Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers voted for the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act (H.R. 3457) to force Iran to pay $43 billion in overdue court-ordered compensation for American victims of Iranian terrorism before any U.S. sanctions are lifted. 

In 1989, Col. William Higgins of Danville, Kentucky was abducted, tortured and killed by Hezbollah in Beirut. A judgement of $355 million in damages was awarded by a U.S. court to his family under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. It's one of more than 80 judgements against Iran for its state-sponsored terrorism.

"It's unconscionable for the President to move forward with his deal with Iran before they pay for the horrific grief and heartache they've caused for these American families," said Congressman Rogers. "Iran must be held accountable, rather than reaping benefits of any relief from U.S. economic sanctions."

The House of Representatives passed the legislation, which now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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