[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 106 (Thursday, July 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1023-E1024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  IRAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROD BLUM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2015

  Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work of the Chairman and the 
Members of her subcommittee.
  I rise today with grave concerns about this agreement that could very 
well lead to an increased likelihood of a nuclear Iran.
  This outcome is unacceptable and the consequences would have harmful 
effects on our country and the region.
  Simply put, we cannot trust a country that continues to sponsor and 
sanction terrorism against U.S. interests and actively promotes the 
destruction of our strongest ally in the Middle East--Israel.
  The United States must limit opportunities for Iran to obtain nuclear 
weapons rather than providing avenues for the spread of such weapons.
  A nuclear Iran will be very unlikely to respond to peaceful 
international intervention. By permitting Iran to obtain nuclear 
weapons capability--even after 10 years--we will increase the 
likelihood of future military action in the Middle East.
  This will increase the burden on our already strained military and 
put the brave men and women of our armed forces at risk unnecessarily--
while increasing the possibility of further destabilization in multiple 
countries in the Middle East.
  Additionally, by lifting the sanctions on Iran and releasing the 
money held in accounts held abroad will we be promoting the further 
funding by Iran of terrorist activities and groups such as Hamas and 
the Taliban. Strengthening a regime well known for state sponsorship of 
terrorism goes against all reason.
  Further, we can be sure that other countries are looking at this 
agreement with Iran as a bellwether of permissive activity. If one 
country in the region is allowed by the United States to obtain a 
nuclear weapon, surely others will look to follow suit.
  It's my belief that Congress should step up the pressure and reject 
any agreement that

[[Page E1024]]

does not meet our nation's strategic objectives. I am deeply concerned 
that the U.S., once a strong leader on the world stage, is now allowing 
ourselves to be duped and undercut by a country with an agenda of 
terror and instability rather than the peace and cooperation that 
developed nations seek.
  I urge my colleagues to reject any agreement that diminishes the 
standing of the U.S. and does not completely cut off weaponized nuclear 
capabilities for Iran.

                          ____________________