[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1415-E1416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 1905, IRAN THREAT REDUCTION AND SYRIA HUMAN RIGHTS 
                              ACT OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate 
amendment to H.R. 1905, the Iran Threat Reduction Act. This bipartisan 
legislation is critical to the protection of the American people and 
our allies around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is imperative that the United States take 
the lead in opposing Iran's effort to produce nuclear weapons. Such a 
development would introduce an intolerable and destabilizing element 
into one of the world's most volatile regions. The discovery of a plot 
to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the United States on American 
soil is but a reminder of the urgent need for the United States to take 
forceful and effective action to ensure that Iran does not succeed in 
developing the capability to produce nuclear weapons.
  In, Congress passed H.R. 2194, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability and 
Divestment Act, which at the time were the most comprehensive sanctions 
ever imposed on Iran by the United States. But more needs to be done.
  While current sanctions on Iran have impeded Iran's ability to 
successfully develop a nuclear weapon, most experts agree that Iran 
will have nuclear capabilities in the next two to three years if 
tougher sanctions are not imposed. According to a report released by 
the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has a stockpile of low-
enriched uranium that if further enriched could produce three nuclear 
weapons.
  Last year, I wrote to Chairman Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Member Berman, 
Leader Pelosi, and Speaker Boehner urging them to bring before the 
House legislation imposing sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran. 
Shortly thereafter, I was very encouraged and pleased that the 
Committee reported favorably and the House passed H.R. 1905.
  H.R. 1905 strongly reflects the demands of the international 
community that tougher sanctions must be placed on Iranian leaders to 
end their nuclear program. H.R. 1905 increases sanctions on human 
rights violators in Iran, imposes tougher sanctions on the Islamic 
Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and codifies U.S. policy to prevent 
Iran from developing unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles. 
This bill takes steps to peacefully thwart Iran's nuclear aspirations.
  During the markup of this bill, an amendment offered by Ranking 
Member Berman to strengthen sanctions against Iran's Central Bank was 
unanimously agreed to. The Berman Amendment strengthens H.R. 1905 by 
inserting language that directs the President to determine whether the 
Central Bank of Iran is engaged in sanctionable activity.
  By sanctioning the Central Bank of Iran, the United States would set 
a strong example for countries around the world that depend on a 
geopolitically stable Middle East for their own security and 
prosperity. Imposing tougher sanctions on the Iranian economy will 
demonstrate that the international community will not tolerate Iran's 
continued refusal to end their nuclear enrichment program.
  Specifically, the Berman Amendment directs the President of the 
United States to determine whether the Central Bank of Iran has: (1) 
assisted Iran's VVMD or missile programs, including proliferation of 
WMD to other governments; (2) financed Iran's procurement of advanced 
conventional weapons; (3) provided financial services for the Islamic 
Revolutionary Guard Corps; or (4) facilitated Iran's support of 
international terrorism.
  Should the President make the determination that the Central Bank of 
Iran is involved in any of these areas, the bill requires him to apply 
sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The 
President will have 30 days to make this determination. These sanctions 
would ensure that any foreign bank involved in significant transactions 
with the Central Bank of Iran is excluded from doing business with the 
U.S.
  Mr. Speaker, the bill also includes Title WI, entitled the ``Syria 
Human Rights Accountability Act of 2012.'' I support the inclusion of 
this title. What began as a peaceful stand against tyranny has 
degenerated into the bloodiest movement of the Arab Spring. According 
to the International Red Cross more than 16,00o people have been killed 
in the conflict and the violence has increased substantially in the 
past few weeks.
  This is why Title VII of this bill is necessary. It builds upon 
efforts to bring about a peaceful and swift resolution by
  (1) requiring the President to identify within 90 days and impose 
sanctions on officials of the Syrian government or those acting on 
their behalf who are complicit in or responsible for the commission of 
serious human rights abuses against Syria's citizens, regardless of 
whether the abuses occurred in Syria;
  (2) imposing sanctions on anyone who transfers equipment or 
technologies including weapons, rubber bullets, tear gas and other riot 
equipment, and jamming, monitoring and surveillance equipment which the 
President determines are likely to be used by Syrian officials to 
commit human rights abuses, and
  (3) imposing sanctions on anyone who engages in censorship, or 
activities relating to censorship, in a manner that prohibits, limits,

[[Page E1416]]

or penalizes the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression by 
citizens of Syria.
  Mr. Speaker, history has taught us that strong sanctions can bring 
about peaceful change. A generation ago, Congress passed the Anti-
Apartheid Act which led to the end of the apartheid regime and brought 
about a peaceful revolution resulting in the new democratic South 
Africa.
  H.R. 1905 will help to refocus our efforts on appropriately 
addressing these critical issues. Leaders in the Iranian and Syrian 
governments have shown repeatedly that they are unwilling to comply 
with international demands.
  For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 1905 and the 
Senate amendments. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass 
this bill.

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