WASHINGTON — A bill that would tighten U.S. sanctions against the export of refined petroleum products to Iran was approved overwhelmingly Wednesday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Iran is a major exporter of crude oil but lacks sufficient refining facilities to supply its needs. The sanctions would bar gasoline, kerosene, propane and other refined products. The bill also would extend sanctions from 2011 to 2016.
Four members among the committee's 28 Democrats and 19 Republicans spoke out against the legislation, which passed by voice vote. The bill still must be voted on by the full House and clear the Senate before becoming law.
Currently, refined petroleum products are not subject to sanctions imposed on Iran. The bill would not impose sanctions but specifies which products could be sanctioned.
