President Obama has signed an order adopting the Iran nuclear deal, but Missouri’s Congressional Republicans want state leaders to do what they can to hit Iran economically.
The order signed Sunday by the president directs his administration to start issuing waivers to Iran nuclear sanctions, that would be effective once Iran meets its obligations under the agreement limiting its unclear program. The order is being called an adoption of the agreement, and another step toward implementation.
Missouri’s congressional Republicans say the president’s nuclear deal endangers the U.S., and says the states can still act against it by not doing business with Iranian companies or allowing investment in the Iranian energy sector.
Missouri is one of several states that has launched a “Defund Iran” effort. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale), a candidate for state treasurer, says it would make law a policy instituted by Sarah Steelman when she was treasurer.
“It’s an internal office policy in the treasurer’s office to not use any taxpayer money to invest in companies or banks that are doing business with Iran,” Schmitt told Missourinet.
Schmitt says part of that deal, in his interpretation, would block state policies against funding terrorism in the interest of the deal.
“The policy of the federal government will be to use all available authorities to change that divestiture policy,” said Schmitt. He says that’s why he wants to ask voters to approve that policy as a way to send a message to Washington about the Iran deal and how they want tax dollars used.
“I’m going to prefile legislation that would put that on the ballot for next year, for 2016,” said Schmitt. “I do think it does provide an opportunity for Missourians to weigh in on a deal that does effect our national security.”
The proposal is widely expected, intentionally or otherwise, to draw more conservative voters to the polls next year, but Schmitt says he believes it will have bipartisan support.
“If you look at some of the opposition even in Congress with Senator [Chuck] Schumer from New York and other Democrats, there was some Democrat opposition to [the Iran nuclear deal],” said Schmitt.
Missouri is one of several states in which the “Defund Iran” effort has been launched.
