WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn’s (R-Tenn.) measure calling for a permanent freeze for the $6 billion ransom payment to Iran passed the U.S. Senate.

“As the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, it is critical that not one more U.S. taxpayer dollar is given to the Iranian regime,” said Senator Blackburn. “With Iran’s backing to the tune of $100 million annually, Hamas was able to commit the largest mass killing of Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust, and they have no intention of stopping. Giving Iran $6 billion – even if for humanitarian aid – allows them to reallocate other funds to supporting terrorism. After I led 19 of my colleagues in the initial call on President Biden to freeze this payment, I am pleased to see Congress just sent him a message to permanently freeze the funds.”

The measure passed as part of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process.

• Following the October 7^th terrorist attacks on Israel, Senator Blackburn immediately took action and led 19 Senate Republicans in the initial call on President Biden to freeze the $6 billion in funds.

• Senators Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) also introduced the Revoke Iranian Funding Act to rescind the general licenses that enabled the release of the $6 billion to Iran and prevent the Iranian regime from accessing and using the funds held in Qatar to finance terrorist attacks against Israel or any other nation.