[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MY PRESENT VOTE ON H. RES. 568

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2012

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I voted present 
today on H. Res. 568 because of my concern that it contains language 
that could create a blank check for war with Iran. As best said by Col. 
Lawrence Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff of Secretary of State Colin 
Powell, ``This resolution reads like the same sheet of music that got 
us into the Iraq War.'' This resolution threatens to undermine upcoming 
U.S.-Iran negotiations on May 23, 2012. While I am not disputing the 
fact that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a serious threat to Israel 
and U.S. national security interests, I am concerned that the tone of 
this resolution could be used as fodder for future conflict.
  While I am an ardent supporter of Israel and remain committed to 
supporting legislation that ensures their security, I urge my 
colleagues to support more balanced policies and diplomatic solutions 
as we enter into negotiations with Iran. As we struggle to get our 
economy back on track, we simply cannot afford the economic and social 
costs of another war.

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