Iran Diplomatic Accountability Act of 2008

On January 17, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced with six other co-sponsors the "Iran Diplomatic Accountability Act of 2008." The new resolution, H.R. 5056, is the first of its kind to call for the appointment of a high-level United States representative or special envoy for Iran for the purpose of easing tensions and normalizing relations between the United States and Iran. The "Findings" section of the resolution takes into account the conclusions of the most recent National Intelligence Estimate on Iran. While the resolution finds that serious concerns remain over Iran's intentions regarding its nuclear program, it also concludes a diplomatic solution that includes direct, unconditional, bilateral, and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran is the only way to resolve long-standing tensions between the United States and Iran.

Below is the full text of the H.R. 5056.

(Original Signature of Member)

110TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION

H. R. 5056

To provide for the appointment of a high-level United States representative
or special envoy for Iran for the purpose of easing tensions and normalizing
relations between the United States and Iran.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Ms. LEE introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee
On January 17, 2007


A BILL


To provide for the appointment of a high-level United States representative or special envoy for Iran for the purpose of easing tensions and normalizing relations between the United States and Iran.


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Iran Diplomatic Accountability Act of 2008’’.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:

(1) On December 3, 2007, the National Intelligence Estimate, representing the consensus view of 16 intelligence agencies, concluded that Iran had ONCE HAD a covert nuclear weapons program.

(2) The National Intelligence Estimate also found that Iran had halted its covert nuclear weapons program in 2003 and that this program remains frozen.

(3) The NIE concluded that Iran's leadership was quite sensitive to international views and wanted to avoid international confrontation and made a “cost-benefit” decision regarding whether or not to have such a program.

(4) Serious concerns still remain about the Government of Iran’s intentions and behavior with respect to the development of nuclear weapons, especially regarding its fuel enrichment program and the speed with which it might reconstitute it’s suspended nuclear weapon’s program.

(5) The United States should enlist the support of all interested parties to the region, including the IAEA, to establish a program to ensure that Iran's nuclear weapons program is terminated permanently, that it's nuclear energy program is brought fully under IAEA inspection and control, and that all diplomatic tools are utilized to achieve these objectives.

(6) Hostile official rhetoric exacerbates tensions and reinforces misunderstandings and animus between the people of the United States and Iran.

(7) A diplomatic solution that includes direct, unconditional, bilateral, and comprehensive talks with the Government of Iran is the only way to resolve long-standing tensions between the United States and Iran.


SEC. 3. APPOINTMENT OF HIGH-LEVEL U.S. REPRESENTATIVE OR SPECIAL ENVOY.


(a) APPOINTMENT.—At the earliest possible date, the President shall appoint a high-level United States representative or special envoy for Iran.

(b) CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT.—The President shall appoint an individual under subsection (a) on the basis of the individual’s knowledge and understanding of the issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program, experience in conducting international negotiations, and ability to conduct negotiations under subsection (c) with the respect and trust of the parties involved in the negotiations.

(c) DUTIES.—The high-level United States representative or special envoy for Iran shall—

(1) seek to conduct direct, unconditional, bilat16
eral negotiations with Iran for the purpose of easing tensions and normalizing relations between the United States and Iran;

(2) consult with other countries and international organizations, including countries in the region, where appropriate and when necessary to achieve the purpose set forth in paragraph (1);

(3) act as liaison with United States and international intelligence agencies where appropriate and when necessary to achieve the purpose set for in paragraph (1); and

(4) ensure that the bilateral negotiations under paragraph (1) complement the ongoing international negotiations with Iran.

SEC. 4. OFFICE OF HIGH-LEVEL U.S. REPRESENTATIVE OR SPECIAL ENVOY.

Not later than 30 days after the appointment of a high-level United States representative or special envoy under section 3(a), the Secretary of State shall establish in the Department of State an office for the purpose of supporting the work of the representative or special envoy.

SEC. 5. REPORTING TO CONGRESS.
(a) REPORTS.—Not later than 60 days after the high-level United States representative or special envoy for Iran is appointed under section 3, and every 180 days thereafter, the United States representative or special envoy shall report to the committees set forth in subsection (b) on the status and progress of negotiations conducted under section 3(c). Each such report may, when necessary or appropriate, be submitted in classified and unclassified form.

(b) COMMITTEES.—The committees referred to in subsection (a) are—

(1) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and

(2) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009.