[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IRAN REFINED PETROLEUM SANCTIONS ACT OF 2009

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                               speech of

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2009

  Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, each week brings more disturbing evidence 
of Iran's nuclear advances, its defiance of UN Security Council demands 
and its refusal to comply with the requirements of the International 
Atomic Energy Agency.
  The latest news, since the revelation earlier this year of an 
undisclosed nuclear enrichment site in Qom, is Iran's work on 
technology to set off a nuclear bomb. The regime is already believed to 
have enough low-enriched uranium available to, with further enrichment 
create at least one nuclear bomb. Together with its ongoing work on 
ballistic missiles to deliver a nuclear warhead, Iran could have a 
nuclear weapon within months.
  In an attempt to stop the Iranian program from moving ahead, 
President Obama has made a concerted effort to engage Iran in direct 
talks. Together with the permanent members of the UN Security Council 
and Germany, the United States has offered a clear path for Iran to end 
its status as a pariah state.
  So far, Iran remains intransigent. If international concern over the 
Iranian nuclear program is to be resolved diplomatically, we must 
increase pressure on Iran to come to the table. The bill before us does 
exactly that by establishing stringent sanctions to limit Iran's 
ability to import refined petroleum. It also provides waiver authority 
that preserves the Obama Administration's flexibility as it moves 
forward in its diplomatic efforts.
  Iran imports up to 40 percent of its refined petroleum supplies to 
power cars, planes, factories and other key economic infrastructure. 
With a disruption in supply, the Iranian government will be forced to 
grapple with the serious cost of its reckless choices. I regret that 
the Iranian people, already victims of a tyrannical government, could 
also face economic repercussions as the result of these sanctions. But 
I believe it is imperative to do everything possible to bring about a 
successful diplomatic resolution of this crisis and avert the need for 
military action.
  The danger of a nuclear-armed Iran is only underscored by President 
Ahmadinejad's unstable regime, its belligerence toward the United 
States, its calls for the destruction of Israel, its robust support for 
terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and its blatant disregard for 
its own citizens.
  I urge my colleagues to vote yes and take serious action to pressure 
Iran to change course.

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