Rep. Cook Issues Statement On Supreme Court Ruling In Favor of Iranian Terror Victims

WASHINGTON- Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court upheld Congressional action to hold Iran accountable to the victims of Iranian terrorism, including the families and victims of the 1983 Beirut bombing.

Rep. Cook said, “Justice was done today. The Court, in upholding Congress’ actions, has given the victims of Iranian terror some measure of justice. These victims, particularly the Marines killed and injured in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, are deserving of our utmost honor and sympathy. They and their families have waited too long to be compensated by the Iranian regime for these cowardly and despicable acts. I hope this ruling brings these families some comfort and sends a message to the world that the United States will never relent in our pursuit of justice.”

Rep. Cook co-sponsored HR 3457, the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act, which passed the House of Representatives in 2015. This bill prohibited the President from lifting sanctions on Iran until all court-ordered judgements were paid by the Iranian regime.

A member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.