[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 98 (Monday, June 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2194, COMPREHENSIVE IRAN SANCTIONS, 
               ACCOUNTABILITY, AND DIVESTMENT ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. RICK LARSEN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2010

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for the conference report on H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran 
Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010.
  Iran is a threat to regional security and stability. It has flouted 
international law and supplied weapons to terrorist groups throughout 
the Middle East.
  Upon taking office in 2009, President Barack Obama attempted to 
engage with Iran, including offering a deal which would have allowed 
Iran to receive nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes. However, Iran has 
spurned these good-faith efforts at engagement, and the time has come 
to put in place comprehensive sanctions.
  The international community supports our efforts to isolate Iran 
through sanctions. President Obama secured a landmark sanctions 
agreement at the United Nations Security Council several weeks ago. The 
European Union took further action earlier this month when it agreed to 
impose stringent sanctions on Iran.
  This bill goes even further than the UN and the EU--it is a 
comprehensive and stringent package of sanctions. Among many important 
provisions, it will prohibit investment in Iran's oil refining industry 
and create a legal framework for companies and investment managers who 
wish to divest from companies doing business with Iran. It will force 
many companies to answer a question--do I work with the U.S., or do I 
work with Iran?
  I urge my colleagues to join with me in passing H.R. 2194 and sending 
a clear message to Iran that their provocative actions and reckless 
pursuit of a nuclear weapon will not be tolerated.

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