[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IRAN REFINED PETROLEUM SANCTIONS ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2009

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009.
  Since the U.S. first placed sanctions on commercial relations with 
Iran in 1996, the Iranian government has not only failed to comply with 
its international obligations, but has further intensified its efforts 
to develop nuclear weapons. Most recently, Iran has rejected demands 
from the International Atomic Energy Agency to halt construction of a 
previously undisclosed uranium enrichment facility near Qom. It has 
also announced plans to build ten additional enrichment facilities.
  While I fully support the President's efforts to engage the Iranian 
government diplomatically, Congress must show Iran that failure to 
reach an agreement will not be without consequence. H.R. 2194 
facilitates this goal by weakening Iran's energy sector, which the 
Iranian government relies on for 80 percent of its revenue. This 
legislation specifically targets Iran's petroleum refining industry due 
to its heavy reliance on foreign assistance and trade. The choice for 
Iran will be either to meet the demands of the international community 
or risk diplomatic and economic isolation.
  The risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and its accompanied threat 
to regional stability in the Middle East lends increased urgency to 
passing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support House 
Resolution 2194 and supply the President with the tools he needs for 
reaching a diplomatic solution with Iran.

                          ____________________