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GOP rep launches tweet storm on what US could buy with Iran 'ransom'

September 7, 2016

A Republican lawmaker is getting creative with his outrage over the Obama administration's $1.7 billion payment to Iran that coincided with the release of American prisoners.

Texas Rep. Roger Williams went on a tweet storm Wednesday about all the things $1.7 billion could buy instead of the payment to Iran.

Williams ended the rant saying the United States owes "nothing" to Iran because the country "is a state sponsor of terrorism that imprisons Americans and taunts our Navy."

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the Obama administration sent another $1.3 billion to Iran in the 19 days following its initial $400 million cash payment to the country in January. Iran released American prisoners as the first payment arrived.

Republicans have been adamant that the White House paid a ransom for the prisoners. President Obama has repeatedly denied that claim.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R) introduced legislation Tuesday that would prohibit any future payments to Iran.