[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 15, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PREVENTING NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION IN IRAN

  (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, the recent developments in our diplomatic 
efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons have been among 
the most promising in history.
  In the interim, Iran has agreed to stop enriching uranium above the 
necessary level for energy production, dilute its existing stockpile, 
and allow unprecedented access to its nuclear facilities.
  During the next 6 months, the administration and the international 
community will continue working toward a more comprehensive, verifiable 
agreement that enforces prevention and advances peace in the region. 
Already there are devastating consequences for Iran if it does not 
comply with the agreement.
  The progress achieved thus far demonstrates that diplomacy is 
working. Congressional action now could jeopardize that progress, 
undermine the diplomatic process, and weaken our Nation's position in 
future negotiations.
  As an American first, but also as a Jewish American, I strongly 
support Israel's security and our Nation's commitment to preventing 
Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
  I also fully support advancing peace and stability in the Middle East 
through diplomacy whenever possible.
  Madam Speaker, we are in the midst of a historic opportunity to 
prevent nuclear proliferation in Iran, but it is fragile. Congressional 
interference at such a sensitive time is a high-risk, no-reward 
proposition.

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