Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) have introduced the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act, designed to strengthen existing sanctions against Iran and its oil exports. More recently, Reps. Moskowitz and Lawler appeared on Fox News's Special Report with Bret Baier to discuss not only the importance of the bill but also the importance of Congress members willing and able to work together on issues.
Rep. Moskowitz first described Iran's usage of its record-high oil revenues to fund terrorists such as Hamas and supply Russia with drones for use in the Ukraine War. Moreover, China buys large amounts of Iranian oil, which, in turn, loans the Iranians money to use for destabilization.
"And as we saw, Iran is using that money mostly to use as a destabilizing force. They are helping out Russia by supplying drones and just lately, Israel had to go into Jenin to work on the fact that Iran is continuing to fund Hamas actions," said Rep. Moskowitz.
Rep. Lawler added that China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia have engaged in an "unholy alliance" against the United States. Moreover, the SHIP Act's sanctioning for those buying, selling, and transporting Iranian oil is critical because some American allies do not have those same sanctions.
Finally, Baier asked the pair how they work together against the public perception of Congress as polarized. Moskowitz replied that the number of Congress members willing to work across the aisle with one another is higher than the press will cover, and it is simply a matter of finding "ways and issues to work together on."
"I think one of the things the American people do not get to see is that there are actually a lot of people in Congress that would like to work together on and find ways and issues and issues to work together on. You know, unfortunately, we do not get a lot of publicity," replied Moskowitz.
Similarly, Lawler added, "You have to find opportunities, you have to be willing to do that."
"You have to find opportunities, you have to be willing to do that. And I think Jared and I certainly show that it can be done, and we are willing to engage for the betterment of our country," said Lawler.
