[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORT OF H. RES. 568

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2012

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 568, a 
bipartisan resolution reaffirming U.S. resolve to prevent Iran from 
acquiring nuclear weapons capability. I co-sponsored this resolution 
because of the critical importance to U.S. national security and 
regional stability to deny Iranian nuclear weapon capability through 
every diplomatic tool and pressure to avoid resorting to military 
force.
  Reports of progress in Iran's nuclear program have been 
disconcerting. The November 2011 International Atomic Energy Agency 
report presented ``serious concerns regarding possible military 
dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme'' and asserted that ``Iran has 
carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear 
device.''
  There would be devastating consequences for a nation that has 
threatened Israel's existence and poses significant security threats to 
its neighbors to acquire nuclear weapons. As President Obama said 
during his January 24, 2012 State of the Union Address, ``Let there be 
no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear 
weapon.''
  Since I entered Congress in 2007, I have stood firmly against nuclear 
proliferation to Iran. In 2010, I co-sponsored and supported through 
passage the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and 
Divestment Act, which enacted sanctions against companies investing in 
Iran's energy sector. In addition, I am a cosponsor of legislation to 
expand sanctions against Iran, the Iran Threat Reduction Act (H.R. 
1905).
  It has been under President Obama's leadership and reinvigorated 
cooperation with allies and other nations that has ramped up the 
pressure to deny Iran weapons capability. President Obama entered 
office with the international effort to challenge Iran divided and in 
shambles. Immediately, the President rallied the international 
community to apply pressure in conjunction with the United States as a 
diplomatic force multiplier. Russia and China joined in a 2010 the U.N. 
Security Council comprehensive sanctions effort. These sanctions slowed 
the Iranian nuclear program and have levied damaging effects on the 
Iranian economy. The coalition held as we expanded a sanctions 
offensive against Iran's Central Bank and their oil exports.
  These efforts make it clear that Iran must change its recent behavior 
and instead fulfill its obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation 
Treaty. The longer it takes Iran to change its course, the further cut-
off it will grow diplomatically and the more strangled its economy will 
become. Now we must expand these efforts to increase sanctions, further 
isolate Iran, and explore every outlet to undermine the Iranian regime 
politically and seek real change in that country's leadership and 
political direction.
  This resolution communicates Congressional unity with the 
Administration and determination to the international community to 
maximize every diplomatic and economic tool available to pressure and 
deny Iran nuclear weapon capability. To be clear, other options--such 
as the use of United States military force against Iran--require the 
deliberate and thoughtful consideration of this Congress, a power which 
I believe this resolution clearly preserves. I am co-sponsoring this 
resolution to continue our nation's effective, ratcheting pressure to 
force Iran on a new path and to avoid a subsequent request from the 
Administration some day to authorize the use of military force against 
Iran.

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