[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 11, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1398-S1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          LETTER SENT TO IRAN

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, talking about gimmicks, there have been a 
number of reports in the press in the last couple of days about how 
this unprecedented letter to the leaders of the Iranian regime 
originated. We know 47 Republican Senators signed it. There are news 
accounts reporting that this was intended as a big joke. A big joke? 
Others say Republicans say it was a political organizing exercise after 
being hammered so hard with their nonfunding of Homeland Security. 
Others say it was simply designed to sabotage negotiations. Pick 
whatever one of the three you want. Whatever the reason, one thing is 
clear: This is not a joke; this is not an organizing exercise; this is 
about Iran getting a nuclear weapon.
  I am disappointed that so many of my Republican colleagues are 
destroying the long tradition of bipartisanship in defending Israel and 
stopping Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. I am heartened that a few 
Republicans--seven to be exact--didn't sign the letter. That is nice. 
Seven out of 54 didn't sign the letter. Seven is certainly better than 
nothing.
  As some of the seven Republican Senators have said, they agree with 
Democrats that this letter was not appropriate. We are witnessing a 
fundamental test of Republicans' ability to govern. They are treating 
nuclear negotiations as a chance to play games--

[[Page S1399]]

political games. They are treating a human trafficking bill as a chance 
to play some of these games. This is not the time for games. 
Republicans' behavior on these issues is irresponsible and beneath the 
dignity of this institution. We can and should do better.
  Mr. President, what is the business of the day?

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