[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 72 (Thursday, June 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCTION OF IRAN GAS QUARANTINE RESOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2006

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, today, I am reintroducing a resolution with 
Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ) which emphasizes that the crisis 
regarding Iran's nuclear program should be resolved primarily through 
diplomatic means. I choose diplomacy over conflict; and I believe the 
United States and our allies can achieve our ends to the Iranian 
nuclear program without firing a shot. By focusing on Iran's reliance 
on gasoline imports, this concurrent resolution suggests a thoughtful 
and effective approach to diplomacy with Iran.
  The resolution I introduce today states that as part of the 
diplomatic effort, the United States should consider a gasoline 
quarantine, organized and enforced by a multilateral coalition of 
nations. This action would be a strong yet prudent action to dissuade 
Iran from joining the nuclear club.
  Despite its wealth of crude oil, Iran imports nearly 40 percent of 
its refined gasoline. For years, the Iranian regime has subsidized this 
imported gasoline by $3 billion a year to keep prices artificially low 
in order to maintain economic and political stability. A quarantine, 
and the resulting spike in prices, would be catastrophic to the 
regime's stability.
  The Iranian economy is nearly at its breaking point due to crushing 
unemployment, inflation, and the rush of foreign investors leaving the 
Islamic Republic. A quarantine would push the government's ability to 
spend to the breaking point, forcing them to consider compromise.
  Congressman Andrews and I introduced a similar resolution, House 
Concurrent Resolution 177, on June 14, 2005. Since that time, Iran 
selected an unpredictable and belligerent new leader. Iran has 
restarted uranium enrichment and paraded missiles through the street 
with banners saying ``Death to America'' and ``Wipe Israel off the 
Map.'' This resolution reflects the current situation with respect to 
Iran, and suggests an innovative solution to the nuclear impasse.
  I want to thank my good friend Congressman Robert Andrews for being 
the lead co-sponsor of this legislation. I look forward to working with 
him and my other colleagues on this important foreign policy 
initiative.

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