Gottheimer introduces bipartisan SEIZE Act to speed transfer of seized Iranian weapons
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) on Tuesday introduced the Seized Iranian Arms Transfer Authorization (SEIZE) Act, bipartisan legislation designed to expedite the transfer of Iranian weapons confiscated en route to terrorist groups, such as the Houthis in Yemen, directly to U.S. partners.
The legislation is co-led by Reps. Jefferson Shreve (IN-6), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Rich McCormick (GA-7). Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
Currently, seized weapons are held by U.S. Central Command but can face a legal review process lasting up to a year before distribution. The SEIZE Act seeks to bypass delays, allowing the equipment to be moved quickly to American allies.
“Iran — the world’s largest state-sponsor of terror — continues to arm terror proxies that threaten American troops, our bases, and our allies. The SEIZE Act ensures that when these illegal weapons are intercepted, they help our allies who need them, instead of our adversaries,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will cut through red tape, strengthen our strategic partnerships, keep Americans safe, and counter Iranian aggression.”
“This commonsense legislation ensures seized weapons don’t sit idle — they go to strengthen the defenses of our allies. The current drawn-out process undermines U.S. interests. By cutting red tape, this bill keeps dangerous weapons out of adversaries’ hands and puts them where they belong: protecting America,” said Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-6).
“When the United States seizes illegal Iranian weapons, those weapons should be made available to support our security goals. The SEIZE Act makes sense and is a smart, bipartisan effort to ensure that these stockpiles are transferred quickly to trusted allies who are working every day to counter shared threats. This is a practical step that makes America, our servicemembers, and our partners safer,” said Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23).
According to the Department of Homeland Security, between May 2021 and January 2023, the U.S. Navy intercepted shipments that included more than 9,000 rifles, 284 machine guns, 194 rocket launchers, 70 anti-tank guided missiles, and 700,000 rounds of ammunition during routine maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
