Rep. Wilson and Rep. Panetta Introduce the Free Iraq from Iran Act to Cut Aid Over Militia Ties
This bill is currently sitting in the House committees where it was sent in April 2025. No action has been taken on the bill for 15 months, so it is considered stalled. A House committee must review the bill before it can move forward.
While the bill has bipartisan support, cutting off all security aid to Iraq is a major policy shift that often faces resistance from military and diplomatic leaders.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Designating organizations like the Popular Mobilization Forces as foreign terrorist organizations could complicate visa applications for Iraqi nationals. Anyone who had even indirect ties to these groups, which are integrated into Iraq's official security apparatus, could face heightened screening or denial of visas under material support provisions of immigration law.
“the Secretary of State shall designate as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189a) each of the following”
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei condemned the Free Iraq from Iran Act as an insult to Iraqi sovereignty. The bill seeks to dismantle all Iran-backed militias, including the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), and halt U.S. security assistance if Iraq fails to comply.
The Free Iraq from Iran Act was introduced as part of a legislative package aimed at countering Iranian proxies. It requires the State Department to formulate a strategy to sanction proxy groups in Iraq and bans U.S. funds from supporting any entities affiliated with them.
The Republican Study Committee advocated for the Free Iraq from Iran Act to increase pressure on Tehran. The bill calls for dismantling Iran-backed militias and shuttering their influence within Iraq's government ministries while suspending security aid if requirements are not met.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Free Iraq from Iran Act
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