[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6492]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        IRAN FREEDOM SUPPORT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2006

  Mr. KOLBE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Iran Freedom 
Support Act. We are at a crucial point in U.S. relations with Iran. The 
U.S. must insist that they stop the nuclear programs, respect 
international regulations, and end harboring of any terrorist or 
terrorist funding organizations.
  I support my colleagues in taking up this piece of legislation. I 
urge a yes vote. However, I believe a few changes and improvements to 
the legislation need to be made before it is sent to the President.
  One concern is that section 202 of this bill sanctions companies in 
the countries who are working with us to oppose Iran's nuclear program. 
These sanctions have a potential to split our allies, aiding Iran, 
something I'm sure supporters of this bill would not want to do. 
Congress and the President should have a united front against Iran and 
enacting legislation that threatens that unity is not in our best 
interests.
  Additionally, Title II urges managers of U.S. pension plans to divest 
stocks of companies that report investments in Iran's energy sector. 
These provisions could negatively affect the smooth functioning of U.S. 
capital markets and the savings and investment flows that are essential 
to economic growth.
  We must send Iran a strong signal with a united front. I urge passage 
of this bill because we must address the very real threat of the 
nuclear arms race in the Middle East stemming from Iran's irresponsible 
actions. The current regime in Iran must be held accountable for its 
threatening behavior even as we support a transition to democracy and 
tolerance in Iran.

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