[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IRAN SANCTIONS ENABLING ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, for many years, I have advocated for high-
level, diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran 
without preconditions. Under the previous administration I was 
compelled to do so with fervor due to the use of reckless saber 
rattling that accomplished nothing save for heightened tensions between 
our two nations.
  I opposed this bill because I do not believe that additional economic 
sanctions at this time support U.S. actions to engage Iran 
diplomatically. Furthermore, it sends a mixed message: On one hand, the 
U.S. President wishes to engage in diplomacy. On the other hand, the 
U.S. Congress is punishing Iran during diplomatic engagement.
  During my time in Congress, I have called for the kind of diplomatic 
dialogue that the U.S. and Iran engaged in for the first time in three 
decades on October 1st, 2009. These negotiations brought together not 
just Iran and the U.S. but France, Great Britain, Russia, China and 
Germany.
  The talks proved a successful beginning to reinstating U.S. 
diplomatic ties with Iran. The two countries now have a foundation from 
which we can build. This must be nurtured so that mutual understanding 
and opportunities for collective action can be had on even the most 
difficult issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, Iraq and the 
protection of human rights. Additional economic sanctions only serve to 
threaten further engagement.
  I question the wisdom of bringing a sanctions bill before this body 
when, after 30 years of isolationism and antagonism, the Obama 
Administration is finally beginning a new path forward with respect to 
diplomatic engagement to bring Iran into the international community in 
a way that promotes international security.
  In the past, sanctions have had little impact on influencing the 
behavior and decisions of the Iranian government who have managed to 
remain insulated from the intended effects of sanctions. Instead it has 
been the people of Iran who bear the brunt of the impact.
  I do not think it is the intention of this body to punish the Iranian 
people; particularly in light of their bravery following the elections 
of June 12th. It is clear that the people of Iran desire change and are 
willing to endure that which is necessary to achieve it through 
peaceful means. We must support their actions by doing all that we can 
to ensure their voices are heard rather than passing legislation that 
is intended to cause further harm to their economy.
  Passage of this bill fails to recognize the sensitivity and 
importance of the dialogue that was begun on October 1st. And it fails 
to support the bravery of the Iranian people who will be the ones to 
feel the impact of the legislation. I oppose the legislation.

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