Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025

Download PDF
Bill ID: 119/hr/1422
Last Updated: July 17, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

ID: L000599

Follow the money

The bill

Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025

HR. 1422, 119th Congress — read as touching Oil & Gas.

The sponsor

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$86,668 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

95% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of State" section, p. 211-213 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

March 16, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

Passed House

Senate Review

📍 Current Status

Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another exercise in futility, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this latest abomination, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 is a laughable attempt to appear tough on Iran while actually serving as a thinly veiled excuse for lawmakers to grandstand and pander to their donors. The bill's primary objective is to impose additional sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the Iranian oil industry, with the stated goal of denying Iran financial resources for its nuclear program, terrorism, and other nefarious activities.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill expands the Rewards for Justice Program to cover persons violating or evading US sanctions against Iran. It also imposes new sanctions on foreign individuals and entities engaged in significant transactions related to Iranian oil, condensates, or petrochemical products. These sanctions include blocking property, prohibiting visas, admission, or parole, and revoking existing visas.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The usual suspects are affected: the Iranian government, Iranian citizens, and foreign companies doing business with Iran. But let's be real, this bill is more about posturing for domestic consumption than actually impacting Iran's behavior. The real stakeholders are the lawmakers who get to tout their "tough on Iran" credentials, the lobbyists who wrote this drivel, and the special interest groups that will benefit from the increased tensions.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

This bill will have negligible impact on Iran's nuclear program or its support for terrorism. Instead, it will likely:

1. Harm innocent Iranian civilians by limiting their access to humanitarian aid and exacerbating economic hardship. 2. Drive Iranian oil sales underground, making it more difficult to track and monitor. 3. Provide a convenient excuse for lawmakers to avoid meaningful diplomatic engagement with Iran. 4. Embolden hardliners in both the US and Iran, further polarizing an already toxic relationship.

In conclusion, this bill is a textbook example of legislative theater, designed to appease special interests and pander to voters rather than address the complex issues at hand. It's a cynical exercise in futility, and I'm not surprised. After all, as the great philosopher once said, "You can't fix stupid."

Related Topics

Human Rights & Global Development
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$86,668
18 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$1,000
Committees
$0
Individuals
$85,668

No PAC contributions found

1
MURTAGH, COSSU, VENDITTI & CASTRO-BLANCO, LLP
1 transaction
$1,000

No committee contributions found

1
BATMASIAN, JAMES
2 transactions
$13,200
2
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
2 transactions
$13,068
3
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
2 transactions
$7,800
4
AUSTIN, ROBERT
1 transaction
$6,600
5
SCALA, MARY ELLEN
1 transaction
$5,300
6
PERLMUTTER, RAFUEL
1 transaction
$3,400
7
BANKE, BARBARA
1 transaction
$3,300
8
BERTUSSI, THOMAS P. MR.
1 transaction
$3,300
9
BOONE, DAN
1 transaction
$3,300
10
CHRISTIE, CHRIS
1 transaction
$3,300
11
CLAUGUS, THOMAS
1 transaction
$3,300
12
DUBITSKY, ALEX
1 transaction
$3,300
13
FORCHHEIMER, JODY
1 transaction
$3,300
14
GINSBURG, MARTIN
1 transaction
$3,300
15
GROSSMAN, JAY
1 transaction
$3,300
16
HARRIS, JOSH
1 transaction
$3,300
17
HUGIN, KATHLEEN
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20]

ID: C001127

Top Contributors

10

1
AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$500
Nov 4, 2024
2
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
OrganizationHOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 20, 2024
3
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
OrganizationHOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Sep 8, 2023
4
FIGGERS, FREDDIE
FIGGERS • INVENTOR
IndividualFORT LAUDERDALE, FL
$6,600
Jun 8, 2023
5
FIGGERS, FREDDIE
IndividualFORT LAUDERDALE, FL
$6,600
Sep 25, 2023
6
MOISE, RUDOLPH
IndividualDAVIE, FL
$3,300
Oct 7, 2024
7
GEORGE, DAVID J.
REFUEL DEPOT LLC • SALES
IndividualLEADWOOD, KS
$3,300
Sep 27, 2024
8
GOLDEN, SYLVIA
NONE • RETIRED
IndividualWEST PALM BEACH, FL
$3,300
Aug 18, 2024
9
GORI, PHILIP
SELF • INVESTOR
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$3,300
Sep 16, 2024
10
MUELLER, KYLE
ZUTEK • DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES
IndividualOLATHE, KS
$3,300
Sep 27, 2024

Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

ID: G000583

Top Contributors

10

1
AMERICAN EXPRESS
OrganizationNEWARK, NJ
$22,941
Apr 12, 2024
2
AMERICAN EXPRESS
OrganizationNEWARK, NJ
$10,621
May 10, 2024
3
PAYROLL DATA PROCESSING
OrganizationTAMPA, FL
$6,337
May 15, 2024
4
PAYROLL DATA PROCESSING
OrganizationTAMPA, FL
$6,337
Apr 15, 2024
5
PAYROLL DATA PROCESSING
OrganizationTAMPA, FL
$6,337
Apr 30, 2024
6
PAYROLL DATA PROCESSING
OrganizationTAMPA, FL
$5,751
Apr 1, 2024
7
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
8
SEKAS LAW GROUP LLC
OrganizationENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ
$1,500
Apr 12, 2024
9
SANDOR F. GENET & ASSOCIATES, P.A.
OrganizationNORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL
$250
Apr 12, 2024
10
FIRESTONE MILKEN, SARAH
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualPACIFIC PALISADES, CA
$13,200
Jul 2, 2024

Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

ID: G000602

Top Contributors

10

1
RALLYE MOTORS
OrganizationROSLYN, NY
$6,000
Jul 18, 2023
2
RALLYE MOTORS
OrganizationROSLYN, NY
$6,000
Jun 5, 2023
3
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$1,000
Aug 1, 2024
4
STONE, JAMES M
PLYMOUTH ROCK COMPANY, INC. • EXECUTIVE
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$5,000
Oct 16, 2024
5
FAIVUS, HARRY E
SELF-EMPLOYED • OPHTHALMOLOGIST
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Nov 1, 2024
6
STONE, JAMES M
PLYMOUTH ROCK COMPANY, INC. • EXECUTIVE
IndividualBOSTON, MA
$5,000
Oct 16, 2024
7
HELFER, RICKI
N/A • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$4,000
Sep 10, 2024
8
ANDEER, KYLE
APPLE INC • ATTORNEY
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Mar 27, 2024
9
BINDER, CHARLES
SELF-EMPLOYED • ATTORNEY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Mar 21, 2024
10
BURNSTEIN, CLIFFORD
Q PRIME • MANAGER
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Mar 28, 2024

Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]

ID: M001217

Top Contributors

10

1
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
OrganizationHOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 28, 2023
2
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
OrganizationHOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 20, 2024
3
ANDREWS LAW FIRM
OrganizationTALLAHASSEE, FL
$1,000
Mar 5, 2024
4
ANDREWS LAW FIRM
OrganizationTALLAHASSEE, FL
$1,000
Mar 5, 2024
5
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$1,000
Jun 17, 2024
6
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$1,000
Sep 25, 2023
7
ZAFFIRINI, CARLOS
AHCV • CEO
IndividualAUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Feb 2, 2024
8
ZAFFIRINI, CARLOS
IndividualAUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Feb 12, 2024
9
BOGDAN, MICHAEL
TESTING MATTERS INC • SELF
IndividualDEERFIELD BEACH, FL
$3,300
Dec 26, 2023
10
BOGDAN, MICHAEL
TESTING MATTERS INC • SELF
IndividualDEERFIELD BEACH, FL
$3,300
Dec 26, 2023

Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]

ID: T000478

Top Contributors

10

1
WINRED EARMARKS
PACARLINGTON, VA
$27,879
Oct 22, 2024
2
WINRED EARMARKS
PACARLINGTON, VA
$21,566
Oct 29, 2024
3
WINRED EARMARKS
PACARLINGTON, VA
$10,970
Nov 25, 2024
4
WINRED EARMARKS
PACARLINGTON, VA
$5,493
Nov 19, 2024
5
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$2,000
Nov 5, 2024
6
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$2,000
Jun 18, 2024
7
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$2,000
Jun 18, 2024
8
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$1,000
Mar 31, 2023
9
TEXTOR, DONALD
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualLOCUST VALLEY, NY
$13,200
Apr 17, 2024
10
WINE, SCOTT
POLARIS • CEO
IndividualEXCELSIOR, MN
$6,600
Sep 30, 2024

Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]

ID: W000808

Top Contributors

10

1
MAGELLAN HOUSING
OrganizationSUGAR LAND, TX
$1,500
Mar 27, 2024
2
LEHMAN, WILLIAM JR.
LEHMAN DEALERSHIP ENTERPRISES • PRESIDENT
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$5,000
Jul 18, 2024
3
LEHMAN, WILLIAM JR.
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$3,400
Aug 2, 2024
4
SANDBERG, SHERYL
NOT EMPLOYED • PHILANTHROPIST
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Dec 21, 2023
5
ARISON, MADELEINE
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
IndividualBAL HARBOUR, FL
$3,300
Mar 6, 2023
6
ARISON, MICKY
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualBAL HARBOUR, FL
$3,300
Mar 6, 2023
7
LEHMAN, WILLIAM JR.
LEHMAN DEALERSHIP ENTERPRISES • PRESIDENT
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$3,300
Jun 28, 2023
8
MOISE, RUDOLPH
SELF-EMPLOYED • PHYSICIAN
IndividualDAVIE, FL
$3,300
Jul 18, 2024
9
STIEFEL, BARBARA
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualCORAL GABLES, FL
$3,300
Jul 18, 2024
10
ACCIME, HERICKSON
KEMET GROUP • ENGINEER
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$3,300
Jul 14, 2023

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

ID: F000466

Top Contributors

10

1
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,500
Dec 31, 2024
2
STATA FAMILY OFFICE
Organization
$500
Apr 26, 2024
3
ASHER, ROBERT B.
IndividualGWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Oct 9, 2024
4
ASHER, ROBERT B.
ASHER CHOCOLATES • CHAIRMAN
IndividualGWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
LEVY, EDWARD JR
EDW C LEVY CO • CHAIRMAN
IndividualBIRMINGHAM, MI
$6,600
Feb 26, 2024
6
CROTTY, THOMAS
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
7
EVANS, ROGER
GREYLOCK PARTNERS • PARTNER EMERITUS
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
8
LEACH, RONALD
NPX ONE • CHAIRMAN & CEO
IndividualGENEVA, IL
$6,600
Feb 28, 2024
9
MCCLAIN, MARK
SAILPOINT • CEO
IndividualAUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Mar 2, 2024
10
CROTTY, THOMAS
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Mar 8, 2024

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]

ID: S000168

Top Contributors

10

1
POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$3,300
May 26, 2023
2
POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$3,300
Jun 7, 2024
3
MICCOSUKEE TRIBE
OrganizationMIAMI, FL
$1,000
Dec 19, 2023
4
DIAZ-OLIVER, REMEDIOS MRS.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$6,600
Dec 29, 2023
5
FALIC, JANA
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
IndividualBAL HARBOUR, FL
$6,600
Dec 31, 2023
6
MENDOZA GOMEZ, ROSSY A.
ROSE CAFE • OWNER
IndividualCORAL GABLES, FL
$6,600
Dec 29, 2023
7
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE, FL
$6,600
Oct 17, 2023
8
WEEKLEY, RICHARD
SELF-EMPLOYED • REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$6,600
Nov 7, 2023
9
BARQUET, ROY
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP • ATTORNEY
IndividualMIAMI, FL
$6,600
Dec 6, 2023
10
PETERFFY, THOMAS
INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP • CHAIRMAN
IndividualPALM BEACH, FL
$6,600
Dec 27, 2023

Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

ID: W000795

Top Contributors

10

1
CATAWBA INDIAN NATION
OrganizationROCK HILL, SC
$2,000
May 6, 2024
2
LEVKOWITZ, HOWARD
SELF EMPLOYED • INVESTOR
IndividualLOS ANGELES, CA
$6,600
Nov 28, 2023
3
VICKAR, KERRY
LKV MANAGEMENT • CHAIRMAN
IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC
$5,000
Nov 21, 2023
4
LOWELL, RANDY R.
BURR FORMAN • ATTORNEY
IndividualISLE OF PALMS, SC
$3,700
May 8, 2024
5
VALLARINO, MANUEL R.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE BEACH, SC
$3,300
Oct 29, 2024
6
VALLARINO, MARY EMILY J.
RETIRED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE BEACH, SC
$3,300
Oct 29, 2024
7
CASSELS, W. TOBIN III
SOUTHEASTERN FREIGHT LINES • PRESIDENT
IndividualCOLUMBIA, SC
$3,300
Dec 1, 2023
8
CASSELS, W. TOBIN JR.
SOUTHEASTERN FREIGHT LINES • CHAIRMAN & CEO
IndividualCOLUMBIA, SC
$3,300
Dec 1, 2023
9
HOEFER, JOHN M. S. ESQ.
WILLOUGHBY & HOEFER P.A. • ATTORNEY
IndividualCOLUMBIA, SC
$3,300
Nov 8, 2023
10
LIEBERMAN, JEREMY A.
KLEE TUCHIN BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP • ATTORNEY
IndividualFLUSHING, NY
$3,300
Oct 31, 2023

Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]

ID: D000230

Top Contributors

10

1
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Mar 5, 2024
2
TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE OF LA
OrganizationMARKSVILLE, LA
$2,000
Dec 31, 2023
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Jun 6, 2023
4
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
May 13, 2024
5
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA
$1,500
May 31, 2023
6
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Dec 28, 2023
7
FISHER, DEBORAH
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCOEUR D ALENE, ID
$4,000
Jul 29, 2024
8
BLOOM, BRADLEY
BERKSHIRE PARTNERS LLC • INVESTMENTS
IndividualWELLESLEY, MA
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
9
BRAUFMAN, JILL
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
IndividualSURFSIDE, FL
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024
10
CLAPP, STEPHEN
SELF EMPLOYED • RANCHER
IndividualSEQUIM, WA
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 60 nodes and 36 connections (51 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $214,682

Top Donors - Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount

1 Org17 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 3 harmed.

  • −Oil & Gasconfidence 0.95

    Section 4(a) imposes sanctions on foreign persons engaged in significant transactions related to processing, refining, export, transfer or sale of oil, condensates, or other petroleum or petrochemical products from Iran, which directly harms oil and gas companies involved in such activities.

  • Section 4(a) covers transactions related to oil, condensates, petroleum or petrochemical products, which includes midstream infrastructure like pipelines, storage, and LNG terminals used for such products, thus harming energy infrastructure firms.

  • Section 4(a) includes petrochemical products in the scope of sanctions, affecting companies involved in chemicals and plastics manufacturing that rely on Iranian petrochemical feedstocks.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HARMS

  • Oil & Gas$5,800
    from 6 contributions
    • TEXTOR, DONALD F. MR.$3,300
    • SOMMERS, MICHAEL$1,000
    • TEMPLE, RICHARD$750
    • MISTRI, ALEX$500
    • EVERSOLE, AMANDA$250

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of State

Very Strong
Vector: 61%
Pages: 211-213AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 directly implements Project 2025's call for a stronger U.S. posture toward Iran by expanding sanctions on its petroleum and petrochemical sectors to counter nuclear ambitions, terrorism financing, and missile proliferation—aligning with the policy's emphasis on confronting Iran as an existential threat and supporting internal opposition to the theocratic regime."

Key themes:Iran sanctionscountering nuclear proliferationsupporting Iranian oppositioneconomic pressure on adversariesState Department enforcement

— 179 — Department of State priority. That said, the next President must significantly reorient the U.S. govern- ment’s posture toward friends and adversaries alike—which will include much more honest assessments about who are friends and who are not. This reorien- tation could represent the most significant shift in core foreign policy principles and corresponding action since the end of the Cold War. Although not every country or issue area can be discussed in this chapter, below are examples of several areas in which a shift in U. S. foreign policy is not only import- ant, but arguably existential. The point is not to assert that everyone in the evolving conservative movement, or, in some cases, the growing bipartisan consensus, will agree with the details of this assessment. Rather, what is presented below demon- strates the urgency of these issues and provides a general roadmap for analysis. In a world on fire, a handful of nations require heightened attention. Some rep- resent existential threats to the safety and security of the American people; others threaten to hurt the U.S. economy; and others are wild cards, whose full threat scope is unknown but nevertheless unsettling. The five countries on which the next Administration should focus its attention and energy are China, Iran, Venezuela, Russia, and North Korea. The People’s Republic of China The designs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Com- munist Party, which runs the PRC, are serious and dangerous.9 This tyrannical country with a population of more than 1 billion people has the vision, resources, and patience to achieve its objectives. Protecting the United States from the PRC’s designs requires an unambiguous offensive-defensive mix, including protecting American citizens and their interests, as well as U.S. allies, from PRC attacks and abuse that undermine U.S. competitiveness, security, and prosperity. The United States must have a cost-imposing strategic response to make Bei- jing’s aggression unaffordable, even as the American economy and U.S. power grow. This stance will require real, sustained, near-unprecedented U.S. growth; stronger partnerships; synchronized economic and security policies; and American energy independence—but above all, it will require a very honest perspective about the nature and designs of the PRC as more of a threat than a competitor.10 The next President should use the State Department and its array of resources to reassess and lead this effort, just as it did during the Cold War. The U.S. government needs an Article X for China,11 and it should be a presidential mandate. Along with the National Security Council, the State Department should draft an Article X, which should be a deeply philosophical look at the China challenge. Many foreign policy professionals and national leaders, both in government and the private sector, are reluctant to take decisive action regarding China. Many are vested in an unshakable faith in the international system and global norms. They are so enamored with them they cannot brook any criticisms or reforms, let alone — 180 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise acknowledge their potential for being abused by the PRC. Others refuse to acknowl- edge Beijing’s malign activities and often pass off criticism as conspiracy theories. For instance, many were quick to dismiss even the possibility that COVID-19 escaped from a Chinese research laboratory. The reality, however, is that the PRC’s actions often do sound like conspiracy theories—because they are conspiracies. In addition, some knowingly or not parrot the Communist line: Global leaders includ- ing President Joe Biden, have tried to normalize or even laud Chinese behavior. In some cases, these voices, like the global corporate giants BlackRock and Disney, directly benefit from doing business with Beijing. On the other hand, others acknowledge the dangers posed by the PRC, but believe in a moderating approach to accommodate its rise, a policy of “compete where we must, but cooperate where we can,” including on issues like climate change. This strategy has demonstrably failed. As with all global struggles with Communist and other tyrannical regimes, the issue should never be with the Chinese people but with the Communist dictator- ship that oppresses them and threatens the well-being of nations across the globe.12 That said, the nature of Chinese power today is the product of history, ideology, and the institutions that have governed China during the course of five millennia, inherited by the present Chinese leaders from the preceding generations of the CCP.13 In short, the PRC challenge is rooted in China’s strategic culture and not just the Marxism–Leninism of the CCP, meaning that internal culture and civil society will never deliver a more normative nation. The PRC’s aggressive behavior can only be curbed through external pressure. The Islamic Republic of Iran The ongoing protests in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), which are widely viewed as a new revolution, have shown that the Islamic regime, which has been in power since 1979 when Ayatollah Khomeini became the leader, is at its weakest state in its history and is at odds not only with its own people but also its regional neighbors. Iran is home to a proud and ancient culture, yet its people have strug- gled to achieve democracy and have had to endure a hostile theocratic regime that vehemently opposes freedom. The time may be right to press harder on the Iranian theocracy, support the Iranian people, and take other steps to draw Iran into the community of free and modern nations. Unfortunately, the Obama and Biden Administrations have propped up the brutal Islamist theocracy that has hurt the Iranian people and threatened nuclear war. For example, the Obama Administration’s 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear deal, gave the Islamic regime a crucial monetary lifeline after the Green Movement protests in 2009, which, while ultimately unsuccessful, did succeed in weakening the regime and showing the world that younger Iranians want freedom.

Department of State

Strong
Vector: 66%
Pages: 217-219AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill strongly aligns with Project 2025's objective to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and block its regional ambitions by reinstating and expanding Trump-era sanctions on Iran's petroleum sector, which directly supports denying financial resources for nuclear weapons, terrorism, and missile proliferation."

Key themes:Iran sanctionsnuclear nonproliferationcountering terrorismenergy sector pressureTrump-era policy reinstatement

— 185 — Department of State l First, the U.S. must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear technology and delivery capabilities and more broadly block Iranian ambitions. This means, inter alia, reinstituting and expanding Trump Administration sanctions; providing security assistance for regional partners; supporting, through public diplomacy and otherwise, freedom-seeking Iranian people in their revolt against the mullahs; and ensuring Israel has both the military means and the political support and flexibility to take what it deems to be appropriate measures to defend itself against the Iranian regime and its regional proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. l Second, the next Administration should build on the Trump Administration’s diplomatic successes by encouraging other Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, to enter the Abraham Accords. Related policies should include reversing, as appropriate, the Biden Administration’s degradation of the long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Palestinian Authority should be defunded. A further key priority is keeping Türkiye in the Western fold and a NATO ally. This includes a vigorous outreach to Türkiye to dissuade it from “hedging” toward Russia or China, which is likely to require a rethinking of U.S. support for YPG/PKK [People’s Protection Units/Kurdistan Worker’s Party] Kurdish forces, which Ankara believes are an existential threat to its security. For the foreseeable future— and much longer than one new Administration—Middle Eastern oil will play a key role in the world economy. Therefore, the U.S. must continue to support its allies and compete with its economic adversaries, including China. Relations with Saudi Arabia should be strengthened in a way that seriously curtails Chinese influence in Riyadh. l Third, it is in the U.S. national interest to build a Middle East security pact that includes Israel, Egypt, the Gulf states, and potentially India, as a second “Quad” arrangement. Protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf and in the Red Sea/Suez Canal is vital to the world economy and therefore to U.S. prosperity as well. In North Africa, security cooperation with European allies, especially France, will be vital to limit growing Islamist threats and the incursion of Russian influence through positionings of the Wagner Group. l The U.S. cannot neglect a concern for human rights and minority rights, which must be balanced with strategic and security considerations. Special attention must be paid to challenges of religious freedom, especially the status of Middle Eastern Christians and other religious minorities, as well as the human trafficking endemic to the region. — 186 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Africa’s importance to U.S. foreign policy and strategic interests is rising and will only continue to grow. Its explosive population growth, large reserves of industry-dependent minerals, proximity to key maritime shipping routes, and its collective diplomatic power ensure the continent’s global importance. Yet as Afri- ca’s strategic significance has grown, the U.S.’s relative influence there has declined. Terrorist activity on the continent has increased, while America’s competitors are making significant gains for their own national interests. The PRC’s companies dominate the African supply chain for certain minerals critical to emerging tech- nologies. African nations comprise major country-bloc elements that shield the PRC and Russia from international isolation for their human rights abuses—and African nations staunchly support PRC foreign policy goals on issues such as Hong Kong occupation, South China Seas dispute arbitration, and Taiwan. The new Administration can correct this strategic failing of existing policy by prioritizing Africa and by undertaking fundamental changes in how the United States works with African nations. At a bare minimum, the next Administration should: l Shift strategic focus from assistance to growth. Reorient the focus of U.S. overseas development assistance away from stand-alone humanitarian development aid and toward fostering free market systems in African countries by incentivizing and facilitating U.S. private sector engagement in these countries. Development aid alone does little to develop countries and can fuel corruption and violent conflict. While the United States should always be willing to offer emergency and humanitarian relief, both U.S. and African long-term interests are better served by a free market-based, private growth-focused strategy to Africa’s economic challenges. l Counter malign Chinese activity on the continent. This should include the development of powerful public diplomacy efforts to counter Chinese influence campaigns with commitments to freedom of speech and the free flow of information; the creation of a template “digital hygiene” program that African countries can access to sanitize and protect their sensitive communications networks from espionage by the PRC and other hostile actors; the recognition of Somaliland statehood as a hedge against the U.S.’s deteriorating position in Djibouti; and a focus on supporting American companies involved in industries important to U.S. national interests or that have a competitive advantage in Africa. l Counter the furtherance of terrorism. African country-based terrorist groups like Boko Haram may currently lack the capability to attack the

Department of Energy and Related Commissions

Strong
Vector: 61%
Pages: 422-424AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill aligns strongly with Project 2025's focus on advancing U.S. economic and national security interests through energy policy, particularly in countering adversarial nations like Iran by restricting their energy revenues and strengthening international enforcement mechanisms. Both emphasize using energy-related tools to protect U.S. strategic interests abroad."

Key themes:energy securitysanctions enforcementcountering adversarial energy influenceU.S. economic interestsinternational cooperation on energy policy

— 389 — Department of Energy and Related Commissions policy and how it affects foreign policy, as well as the international energy landscape and how it affects U.S. national and economic security. l Develop a strategy for identifying and accessing resources and advancing U.S. economic interests. America has recently become a net energy exporter, but it still imports large amounts of essential energy resources such as oil and natural gas as well as such materials as uranium (including yellowcake), lithium, certain rare earth minerals, and energy generation and transmission components and technology. The United States needs a clear understanding of its global energy and economic interests and a strategy for protecting them. l Oppose “climate reparations.” During the November 2022 United Nations climate conference in Egypt, the Biden Administration and other “developed” countries agreed to provide “climate reparations” to developing countries for the harm allegedly caused by the developed countries’ use of fossil fuel.76 A reparations slush fund administered by a non-U.S. organization provides no assurance that U.S. interests will be protected and should not be supported in any form. New Policies l Identify U.S. energy security interests and promote American energy dominance. To this end, IA should work closely with the DESAS Office of Policy on the National Energy Security Strategy. l Strengthen the new DESAS vis-à-vis the Department of State. The State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources has generally excluded IA from serious discussions of international affairs to the detriment of DOE and broader interagency policy development. In addition, DOE embassy representatives are generally excluded from giving policy advice to senior diplomats and are used merely as sources of information instead of being active advocates for the Secretary’s priorities. The Secretary of Energy is a senior member of the President’s National Security Council and should function as such. The DOE’s Deputy Secretaries, Under Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries should be guaranteed representation at all Deputies and Policy Coordination Committee meetings. In addition, senior political and career staff should hold positions on the NSC staff equivalent to their counterparts at State, Defense, Treasury, and the Intelligence Community (IC). DESAS billets should replace State Department Bureau of Energy Resources billets at the relevant posts worldwide. — 390 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l Stop “climate reparations.” The President should refuse to provide climate reparations under an unratified treaty, and IA should encourage other countries to reconsider their desire to provide reparations. ARCTIC ENERGY OFFICE (AE) Mission/Overview AE was established during the Trump Administration to create a central office overseeing U.S. Arctic interests in Alaska and the other Arctic nations in response to the growing strategic sensitivity of this geographic region and the natural resources it contains. It “serves as the principal advisor to the Under Secretary on all domestic Arctic issues, including energy, science, and national security.”77 Needed Reforms In October 2022, the Biden Administration released its National Strategy for the Arctic Region.78 Although recognizing national security threats in the Arctic, it also focuses heavily on climate change, sustainability, and international cooperation. The United States must establish a strategic plan to promote its national security, energy, and economic interests in the Arctic. An analysis and plan to support the responsible development of Alaska’s energy assets should be a priority. New Policies l Defend American interests in the Arctic Circle. The next Administration needs to define American strategic and economic interests in the Arctic Circle. AE should help to identify those interests, as well as threats posed by countries like Russia and China, and develop appropriate policy options for the President’s consideration. l Ensure that AE is clearly focused. In particular, this means identifying U.S. energy interests in the Arctic Circle, identifying foreign government and commercial interests and activity in the region, and ensuring that the United States does not forgo important energy and national security interests in the Arctic. l Expand AE’s operations in Alaska. AE’s operations in Alaska should be expanded to encompass broader national energy security interests in the region including rare earths, oil, and natural gas. AE should also be the lead for DOE Antarctic operations as a counter to growing Russian and Chinese interest in Antarctic resources.

Showing 3 of 5 policy matches

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

Full Policy Text

Related Bills