[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 21]
[House]
[Pages 29391-29393]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING CONCERN RELATING TO IRANIAN REGIME AND MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 435) expressing concern relating to the threatening 
behavior of the Iranian regime and its leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and 
the activities of terrorist organizations sponsored by that regime in 
Latin America, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 435

       Whereas the Department of State has said that Iran is the 
     ``most active state sponsor of terrorism'';
       Whereas the Department of State 2007 International 
     Narcotics Control Strategy Report moved Iran to a 
     ``Jurisdiction of Primary Concern'';
       Whereas in February 2006, the chairman of the Iranian 
     legislative body announced an offer to assist Venezuela with 
     a nuclear program;
       Whereas in February 2006, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria were 
     the only 3 member nations of the 35-nation board of the 
     International Atomic Energy Agency to vote against referring 
     Iran to the United Nations Security Council for its nuclear 
     program;
       Whereas in September 2007, Iran requested observer-status 
     membership in the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of 
     the Americas (ALBA), an organization led by Hugo Chavez, 
     President of Venezuela, to counter United States-led efforts 
     for free trade in that region;
       Whereas in September 2007, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the 
     President of Iran, made his third visit in one year to Latin 
     America, this time visiting Venezuela and Bolivia, where Mr. 
     Ahmadinejad announced a commitment of Iranian investment in 
     Bolivia of up to $1,000,000,000 over five years;
       Whereas Mr. Ahmadinejad and Mr. Chavez have announced plans 
     for a $2,000,000,000 shared fund to invest in projects in 
     countries that Mr. Chavez characterized as seeking to 
     ``liberate themselves from the U.S. imperialist yoke'';
       Whereas in July 2007, the Venezuelan energy minister 
     announced plans to sell gasoline to Iran following riots in 
     Iran opposing the Iranian Government's policy of gas 
     rationing;
       Whereas in March, 2007 routine civilian airline flights 
     were established from Tehran, Iran directly to Caracas, 
     Venezuela;
       Whereas the 2006 State Department's Country Reports on 
     Terrorism stated that Venezuela is not ``fully cooperating'' 
     with United States antiterrorism efforts;
       Whereas according to the State Department, ``an individual 
     claiming to be a member of an Islamic extremist group in 
     Venezuela placed two pipe bombs outside the American Embassy 
     in Caracas on October 23, 2006. Venezuelan police safely 
     disposed of the two pipe bombs and immediately made one 
     arrest. The investigation by Venezuelan authorities resulted 
     in the additional arrest of the alleged ideological leader of 
     the group. At year's end, both suspects remained in jail and 
     prosecutors were pressing terrorism charges against them'';
       Whereas Hizbollah, Iran's proxy terrorist group, executed 
     the deadliest terrorist attack against Americans abroad since 
     World War II, the 1983 suicide bombing of a United States 
     Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed 241 American 
     servicemen;
       Whereas Iran and Hizbollah were involved in the two 
     deadliest terrorist attacks in Argentina: the March 1992 
     bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 
     which killed 29 people and the July 1994 attack against the 
     Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA), which killed 85 
     people;
       Whereas the Government of Argentina is currently seeking 
     legal action against the perpetrators of the 1994 AMIA 
     terrorist attack;
       Whereas in September 2007, the President of Argentina said 
     to the United Nations General Assembly, ``I want to stress 
     here, in the United Nations headquarters, that unfortunately 
     until now, the Islamic Republic of Iran has not collaborated 
     with the Argentine justice system to clarify what occurred'';
       Whereas according to a 2003 report by the Library of 
     Congress, money laundered in the tri-border region, the area 
     where Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil meet, ``probably are in 
     the billions of dollars per year'' and ``Hizbollah has reaped 
     hundreds of millions of dollars in profits from narcotics and 
     arms trafficking, product piracy, and other illicit 
     activities in the tri-border area'';
       Whereas the television station Telemundo interviewed 
     residents of the tri-border region who said that ``they're 
     only waiting for an order to put bombs on their body and 
     attack the United States'';
       Whereas in March 2007, Brazilian officials arrested 31 
     people for illegally issuing passports over the past 14 
     years, and press reports indicate that some of these 
     passports may have been provided to members of terrorist 
     organizations, including members of Hizbollah;
       Whereas Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and the United States 
     have formed the 3+1 Group, which has focused on the financing 
     of terrorism, drug and arms trafficking, and border security, 
     as well as the exchange of information, with the purpose of 
     preventing terrorism and transnational crimes in the tri-
     border region;
       Whereas in November 2006, Brazil established a new Regional 
     Intelligence Center in the tri-border region, dedicated to 
     coordinating intelligence activities of the police forces of 
     Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, and invited Argentina and 
     Paraguay to send official representatives to the Center;
       Whereas in March 2007, the Organization of American States' 
     Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE) reaffirmed 
     that ``terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, 
     whatever its origin or motivation, has no justification 
     whatsoever, affects the full enjoyment and exercise of human 
     rights, and constitutes a grave threat to international peace 
     and security, democratic institutions, and the values 
     enshrined in the OAS Charter, the Inter-American Democratic 
     Charter, and other regional and international instruments'';
       Whereas in July 2007, the Government of Argentina enacted 
     anti-terrorism legislation that put in place harsher 
     penalties for cooperating with terrorists; and
       Whereas as of March 2007, the Government of Brazil was 
     considering expanded anti-terrorism legislation: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses concern over the emerging national security 
     implications of the Iranian regime's efforts to expand its 
     influence in Latin America;
       (2) supports the existing counterterrorism efforts of Latin 
     American countries, including the successful counterterrorism 
     efforts of the 3+1 Group (consisting of Brazil, Argentina, 
     Paraguay, and the United States);
       (3) emphasizes the importance of eliminating Hizbollah's 
     financial network in the tri-border region of South America 
     where Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet and throughout the 
     Western Hemisphere;
       (4) commends and supports the efforts of individual 
     countries and regional bodies in the Western Hemisphere that 
     have led efforts to eliminate terrorist financing and other 
     terrorist operations;
       (5) calls on the United States Government to work with 
     governments in the Western Hemisphere to pursue an 
     antiterrorism campaign based on cooperation and constant 
     vigilance;

[[Page 29392]]

       (6) urges the United States Government to work bilaterally 
     and multilaterally with countries in the Western Hemisphere 
     to help them create antiterrorism legislation that would give 
     governmental authorities new tools to take action against 
     terrorist networks; and
       (7) recommends that the President of the United States 
     create more mechanisms for joint counterterrorism operations 
     and intraregional information sharing among supportive 
     countries in the Western Hemisphere, especially in light of 
     Iran's increased involvement in the region.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Engel) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.

                              {time}  1445


                             General Leave

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and 
yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  I want to thank the gentlemen from Florida, Mr. Klein and Mr. Mack, 
both active and valued members of the Subcommittee on the Western 
Hemisphere, which I chair, for their work on this timely and important 
resolution that raises awareness about Iran's growing foothold in the 
Western Hemisphere and its national security implications for all 
countries of this region.
  This resolution is particularly valuable as it catalogues a series of 
facts and actions related to the growing presence of Iran south of our 
border.
  Last month, immediately after his address to the United Nations 
General Assembly, Iranian President Ahmadinejad flew to Venezuela and 
Bolivia. This was his third trip the region this year. Mr. Ahmadinejad 
has used these trips to announce increased diplomatic cooperation and 
multilateral agreements on energy and industry.
  Iranian involvement, Mr. Speaker, in Latin America is not new, as we 
all know. In 1994, Iran and its proxy terrorist group, Hezbollah, were 
involved in planning the bombing of the AMIA Jewish Cultural Center in 
Buenos Aires, where 85 people lost their lives in the bombing.
  In fact, just last week I met with the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, 
who updated me on Argentina's progress on the AMIA bombings.
  Hezbollah remains operational in parts of Latin America, and they 
continue to fundraise for their global operations.
  The United States must do everything we can to help Latin America 
crack down on terrorist groups in the region, both through joint 
military exercises and through legislation, giving to governments new 
tools to eliminate the terrorist threats.
  I strongly urge passage of this timely resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I welcome the focus this bill places on the growing influence of Iran 
in Latin America. Because Iran is the leading state sponsor of 
terrorism, we dare not lose sight of its increasing presence and 
activities in the region, nor can we forget its past transgressions.
  One year ago, Argentina's State Prosecutor concluded that the 
horrific 1994 AMIA bombing was ``decided and organized by the highest 
leaders of the former government of Iran.''
  Yet, somehow the leader of Iran continues to be warmly received by 
many in the hemisphere. In fact, he has found much strength in his 
friendship formed with Hugo Chavez, Ahmadinejad's key ally in the 
region.
  The implications of Iran's presence in Latin America are 
disconcerting in themselves. When partnered with the power of 
Venezuela's petroleum, it is truly a cause for alarm and concern.
  Ahmadinejad has capitalized on his relationship with Chavez to inject 
his influence throughout the hemisphere, recently signing a cooperation 
agreement worth $1 billion with Bolivia, and is reportedly making plans 
to establish an embassy for the first time in Quito, Ecuador.
  Furthermore, the disturbing alliance between Venezuela, Iran and Cuba 
cannot be ignored. The radical efforts of Ahmadinejad, Chavez and 
Castro to stir anti-U.S. resentment in the region and support for anti-
American regimes across the hemisphere are an increasing and undeniable 
threat to our security. For this reason, we must remain vigilant in our 
attention to the hemisphere and be sincere in our efforts to strengthen 
our relationships with the nations of Latin America.
  I commend the efforts being taken by the U.S. and our partners in 
Latin America to combat terrorist activities. However, we must 
recognize that if the U.S. is to support the efforts of our friends in 
the region, we must support them wholeheartedly. We cannot continue to 
send mixed signals. Denying free trade agreements with Colombia, while 
calling for increased cooperation on any front is not good, fair or 
effective policy.
  I thank my colleague for introducing this measure and look forward to 
additional efforts by Congress to comprehensively support our security 
in the Western Hemisphere.
  Again, I have one more speaker, Mr. Engel.
  Mr. ENGEL. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he would like to 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier).
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I again thank my friend from Arkansas for 
yielding, and I thank the gentleman from New York for his very 
thoughtful remarks on this important resolution. I rise in strong 
support of it.
  I think that both my friends from New York and Arkansas have 
underscored the grave concern that we have about Iran's entry into this 
hemisphere, and especially in the remarks offered by the gentleman from 
Arkansas, Mr. Speaker, he underscored this nexus which has been 
developed by Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
  Now, what is it that we have seen? Obviously there are a great deal 
of differences that exist when it comes to the vision that a Hugo 
Chavez would have and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would have. But they have 
rallied around one particular point, and that is, virulent opposition 
to everything that the United States of America stands for. Both of 
them have been hypercritical of the United States and our policies and 
the cause of freedom, quite frankly, based on what we've seen in both 
countries.
  The thing that is most troubling is the fact that Mr. Chavez has had 
this pattern of inviting Mr. Ahmadinejad into this hemisphere and, 
basically, continuing to promote the anti-American sentiment. And it is 
cause for concern, and I believe this resolution is very important.
  Mr. Chavez took Mr. Ahmadinejad to the inauguration of Rafael Correa 
in Quito, Ecuador. And again, as my friend from Arkansas has just said, 
the prospect of an Iranian Embassy opening in Quito is something that's 
very troubling.
  Similarly, he took him to meet with Evo Morales, the President of 
Bolivia, again, a very, very troubling sign. And I will say, quite 
frankly, I am even concerned about, while we've heralded the election 
that took place a week ago yesterday in Argentina, I do believe that 
there is reason for concern of the potential for this linkage there 
that exists. I think it's very exciting to see Cristina Kirchner become 
the President, succeeding her husband in Argentina, but I do believe 
that we need to remain very vigilant in looking at this linkage between 
Hugo Chavez, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and others within this hemisphere.
  I would also like to laud my colleague from Arkansas for underscoring 
the importance of continuing to build our economic alliances with those 
countries in the hemisphere that are

[[Page 29393]]

committed to political pluralism, the development of democratic 
institutions, the rule of law and self-determination.
  We are on the verge, this week, we're going to be addressing the 
issue of a U.S.-Peru free trade agreement. We also have on the horizon, 
as we all know, in this hemisphere both the Panama and the Colombia 
free trade agreements.
  And so I will say, Mr. Speaker, I think this resolution is very 
timely. I congratulate my friends for underscoring the importance of 
this. And I hope that a by-product of it will be the recognition that 
working with our allies in this region to develop even stronger 
economic ties should be the next step for us to take.
  Again, I urge strong support of this resolution.
  Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for House 
Resolution 435, concerning Iran's growing influence in Latin America.
  I also want to thank my colleague from Florida, Congressman Ron 
Klein, for all of his hard work on this resolution.
  He is passionate about Latin America and it has been a pleasure to 
work with you to get this important resolution to the floor today.
  This resolution, which has garnered wide, bi-partisan support, 
formally expresses what many of us have known for quite some time: 
Iran's growing ties and meddling in Latin America is a grave concern 
for us all.
  There is no doubt that Iran has given strategic, financial, 
logistical, and tactical support and safe haven to terrorists groups 
such as Hezbollah and others.
  And, according to military leaders at U.S. Southern Command, there is 
no doubt that Islamic terrorist groups, such as Hezbollah, have 
infiltrated indigenous groups throughout significant areas of Latin 
America in order to develop terrorist networks throughout the region.
  Of particular concern to me is the growing and burgeoning friendship 
between Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Venezuelan President Hugo 
Chavez.
  Iran, in my opinion, is seeking to do in Venezuela what the former 
Soviet Union did in Cuba: establish a base of operations in the Western 
Hemisphere in order to foment hatred and instability throughout the 
region.
  This should cause great alarm for us all.
  But this problem is bigger than Iran and Venezuela alone.
  For far too long we have ignored growing unrest and loss of freedoms 
and the foundations for democracy throughout Latin America.
  I have publicly and privately urged this administration and Congress 
to embrace our allies and do more throughout the region.
  Our neglect has allowed leaders such as President Chavez to whip up 
opposition to the United States.
  And further neglect, should we not act now to support our friends in 
the region, will allow Iran and others to continue to grow their 
terrorist networks throughout Latin America.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important 
resolution.
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 435, 
a resolution that I authored with my friend, Mr. Mack.
  This resolution expresses the concern of the House of Representatives 
about the growing national security implications of Iran's 
relationships with countries in the Western Hemisphere.
  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has visited Latin America three 
times in the past year, and has signed agreements with several 
countries in the region worth billions of dollars. This is a strategic 
move on his part to build capabilities in our neighborhood.
  On one side of the word, Iran continues to make progress on its 
nuclear program. And, on this side of the world, Iran has tried to sway 
leaders into supporting this dangerous agenda. And so far, his strategy 
is gaining momentum, which is extremely alarming.
  Iranian involvement in Latin America is particularly concerning, 
especially considering Iran's history in places like Argentina. This 
week, Interpol, the world's law enforcement agency, will consider 
whether to uphold the arrest warrants for five Iranians and one 
Lebanese who planned and executed the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish 
community center. Argentines are still waiting for justice to be served 
against those responsible, and Hizbollah and Iran are the lead 
suspects.
  I also remain concerned about Hizbollah in our hemisphere as it 
relates to fundraising in the tri-border area, and other places. In 
fact, just last month, Admiral Jim Stavreedees, head of the U.S. 
Southern Command wrote, ``We consider Latin America and the Caribbean 
as being highly likely bases for future terrorist threats to the U.S. 
and others.''
  The region has seen some progress, with new anti-terrorism 
legislation and increased counter-terrorism efforts. But, we all have a 
long way to go. Eliminating the threat of terrorism and its state 
sponsors is not just in the best interest of the United States. The 
countries in our hemisphere will be safer. The United States and 
Central and Latin America have an aligned interest.
  I hope that this resolution is seen as a signal that the United 
States is willing to help our friends in Central and Latin America make 
their countries safer and free from terrorism.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, having no further speakers, I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 435, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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