[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 6 (Friday, January 10, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 UNITED STATES' RELATIONSHIP WITH IRAN

  (Ms. DEAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, over the last week, our relationship with Iran 
has fallen to its most difficult period since 1979. The United States 
killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, a bad man whom we do not mourn, 
and yet it was a provocative and disproportionate event.
  Iran responded with missiles on two of our military bases. I am 
grateful, thankful that none of our soldiers were in that attack and 
that tensions between our countries appear to be easing.
  I hope we can use this moment to assess where we are, how we got 
here, and find the better path that lies ahead.
  First, I call on the administration to share the intelligence with 
Congress about the timing and rationale for the strike.
  Second, I urge continued de-escalation. We stand less safe in 
heightened tensions with Iran. It is essential that we emphasize 
diplomacy once again.
  Third, I ask that we treat this moment as an opportunity to redefine 
our relationships with foes and friends alike and how we act as a 
nation.
  We will always defend America's security, but we should never create 
needless provocation. As Matthew tells us: ``Blessed are the 
peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.''

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