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On September 20, 2016, United States House Resolution 220 (H.Res.220), “Condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights" was unanimously passed, with 152 bipartisan co-sponsors: 90 Democrats and 62 Republicans. News of the passage of the resolution was broadcast directly into Iran twice on September 22 on Voice of America’s Persian news service. That same day, Voice of America's Persian news service broadcast a three minute interview of U.S. Persian language spokesperson, Dr. Farhad Sabetan, discussing the resolution and reaction to the speech given at the U.N. earlier in the day by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani.
In addition to condemning the Government of Iran, H.Res 220 also “Urges the President and the Secretary of State to utilize existing authorities … to impose sanctions on officials of the government of Iran and other individuals directly responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against the Baha'i community.”
The passage of H.Res 220, means that no new co-sponsors can be added. Baha'i delegations are being asked to continue strengthening the relationships that have begun with both senators and representatives in preparation for new resolutions likely to be introduced in both houses of Congress next spring..
The full press release can be viewed here.