[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IRAN ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2016

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose the Iran Accountability 
Act of 2016 (H.R. 5631). Unfortunately, I could not be in DC to vote 
against the bill as I was home in Minneapolis for the funeral of 
Philando Castile.
  The Iran Accountability Act of 2016 undermines the ability of the 
United States to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action 
(JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal. The bill uses non-nuclear 
reasons to re-impose certain secondary economic and financial sanctions 
lifted on the JCPOA's implementation day and could require the 
President to impose new nuclear-related sanctions on Iran. Thus, if 
implemented, the bill would prevent the Administration from 
implementing a number of its commitments outlined in the JCPOA.
  If the Iran Accountability Act of 2016 were to become law, both our 
partners and Iran would question our commitment to the nuclear deal. 
The provisions contained within this bill could even open a path for 
Iran to restart its nuclear program. This would not only put the 
nuclear deal at risk, but also undermine our national security 
interests and significantly damage U.S. credibility and leadership 
abroad.
  The JCPOA is a historic diplomatic achievement worth protecting. So 
far, Iran has complied with the deal. Without resorting to violence, it 
has constrained Iran's nuclear program, led to the dismantlement of key 
components of the program, and subjected Iran's program to 
unprecedented verification and monitoring requirements.
  Simply put, the JCPOA ensures that Iran's nuclear program is and 
continues to be peaceful. We must not jeopardize this achievement by 
backtracking on our commitments. Therefore, I oppose this bill.

                          ____________________