Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Ted Cruz to Introduce SEVER Act; Prohibiting Iranian Officials from Entering the U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Ted Cruz and six of their Senate colleagues in announcing the Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions (SEVER) Act to restrict any Iranian officials from entering the United States as representatives to the United Nations (UN) if they have been sanctioned for supporting the Iranian regime. Cosponsors of the legislation include Senators Tom Cotton, Joni Ernst, Ashley Moody, and John Barrasso, Lindsey Graham, and Bill Hagerty. Companion legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

Senator Rick Scott said, "As President Trump and his administration have taken decisive action to secure our border and protect the American people, the SEVER Act is another critical step in closing dangerous loopholes in our visa and border security system. The United States must never become a safe haven for terrorists or those enabling the Iranian regime's violent and destabilizing agenda. Anyone sanctioned for supporting Iran's threats against America or our allies should be automatically denied entry - we must put our national security first."

Senator Ted Cruz said, "The Iranian regime and the corrupt officials who run it are responsible for the murder, injury, and kidnapping of thousands of Americans. The Ayatollah means it when he chants 'Death to America,' and the United States has developed and imposed sanctions to counter the threats posed by him and those directly around him. If you are a crony of the Ayatollah who has been sanctioned by the U.S., it means that you pose a threat to the safety and security of Americans, and you should not be allowed on American soil - let alone to engage in diplomacy at the United Nations General Assembly. I strongly urge my colleagues to advance this legislation and swiftly pass it through both chambers so it can be signed into law."

Senator Tom Cotton said, "Iran's terrorist regime chants "death to America" and has the blood of thousands of Americans on its hands. The leaders of this evil regime have no business setting foot on U.S. soil."

Senator Joni Ernst said, "Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and, not only chants 'death to America,' but has taken American lives. After Biden emboldened and enriched Iran, we cannot allow the regime a foothold in our homeland as they pursue a nuclear weapon. I am working with Senator Cruz to deny Iranian officials visas. The world does not need more of their bad-faith negotiations at the UN General Assembly."

Senator Ashley Moody said, "The SEVER Act is straight forward and commonsense legislation. Those associated with the Supreme Leader of Iran, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism who spreads violence and supports Hamas financially, should not be allowed to enter the United States of America. These individuals represent a regime that is openly oppressive to their own people and pose threats to our national security. I urge my colleagues to take up this legislation immediately."

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said, "For decades, the Iranian regime has oppressed its own people, sponsored terrorism worldwide, and threatened the safety of Americans and our allies. President Masoud Pezeshkian, like his predecessors, is part of a regime that funds terrorism, destabilizes the Middle East, brutalizes the Iranian people, and has actively targeted Americans. No government official that is part of this despotic regime should ever be permitted to set foot on American soil to spread propaganda or legitimize tyranny. The SEVER Act will give President Trump the authority to ensure the United States is never a platform for terrorists and tyrants that threaten American citizens. This is about protecting our citizens and reaffirming the America First policies advanced by President Trump."

###