Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 And 2011

Floor Speech

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this essential amendment, recognizing Israel's right to defend itself from an imminent nuclear or military threat from Iran and other countries and organizations.

As Iran forges ahead with its quest for a nuclear weapons capability, it is vital for Congress to recognize Israel's urgent need to deal with the looming threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.

Like all sovereign nations, Israel has not only a right, but moreover, an obligation, to ensure the safety and security of her citizens.

An imminent nuclear or military threat from Iran would certainly endanger her citizens, and that is why, in the strongest of terms, I support my colleague's vital amendment.

According to the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, Iran has sped up its production of nuclear fuel and has increased its number of installed centrifuges to 7,200--more than enough to make fuel for two nuclear bombs per year.

If Iran possessed nuclear weapons, it could share this technology with terrorist groups to carry out attacks against both Israel and the United States.

Let me be very clear. A nuclear-armed Iran would certainly constitute an existential threat to Israel, but would not only threaten Israel. As the leading state sponsor of international terrorism, a nuclear-armed Iran would pose unacceptable threats to global security.

This rogue nation's possession of a nuclear weapon would likely lead to nuclear proliferation elsewhere in the region and around the globe, while fundamentally altering the strategic balance of the Middle East, and endangering U.S. national security interests.

Undoubtedly, now is the time for us all to stand together in support of Israel and global peace and security. I urge my colleagues to support this critical amendment, and pray that Iran suspends its nuclear program, and starts working towards peace instead of terror.

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