Rep Dina Titus Takes The ‘No’ Road To Sanction Iran

In a series of votes cast prior to the congressional break, Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus (CD-1) voted against legislation that would have designated the Houthis as a terror organization and rescind sanction waivers and restrict future sanction relief on Iran. Titus was the only Nevada congressional representative to vote against three pieces of bipartisan legislation, with Rep. Susie Lee “Not Voting.”

Her series of “No” votes were just days after the U.S pledged “ironclad” backing for Israel after Iran launched its first direct attack on Israeli territory.

My staff and I are closely monitoring the unfolding drone strikes in Israel.

When Hamas terrorists attacked on October 7, they opened the door to other aggressors in the region. We must send a clear message that these attacks will not be tolerated. #StandWithIsrael

— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) April 13, 2024

Titus did not demonstrate “ironclad” backing for Israel in that she voted against the “Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act,” legislation to re-designate Houthis as a terror organization; she opposed the “Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act,” legislation to restrict future sanction relief for Iran; and, she opposed HR 5947, legislation to rescind sanction waivers provided to Iran to unfreeze $6 billion.

In November 2023, Titus voted against the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act and was the sole “No” vote from the Nevada congressional delegation. She also voted against immediately freezing all Iranian assets, voting with her Nevada Democratic colleagues against aiding Israel as the legislation contained cutting the bloated budget of the IRS.

In 2015, Titus voted in favor of lifting sanctions on Iran in exchange for restriction on expanding Iran’s nuclear program. In 2018, President Trump withdrew the United States from the deal claiming it failed to curtail Iran’s missile program and regional influence.

At the time of her vote in 2015, Titus acknowledged in a released statement that she had struggled to cast her vote:

“Today’s vote on the Iran deal is the most difficult I have cast since being in Congress. I struggled between going with my heart and listening to my head. My heart told me this was not a good deal. We gave away too much, too soon, to a country too tied to terrorism. My heart went out to my Jewish friends who feel, and rightly so, that Iran is a sworn enemy of Israel…

The deal cannot be stopped and no better deal can be had, regardless of what some hope and others claim. For that reason we must look ahead and work together in the new reality instead of, as my grandmother used to say, crying over spilt milk.

In order for the U.S. to maintain a credible leadership role in the international community, the President must operate from a position of strength should he need to bring our partners back to the table to reimpose sanctions or, God forbid, lead them into battle if Iran violates the terms of the agreement. That is why I am voting yes.

But I want to send a strong message to this administration and the next that we must hold Iran to the words in the preface and the preamble of the agreement that “under no circumstances will Iran EVER (emphasis added) seek, develop, or acquire any nuclear weapons.” We must shore up our allies in the Middle East, especially Israel, who will now have to contend with a more powerful, ever threatening, Iran.”

According to Reuters, “Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden since November, forcing shippers to re-route cargo to longer and more expensive journeys around Southern Africa and stoking fears that the Israel-Hamas war could spread and destabilise the Middle East.”

The Houthi militants are conducting an “ongoing campaign against international shipping in solidarity with Palestinians against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.”

“The laundry list of ways Dina Titus has opposed Israel continues to grow. She has drawn a line in the sand and is firmly on the side of supporting Iran,” said NRCC Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar.

The Globe contacted Titus’ Communication Director Michael McShane for comment, but he failed to provide a response after asking about our deadline. Rep. Titus has yet to issue a statement on her recent votes amid the rising conflict in the Middle East.