For immediate release:
Jan. 25, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon (D-Hammond) today proposed legislation that would use Indiana’s financial pressure to stop terrorism.
Candelaria Reardon introduced House Bill 1181 to the members of Indiana House Public Policy Committee.
“The goal of the bill is to assert financial pressure to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” said Candelaria Reardon. “We will not conduct business with our enemies or those who support them.”
The bill forbids any agency of state government from entering into contracts with any party that is currently investing in the energy sector of Iran. The bill also will require the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) to create a list of parties conducting business with Iran, which will be updated every 180 days. The IDOA will publish the completed list on its website.
“The IDOA list is to be derived from information that is readily available to the public,” Candelaria Reardon said. “Moreover, the IDOA must notify any individual who is placed on the list, and allow them the opportunity to demonstrate in writing why they should not be on it. Additionally, the bill provides for civil penalties for companies that submit false certifications.”
Those eligible to be on the list would be those individuals who provide at least $20 million of goods and services or extend credit in that amount in Iran’s energy sector.
“Iran is the most active state sponsor of terrorism,” said Candelaria Reardon. “It is one of the most capable and dangerous countries in the Middle East, especially with its desire to develop and upgrade its nuclear capabilities.”
The list only includes agencies who are entering into new contracts or seeking a renewed contract. It is estimated that the bill will only affect about $500,000 worth of Indiana contracts.
“In a time of international political unrest, we must ensure that the sanctions that we put into place will have lasting effects,” said Candelaria Reardon. “We will not let American tax dollars be delivered to the doorstep of our enemies.”
