Iran Sanctions Extension Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Iran Sanctions Extension Act. Now is not the time to ease up on the world's leading sponsor of terrorism. The Iran Sanctions Extension Act is an important piece of legislation that needs to be extended so that we can continue our fine work in this area.

I thank Chairman Royce for offering this legislation that will extend Iranian sanctions for an additional 10 years. As has been stated, these sanctions will expire at the end of this year if Congress fails to act.

It is imperative that we extend the current sanctions regime. This has been in place for quite some time, and this in no way affects the underlying agreement even though I am vigorously opposed to the underlying agreement.
Let's send a message today that, despite what this administration may think regarding the continuation of the agreement, the Congress is united in tough sanctions. We will hold Tehran accountable for its human rights violations, its support of international terrorism, and its testing of illegal ballistic missiles.

Sanctions work. Time and time again, U.S. sanctions have been a powerful force on the world stage and have given the U.S. leverage against some of the world's worst State actors. Let's not reward provocations that may have occurred already or provocations that may occur in the future. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and keep these sanctions in place.

I commend the chairman, the ranking member, and the full committee; and if this legislation passes, I am hopeful that the President will sign it into law.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source