It's rare that Republicans and Democrats can agree on anything in Washington. But the fight over Iran's nuclear ambitions shows that even when they do come together, that doesn't guarantee that the White House will jump on board as well.

Yesterday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed legislation sanctioning countries that invest in Iran--particularly in that nation's energy sector. Specifically, the Iran Counter Proliferation Act repeals the administration's authority to waive penalties under the Iran Sanctions Act, blocks the import of all Iranian products, provides for the designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group, and increases funds for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.

While the legislation was adopted by an eye-catching vote of 37-1, it's opposed by the Bush administration, which argues that it would undercut multilateral efforts--particularly the sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council. Anticipating that it would rattle some cages in European capitals, bill sponsor (and Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman) Tom Lantos said:

Some Europeans will complain about this bill, as they complained when Iran sanctions legislation was first passed in 1996. They will point out that Secretary of State Albright essentially agreed not to impose Iran-related sanctions against the European Union in 1998. But 1998 is a long time ago.

In 1998, many European leaders were still holding out hope that Iran's nuclear efforts were strictly geared toward peaceful energy use. By now every single European leader fully understands, and acknowledges, that Iran is hell-bent on acquiring nuclear weapons. So it is time for Europeans' actions to catch up with their perceptions. It is time for Europe to cease investing in Iran's energy industry, and our legislation will facilitate that result.

Heritage Foundation Research Fellow for Middle Eastern Affairs Jim Phillips, who has written on the merits of stronger sanctions, says that the Bush administration policy in this area has been similar to that of its predecessors. It's been focused more on not 'rocking the boat' with regard to our allies than it has rocking the boat of Iran's Mullahs. He adds, though, that the strong vote for the measure in committee is indicative of its broad support in the House. He noted that given the large number of cosponsors (nearly 300) the administration may be forced to compromise, or see a veto overridden.

While Lantos's spokesmen did not return a request for comment this afternoon (we will update if he does), typically legislation with this level of support is promptly scheduled for floor consideration. It would be no surprise if this measure is headed for Senate consideration as early as July.

And while the Bush administration may regard this measure as too provocative, there are Bush administration alumni who favor even tougher measures to block Iran's nuclear ambitions.

For more information on Iran sanctions, read this CRS backgrounder on the Iran (& Libya) Sanctions Act, or check out Heritage's Iran Briefing Room.