[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 146 (Friday, September 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IRAN COUNTER-PROLIFERATION ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2007

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a staunch supporter of United States efforts 
to curb nuclear weapons proliferation, I am deeply concerned about 
Iran's nuclear program and its potential to lead to weapons 
development. This is especially troubling in light of the hateful and 
unfounded comments of Iran's President Amadenajad towards Israel, our 
friend and partner in the Middle East.
  Mr. Speaker, I voted against H.R. 1400 today because it is a fatally 
flawed approach to preventing Iran from acquiring such weapons out of 
its nuclear program. Instead, we should be adopting a comprehensive 
strategy to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, for only that 
will work. A comprehensive strategy includes diplomacy and incentives 
for Iran, and not just harsher sanctions alone, as this bill provides.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On Page E2017, September 28, 2007, the following appeared: Madam 
Speaker, I voted against H.R. 1400 . . . Madam Speaker, if we are 
to be successful
  
  The online version should be corrected to read: Mr. Speaker, I 
voted against H.R. 1400 . .  Mr. Speaker, if we are to be 
successful


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Simply put: we need a carrots and sticks approach to this problem.
  Further, I believe that passage of this bill will needlessly 
complicate relations with the several of the nations with which we must 
work if the world community is to dissuade Iran from weaponizing its 
nuclear program, thereby rendering our non-proliferation efforts that 
much less effective.
  Mr. Speaker, if we are to be successful in this critical effort to 
prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, I believe we must put 
diplomacy and a policy of constructive engagement at the forefront of 
comprehensive efforts. This bill, instead, I fear begins a not so long 
march down the road of further confrontation in an already enflamed 
region.

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