The House on Thursday passed a bill that would force the Biden administration to permanently freeze $6 billion in funds it had opened up to Iran earlier this year in exchange for the release of five American detainees.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), passed in a 307-119 vote.
Ninety Democrats joined almost all Republicans present in voting for the legislation, while 118 Democrats and one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), opposed it.
Republicans have slammed the deal since it was announced in August, accusing the Biden administration of kowtowing to Iran.
Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) said President Biden has signaled he is willing to “reward hostage-taking” by making a deal with Iran.
“There is only one language that is understood by our adversaries,” he said on the House floor. “That is strength.”
The White House has defended the decision to unfreeze the $6 billion, arguing it was necessary to release the five Americans who they considered detained. The Biden administration also said the money can only be used for humanitarian reasons, though Iran has pledged to use the money however it wishes to.
