[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 151 (Thursday, November 18, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8050-S8051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  IRAN

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I rise to speak in relation to the 
Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010 
and to congratulate my colleagues on its unanimous passage. This 
legislation is vital not only to sanction Iran for bad behavior but to 
signal to the Government of Iran our determination to keep them from 
developing or acquiring nuclear weapons and from supporting terrorism 
throughout the Middle East region and around the world.
  It did not have to be this way. Iran has been given every opportunity 
to change its ways and has chosen not to do so. Iran represents one of 
the biggest threats to our security, and these sanctions should help 
restrict Iran's ability to operate.
  Specifically, this legislation will expand sanctions on foreign 
companies that do business in Iran. It will ban U.S. banks from 
conducting financial transactions with foreign banks that are connected 
to the Iranian nuclear program or Iran's terrorist enterprises.
  It imposes a variety of new financial sanctions on Iran, limiting the 
mullahs' access to the international banking system. And, among other 
provisions, provides a framework for U.S., state, and local governments 
to divest their portfolios of foreign companies that work in the 
Iranian energy sector.
  In the past, the United States has not fully utilized its sanctions 
authority when it comes to Iran. Obviously, enforcement is crucial. 
Sanctions are only effective when they are actually applied. I urge the 
administration, in the strongest terms possible, to make full use of 
the sanctions Congress has authorized in this bill.
  It is no secret that Iran is openly hostile to the United States and 
our important allies, and failing to act would be foolish and 
irresponsible. The Government of Iran has rejected every opportunity to 
develop good relations with the rest of the world and sanctions are a 
logical and necessary response.
  We must send a strong, unified message to Tehran and to those who aid 
their tyrannical ambitions. Terrorism, oppression, and subjugation 
ought not have any place in society. This legislation imposes financial 
sanctions and travel restrictions on human rights abusers in Iran. 
Passage of this legislation helps demonstrate that we reject the 
repression of the rulers in Tehran and support the efforts of the 
Iranian people to change their government.
  And, I hope that the people of Iran will understand that is our goal 
here. We support the people of Iran. We support their right to chose 
their own leaders and chart their own future. We stand with them 
against the tyranny of the mullahs.
  Iranians have a long and proud history, and are some of the most 
passionate and courageous people I have met. They are just as opposed 
to the actions of the Iranian regime as we are.
  In fact, a little over a year ago, the people of Iran went to the 
polls to vote for a leader and saw their hopes for a democratically 
elected leader brutally crushed by a regime unwilling to cede its 
power. People around the world stood breathlessly, hoping the brave men 
and women of the Green Revolution would see their efforts rewarded.
  Instead of listening to the people of Iran, Ahmadinejad and his 
cronies killed, imprisoned, and tortured those who were brave enough to 
speak out in opposition to tyranny.
  Unfortunately, this violent course of action is not a recently 
developed tactic. To this day, there are members of the Green 
Revolution sitting in prison. Christians are killed for worshiping the 
God of their choosing, the free press has been silenced, women are 
brutally oppressed. The human rights abuses of Iran are extensive.
  These sanctions are necessary because of the terrible nature of the 
regime. The rulers in Tehran have demonstrated that they cannot be 
trusted. They have subverted the interests of the Iranian people. They 
have manipulated the political process.
  We in the United States of America have a duty to stand with the 
thousands of men and women in Iran who long for the basic rights that 
we in America take for granted. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, 
freedom of religion, freedom of the press. These are the things the 
Iranian people long for, and these are the things I am confident they 
will one day enjoy.
  Obviously, freedom for the Iranian people will require much more than 
legislation from the U.S. Congress, but we ought to do what we can, and 
this bill sends a strong signal at a key time for our efforts to halt 
Iran's nuclear program and for the people of Iran who seek a more 
representative government. I hope we take additional steps to support 
the Iranian people's free and unfettered access to the internet, boost 
their ability to receive unbiased news and information and provide the 
support and assistance they need to sustain the reform movement in the 
face of a hostile and repressive government.
  Senator Cornyn and I have introduced the Iran Democratic Transition 
Act, which supports the transition to a freely elected democratic 
government in Iran by assisting eligible Iranian democratic opposition 
organizations with communications and distribution of information. It 
is an important bill to aid the courageous people of Iran, and it is my 
hope that in the coming weeks the Senate will be able to bring this 
bill to the floor for a vote.
  Today is a great step forward. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues on other ways that we can strengthen

[[Page S8051]]

opposition to the regime, halt the development of nuclear weapons, and 
support the Iranian people's drive for freedom.

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