian Tanker Company. Section 312: Orders a report in 45 days listing the reasons that the National Iranian Oil Company and the National Iranian Tanker Company are "agents" of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (their military). Turns the Iranian oil companies into military targets. Orders a report on whether sanctions on Iran's natural gas could be applied as they are to oil. HR 3783: "Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act" Gives the Secretary of State 180 days to create a report to address Iran's "growing hostile presence and activity" in the Western Hemisphere. Report needs to include a plan "ensuring energy supplies from the Western Hemisphere that are free from the influence of any foreign government that would attempt to manipulate or disrupt global energy markets." Report needs to describe the terrain, population, ports, airports, borders, media outlets, financial centers, foreign embassies, charities, religious and cultural centers, and income-generating activities in the Western Hemisphere utilized by Iran. Listed countries of concern are Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Argentina, and Brazil. Four of the countries on the list have already nationalized their oil: Venezuela Bolivia Ecuador Argentina (happening right now) The other 2 may be on the list because: Nicaragua – President Ortega was the President the Contras were trying to overthrow. Iran-Contra scandal is when Reagan's CIA sold weapons to Iran and gave the money to the Contras… to beat President Ortega… who is President again. President Ortega has an alliance with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Brazil – just elected a friendly government but also has found huge amounts of offshore oil since 2007. They might have more than us. Passed by the House, now moves into the Senate. HR 4155: Military Training Sufficient for Federal Training and Certification *Signed into law* H.R. 4124: Veteran Work Experience in Medical Field Gives money to states to change their processes for licensing veterans with medical experience in combat. Money only given to states with a shortage in medi