Activists Slam Democratic Senator for Stalling Bill that Overwhelmingly Passed in House
Ben Cardin (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Democratic senator Ben Cardin (Md.) is facing backlash for obstructing a bipartisan bill in the upper chamber that would impose sanctions on Iran’s leadership for their involvement in widespread human rights violations. This move has sparked outrage among Iranian-American dissidents who have tirelessly advocated for the legislation for months.
Cardin, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, informed activists at the end of last year that he would not be advancing the MAHSA Act. This act is named after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman who was tragically killed by Tehran’s morality police in September 2022. Amini’s death ignited nationwide protests that continue to simmer more than a year later.
The bill, which received overwhelming support in the House with over 400 votes, aims to sanction Iran’s supreme leader and his inner circle for their long history of human rights abuses. These abuses include the murder and torture of dissidents who oppose the regime, particularly those who protested against Amini’s killing and were subsequently detained by the country’s security forces.
As the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Cardin possesses the power to delay the bill and prevent it from reaching a full vote in the chamber. Iranian dissidents, who view this legislation as a crucial means to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic, have expressed their outrage over Cardin’s decision to stall its progress.
“At this time, our office will not be moving forward with this bill,” Cardin’s staff wrote to Iranian-American activist Nick Nikbakht, who shared the correspondence on X. Nikbakht, alongside a screenshot of the email, criticized Cardin, stating, “Killing innocent civilians in Israel, Ukraine & Iran is not enough for Cardin.” The email was sent to Nikbakht after more than 100 of the senator’s constituents organized a joint letter in support of the MAHSA Act.
Nikbakht revealed that he and other Iranian-American activists had met with Cardin’s office, as well as senators from both sides of the aisle, to garner support for the sanctions bill. Their goal was to ensure that the bill successfully passed through the Senate, following its bipartisan endorsement in the House. Unfortunately, these efforts have now hit a roadblock due to Cardin’s actions.
“Despite persistent advocacy, multiple meetings, and heartfelt pleas by Maryland constituents who sent letters, we’ve seen no movement from Senator Cardin and, more recently, been informed that they will not be moving forward with the bipartisan human rights bill,” Nikbakht told the Free Beacon.
The reasons behind Cardin’s decision to block the bill remain unclear, as his office did not respond to a request for comment from the Washington Free Beacon.
Representative Jim Banks (R., Ind.), one of the sponsors of the MAHSA Act in the House, emphasized the urgency of holding Iran’s leaders accountable, especially with Hamas receiving significant support from Iran in its conflict against Israel. Banks stated, “Senate Democrats are delaying Israel aid while refusing to sanction Iran, the leading state backer of terrorism and the sworn enemy of Israel. We’re letting our enemies off the hook and leaving our allies in the lurch. It’s a recipe for chaos.”
Iranian activists like Nikbakht have been advocating for the MAHSA Act long before the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. They are also championing other Iran-related bills that have already passed the House but are currently stalled in the Senate. These bills aim to impose additional sanctions on Iran’s leadership and target the regime’s sources of funding.
Cardin’s office has attracted attention due to a former aide, Aidan Maese-Czeropski, who was caught on film engaging in sexual acts inside a Senate hearing room. The aide, who has since been fired, also directed anti-Semitic slurs, such as “Free Palestine,” at Jewish congressman Max Miller (R., Ohio), as reported by the Free Beacon last year.
Why is the MAHSA Act significant for Iranian-Americans and their advocacy for tougher measures against Tehran’s regime?
To push for a swift passage of the legislation and ensure that those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran are held accountable. However, Cardin’s decision to stall the bill has left activists frustrated and disillusioned.
The MAHSA Act holds great significance for Iranian-Americans, who have long been advocating for tougher measures against Tehran’s regime. It represents an opportunity to stand up for human rights and bring attention to the oppressive practices in Iran.
The Iranian regime’s track record of human rights abuses is well-documented. Dissidents who oppose the regime are often subjected to torture, imprisonment, and even death. The murder of Mahsa Amini and subsequent protests highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues and holding those responsible accountable.
It is disheartening to see a bill with overwhelming support in the House being stalled in the Senate. Cardin’s decision to delay the legislation not only undermines the efforts of Iranian-American activists but also sends a message to the Iranian regime that their actions will go unchecked.
Cardin, as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wields significant influence in determining the fate of this bill. By choosing to obstruct its progress, he is effectively hindering the pursuit of justice for the victims of human rights abuses in Iran.
The response from Iranian-American dissidents has been one of outrage and disappointment. They see Cardin’s actions as a betrayal of their trust and a disservice to the cause of human rights. Activist Nick Nikbakht’s criticism of Cardin reflects the frustration felt by many in the community.
The MAHSA Act represents a crucial avenue for increasing pressure on the Iranian regime and sending a clear message that human rights violations will not be tolerated. Its passage would symbolize a step forward in holding the Iranian leadership accountable for their actions.
It is now up to Cardin to reconsider his stance and recognize the importance of this legislation. Iranian-American dissidents and supporters of human rights will continue to advocate for the bill’s passage and hold Cardin accountable for his decision to stall its progress.
The international community must also take note of this development and condemn any attempts to undermine efforts to address human rights abuses in Iran. It is essential for governments and individuals to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people and support their quest for freedom, justice, and human rights.
The passage of the MAHSA Act would not only provide justice for the victims of human rights abuses in Iran but also serve as a powerful reminder that the world will not turn a blind eye to such atrocities. It is crucial that this bill moves forward and that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable.
