[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM

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                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2011

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the threat posed by a 
nuclear armed Iran poses an unacceptable risk to the United States and 
our close ally Israel.
  It is clear that Iran is not pursuing a purely civilian nuclear 
program, but rather one that is designed to further their ability to 
access and utilize nuclear weapons. This is supported by our country's 
military and intelligence leaders. Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff Adm. Michael Mullen said he doesn't believe ``for a second'' that 
Iran's nuclear program is for civilian use. While Director of 
Intelligence James Clapper testified to Congress that Iran is 
developing ``various nuclear capabilities that better position it to 
produce such weapons.''
  Yet, Iran's nuclear program continues unabated.
  With enough low-enriched nuclear material to produce three nuclear 
bombs, Iran could be at most two or three years away from a nuclear 
weapon. They are also developing the capacity to stockpile highly 
enriched nuclear material.
  Quite simply, United States policy must remain focused on preventing 
Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. I believe that sanctions remain 
the best tool at our disposal to peacefully persuade Iran to abandon 
its reckless defiance of international law.
  While existing sanctions from the U.S. and the international 
community had achieved a crippling effect on the Iranian economy, I 
believe that our sanctions should be tougher to keep pressure on the 
Iranian leadership. This includes sanctioning foreign banks and energy 
companies.
  The choice is ours: we must continue to engage the international 
community and do everything in our power to protect our vital ally 
Israel.

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