September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5911 friends and allies to constantly contain and Kelly (MS) Noem Sessions Schrader Swalwell (CA) Veasey Kelly (PA) Nugent Shimkus Scott (VA) Takai Vela confront Iranian aggression in the region. The King (IA) Nunes Shuster Scott, David Takano Vela´ zquez and must always stand to- King (NY) Olson Simpson Serrano Thompson (CA) Visclosky gether to confront that threat. The fact remains Kinzinger (IL) Palazzo Smith (MO) Sewell (AL) Thompson (MS) Walz that Iranian support for their terrorist proxy Kline Palmer Smith (NE) Sherman Titus Wasserman Knight Paulsen Smith (NJ) Sinema Tonko Schultz continues to destabilize Labrador Pearce Smith (TX) Sires Torres Waters, Maxine and poses a direct threat to Israel, as does its LaMalfa Perry Stefanik Slaughter Tsongas Watson Coleman support for Hamas. We must do all we can to Lamborn Pittenger Stewart Smith (WA) Van Hollen Welch Lance Pitts Stivers Speier Vargas Yarmuth ensure that our ally Israel maintains its quali- Latta Poe (TX) Stutzman tative military edge in the region, including LoBiondo Poliquin Thompson (PA) NOT VOTING—2 providing increased funding for Israel’s Arrow Long Pompeo Thornberry Maloney, Wilson (FL) anti-ballistic missile and Iron Dome anti-rocket Loudermilk Posey Tiberi Carolyn Love Price, Tom Tipton systems. Consideration should also be given Lucas Ratcliffe Trott b 1722 to previously denied weapons if a need for Luetkemeyer Reed Turner So the resolution was agreed to. such enhanced capabilities arises. We must Lummis Reichert Upton MacArthur Renacci Valadao The result of the vote was announced always remember that some of ’s leaders Marchant Ribble Wagner as above recorded. have called for the destruction of Israel and Marino Rice (SC) Walberg A motion to reconsider was laid on we must never forget the awful past that Massie Rigell Walden the table. teaches us not to ignore those threats. McCarthy Roby Walker McCaul Roe (TN) Walorski Stated against: The threats Iran poses in the region are McClintock Rogers (AL) Walters, Mimi Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on real. But all those threats are compounded by McHenry Rogers (KY) Weber (TX) rollcall No. 492, had I been present, I would an Iran that is a threshold nuclear weapons McKinley Rohrabacher Webster (FL) McMorris Rokita Wenstrup have voted ‘‘no.’’ state. This agreement will roll back the Iranian Rodgers Rooney (FL) Westerman f nuclear program and provide us with greater McSally Ros-Lehtinen Westmoreland ability to detect and more time to respond to Meadows Roskam Whitfield APPROVAL OF JOINT any future Iranian attempt to build a nuclear Meehan Ross Williams COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION Messer Rothfus Wilson (SC) weapon. Mica Rouzer Wittman Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant For all of the reasons given above, I’ve con- Miller (FL) Royce Womack to House Resolution 412, I call up the cluded that this is an historic agreement that Miller (MI) Russell Woodall bill (H.R. 3461) to approve the Joint Moolenaar Ryan (WI) Yoder should be supported by the Congress. Mooney (WV) Salmon Yoho Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Mullin Sanford Young (AK) at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to for debate has expired. Mulvaney Scalise Young (IA) the , and ask Murphy (PA) Schweikert Young (IN) for its immediate consideration. Pursuant to House Resolution 412, Neugebauer Scott, Austin Zeldin the previous question is ordered on the Newhouse Sensenbrenner Zinke The Clerk read the title of the bill. resolution and on the preamble. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The question is on the resolution. NAYS—186 ant to House Resolution 412, the bill is The question was taken; and the Adams Doyle, Michael Lipinski considered read. Speaker pro tempore announced that Aguilar F. Loebsack The text of the bill is as follows: Ashford Duckworth Lofgren the ayes appeared to have it. Bass Edwards Lowenthal H.R. 3461 Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, on that I Beatty Ellison Lowey Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- demand the yeas and nays. Becerra Engel Lujan Grisham resentatives of the United States of America in Bera Eshoo (NM) Congress assembled, The yeas and nays were ordered. Beyer Esty Luja´ n, Ben Ray SECTION 1. APPROVAL OF JOINT COMPREHEN- Bishop (GA) Farr (NM) The vote was taken by electronic de- SIVE PLAN OF ACTION. vice, and there were—yeas 245, nays Blumenauer Fattah Lynch Bonamici Foster Maloney, Sean Congress does favor the Joint Comprehen- 186, not voting 2, as follows: Boyle, Brendan Frankel (FL) Matsui sive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July [Roll No. 492] F. Fudge McCollum 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Brady (PA) Gabbard McDermott Iran. YEAS—245 Brown (FL) Gallego McGovern Abraham Comstock Gosar Brownley (CA) Garamendi McNerney The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill Aderholt Conaway Gowdy Bustos Graham Meeks shall be debatable for 3 hours equally Allen Cook Granger Butterfield Grayson Meng divided and controlled by the chair of Amash Costello (PA) Graves (GA) Capps Green, Al Moore the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Amodei Cramer Graves (LA) Capuano Green, Gene Moulton Babin Crawford Graves (MO) Ca´ rdenas Grijalva Murphy (FL) the minority leader or their designees. Barletta Crenshaw Griffith Carney Gutie´rrez Nadler The gentleman from California (Mr. Barr Culberson Grothman Carson (IN) Hahn Napolitano ROYCE) will control 90 minutes. The Barton Curbelo (FL) Guinta Cartwright Hastings Neal Benishek Davis, Rodney Guthrie Castor (FL) Heck (WA) Nolan gentleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL), Bilirakis Denham Hanna Castro (TX) Higgins Norcross the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. CON- Bishop (MI) Dent Hardy Chu, Judy Himes O’Rourke NOLLY), and the gentlewoman from Bishop (UT) DeSantis Harper Cicilline Hinojosa Pallone California (Ms. MAXINE WATERS) each Black DesJarlais Harris Clark (MA) Honda Pascrell Blackburn Diaz-Balart Hartzler Clarke (NY) Hoyer Payne will control 30 minutes. Blum Dold Heck (NV) Clay Huffman Pelosi The Chair recognizes the gentleman Bost Donovan Hensarling Cleaver Israel Perlmutter from California (Mr. ROYCE). Boustany Duffy Herrera Beutler Clyburn Jackson Lee Peters Brady (TX) Duncan (SC) Hice, Jody B. Cohen Jeffries Peterson GENERAL LEAVE Brat Duncan (TN) Hill Connolly Johnson (GA) Pingree Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- Bridenstine Ellmers (NC) Holding Conyers Johnson, E. B. Pocan imous consent that all Members may Brooks (AL) Emmer (MN) Hudson Cooper Kaptur Polis Brooks (IN) Farenthold Huelskamp Costa Keating Price (NC) have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- Buchanan Fincher Huizenga (MI) Courtney Kelly (IL) Quigley tend their remarks and to include ex- Buck Fitzpatrick Hultgren Crowley Kennedy Rangel traneous materials on this measure. Bucshon Fleischmann Hunter Cuellar Kildee Rice (NY) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Burgess Fleming Hurd (TX) Cummings Kilmer Richmond Byrne Flores Hurt (VA) Davis (CA) Kind Roybal-Allard objection to the request of the gen- Calvert Forbes Issa Davis, Danny Kirkpatrick Ruiz tleman from California? Carter (GA) Fortenberry Jenkins (KS) DeFazio Kuster Ruppersberger There was no objection. Carter (TX) Foxx Jenkins (WV) DeGette Langevin Rush Chabot Franks (AZ) Johnson (OH) Delaney Larsen (WA) Ryan (OH) Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker I yield my- Chaffetz Frelinghuysen Johnson, Sam DeLauro Larson (CT) Sa´ nchez, Linda self such time as I may consume. Clawson (FL) Garrett Jolly DelBene Lawrence T. Mr. Speaker, in the Foreign Affairs Coffman Gibbs Jones DeSaulnier Lee Sanchez, Loretta Committee, we have held 30 hearings Cole Gibson Jordan Deutch Levin Sarbanes Collins (GA) Gohmert Joyce Dingell Lewis Schakowsky and briefings on Iran since these nego- Collins (NY) Goodlatte Katko Doggett Lieu, Ted Schiff tiations began. We have reviewed this

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:23 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10SE7.019 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5912 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 agreement in depth; but, Mr. Speaker, us—to Hamas. It has committed to re- I reserve the balance of my time. I can come to no other conclusion than build the network of tunnels from Gaza Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- not only does it come up short, it is fa- to attack Israel. self such time as I may consume. tally flawed and, indeed, dangerous. I Mr. ENGEL and I were in one of those Over the past 2 years, I have sup- will oppose the measure before us. We tunnels last year. They have agreed in ported our negotiating team in the should have gotten a better deal. Iran to replenish the medium-range P5+1. I have favored giving time and Indeed, when the House passed stiff missile arsenal of Hamas, and they are space to achieve a diplomatic break- Iran sanctions legislation—now, this working right now, they claim, to give through to foreclose Iran’s pathways to was in 2013—in the prior Congress, we precision-guided missiles to Hezbollah. a . I am grateful for the passed this legislation, authored by I can tell you I was in Haifa in 2006 tireless efforts by President Obama, myself and Mr. ENGEL, by a vote, a bi- when it was under constant bombard- Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz, Sec- partisan vote in this body, of 400–20. ment by those types of rockets, but retary Lew, and Undersecretary Sher- The intention of that legislation was they weren’t precision-guided. Every man. I appreciate the work of our P5+1 to put that additional leverage on Iran day, they slammed into the city, and partners in concluding an agreement and force the Ayatollah to make a there were 600 victims in the trauma with Iran. choice between real compromise—real hospital. Now Iran has transferred But, unfortunately, I cannot support compromise—on his nuclear program eightfold the number of missiles, and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac- and economic collapse if he did not. they want to give them the guidance tion, and I plan to oppose this resolu- systems. They need money to pay for tion. 1730 b those guidance systems. Let me say at the outset, I was trou- Unfortunately, the Secretary of Iran won late concessions to remove bled that Iran was not asked to stop State and the administration worked international restrictions on its bal- enriching, while we were talking, de- to ensure that the other body never listic missile program and on its con- spite several U.N. Security Council res- took that measure up. ventional arms, and that imperils the olutions calling for a pause; and after security of the region and, frankly, the This legislation would have put more using this review period to assess the pressure, as I say, on Iran and might security of our homeland. For some, the risks in this agreement details of the agreement, I am not con- have led to an acceptable deal; but in- vinced that this deal does enough to stead of an ironclad agreement that is are worth it as they see an Iran that is changing for the better. As one sup- keep a nuclear weapon out of Iran’s verifiable and holds Iran to account, we porter of this agreement told our com- hands. are considering an agreement that mittee, President Obama is betting I have raised questions and concerns leaves Iran, in a few short years, only that, in 10 or 15 years, we will have a throughout the negotiating phase and steps away from a nuclear weapons kinder, gentler Iran. review period. The answers I have re- program, one that would be on an in- But that is a bet against everything ceived simply don’t convince me that dustrial scale. we have seen out of the regime since this deal will keep a nuclear weapon Under the agreement, Iran is not re- the 1979 revolution. Already, Iranian out of Iran’s hands. It may, in fact, quired to dismantle key bomb-making leaders insist that international in- strengthen Iran’s position as a desta- technology. Instead, it is permitted a spectors won’t see the inside of Iran’s bilizing and destructive influence vast enrichment capacity, reversing military bases and that Iran can ad- across the Middle East. decades of bipartisan nonproliferation vance its missiles and weapons without First of all, I don’t believe that this policy that never imagined endorsing breaking the agreement. It is guaran- deal gives international inspectors ade- this type of nuclear infrastructure for teed that Iran will game the agreement quate access to undeclared sites—24 any country, never mind a country to its advantage. days is far, far too long a time. Iran that lives by the motto ‘‘death to So we must ask ourselves: Will inter- can stall, and, in 24 days, they can America.’’ national bureaucrats call out Iran, cover up whatever they have. I am es- While Members of Congress insisted knowing that doing so will put this pecially troubled by reports about how on anywhere, anytime inspections, U.S. international agreement at risk? We the Iranian military base at negotiators settled for something are not calling them out now as they will be inspected. With these potential called managed access. So, instead of are transferring weapons. roadblocks, the IAEA inspectors may allowing international inspectors into Will this administration, which be unable to finish their investigation those suspicious sites within 24 hours, didn’t even insist that four American into the potential military dimensions it will take 24 days, and that is to com- hostages come home as part of this of Iran’s nuclear program. I don’t think mence the process. agreement, be any tougher on Iran in it is essential that Iran provide a full Worse, there have been revelations in implementing this deal? mea culpa of its past activities, but we recent days about an agreement be- Does this serve the long-term na- should have a clear picture of how far tween Iran and the ’ nu- tional security interests of the United Iran has gotten in developing a nuclear clear watchdog. This agreement sets States? Does it make the world and, weapon. the conditions in which a key Iranian frankly, the region more safe? more I also view as a dangerous concession military site that is suspected of nu- stable? more secure? the sunset of the international sanc- Is there any other reason Iran—an clear bomb work—suspected in the tions on advanced conventional weap- energy rich country—is advancing its sense that we have 1,000 pages of evi- ons and ballistic missiles. I was told nuclear technology other than to make dence of that bomb work—will be ex- that these issues were not on the table a nuclear weapon? plored. And why do its leaders chant ‘‘death during the talks; so it is unacceptable Mr. Speaker, as we have heard, those to America’’ and ‘‘death to Israel’’? to me that, after 5 years, Iran can details have been kept from Congress. ran a story on begin buying advanced conventional We don’t have those details in our , which is the national pa- weapons and, after 8 years, ballistic hands; but it is reported that, instead rade. It was some weeks ago. There was missiles. Worse, if Iran were to violate of international inspectors doing the President Rouhani—the so-called mod- the weakened provisions in this agree- inspecting, the Iranians, themselves, erate—marching in that parade. Behind ment, such an action wouldn’t violate will take the inspection lead. Iran has him, the crowd was chanting. It was the JCPOA and wouldn’t be subject to cheated on every agreement they have chanting ‘‘.’’ In front snapback sanctions. signed, so why do we trust them now to of them, they carried placards on ei- In my view, Iran is a grave threat to self-police? ther side of him that read, ‘‘Death to international stability. It is the largest The deal guts the sanctions web that Israel.’’ Why does their leader march in state sponsor of terrorism in the world. is putting intense pressure on Iran. Bil- the Quds parade, and why does that re- It continues to hold American citizens lions will be made available to Iran to frain constantly come from the clerics? behind bars on bogus charges, and our pursue its terrorism. Indeed, Iran’s I hope that all Members will consider prisoners still languish there. We have elite has transferred these questions as they consider this an agreement. Their release was not funds—and this should bother all of vote. part of the agreement. Iran’s actions

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.065 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5913 have made a bad situation in a chaotic in the region? How do we keep re- was more interest on making sure that region worse. sources out of the hands of terrorists as a deal could be reached that China and Even under the weight of inter- sanctions are lifted? What support does and Iran could finally agree to. national sanctions these past few Congress need to provide so that the And the problem is, when you look at years—when Iran had no money, when United States and our partners can the fatal flaw of that negotiation, what its currency was worthless, when its hold Iran to its word and ultimately has it yielded? And why is there such economy was in the toilet—Iran found keep it from getting a bomb? strong opposition across the country money to support international terror. The time to start answering these from members of both parties to this Iran has been able to support terrorist questions is now. agreement? groups, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and That is why, in the days and weeks I think most Americans recognize other violent extremists. Awash in new ahead, I will reach out to colleagues— that Iran cannot be trusted with a nu- cash provided by sanctions relief, Iran Republicans and Democrats alike—to clear weapon. Just look at their own will be poised to inflict even greater chart a path forward. I will be working rhetoric. Just this week the Ayatollah damage in , , Iraq, Leb- with Chairman ROYCE and others on himself led the chant ‘‘death to Amer- anon, Israel, and our Gulf partners. both sides of the aisle. I will develop ica.’’ Iran’s leadership has every interest in new legislation to counter Iran as it These are the people that the Presi- shoring up support from hard-liners. dumps its soon-to-be-acquired billions dent is negotiating with to ultimately After all, if a deal goes through, hard- of dollars into terrorist groups and end up at the end of this deal with the liners will need to be placated. weapons programs. I will work with ability to develop not just a nuclear I can tell you that, within the next other lawmakers toward new initia- bomb, but a nuclear arsenal, Mr. few years—in the next Lebanon war tives that support Israel and our Mid- Speaker. with Israel—Hezbollah will have mis- dle East allies so that they can stand Just look at the tenets of the deal siles raining down on Israel, and some up to an unleashed Iran; and I will itself. One of the conditions in the deal of those missiles will be paid for by the work here in Congress and with the ad- actually allows Iran to have more than windfall that Iran is going to get as a ministration to make sure the deal is 5,000 centrifuges. If they comply with result of sanctions being lifted. I think fully implemented to the letter. the deal, they can keep more than 5,000 that is unacceptable. We need to focus on strengthening centrifuges to enrich . We can have no illusions about what our deterrence in the region; and, most It took Pakistan about 3,000 cen- Iran will do with its newfound wealth. importantly, we have to work hard to trifuges to develop their bomb, and We can have no doubt about the malev- continue to enhance the U.S.-Israel re- Iran will have over 5,000 centrifuges if olent intent of a country’s leader who lationship. We must reinvigorate the they comply with the deal, let alone if chants ‘‘death to America’’ and ‘‘death bipartisan consensus which has been they cheat. And we know the history to Israel’’ just days after concluding a the foundation of America’s relation- there. deal. The ink was not even dry on the ship with Israel; and we must ensure Let’s look at other components of deal, and 4 days later, the Supreme that Israel is able to maintain its qual- the deal, Mr. Speaker. In this deal, if Leader led a chant of ‘‘death to Amer- itative military edge and its ability to there is a site that is undeclared and ica.’’ After negotiating with us and defend itself. our intelligence along the way over agreeing to this agreement, he could The world is watching us this week. these next few years exposes the fact not even wait more than 4 days—back The United States is being looked to, that there is something there that we to the same old ‘‘death to America.’’ not for rhetoric and outrage, but for want to go look at, that we question Finally and very importantly, I have leadership and resolve. So let’s present whether or not they are cheating, Mr. a fundamental concern that, 15 years our arguments and cast our votes. Speaker, we have to get permission from now, under this agreement, Iran Then let’s work together to move for- under this deal and wait over 24 days. will be free to produce weapons-grade, ward in a productive way. I appreciate Imagine all of the things that can be highly without any how we have worked together on the hidden in 24 days if we have the intel- limitation. What does that mean? It Foreign Affairs Committee with Chair- ligence that they are cheating. How means Iran will be a legitimized nu- man ROYCE. could this be part of a deal that we clear threshold state after the year Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of would agree to that is in the American 2030, with advanced centrifuges and the my time. best interest? ability to stockpile enriched uranium. Ultimately, what we have to come to b 1745 So, in reality, this agreement does not an agreement on is what is in the best prevent Iran from having a nuclear Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I appre- interest of the United States of Amer- weapon; it only postpones it. ciate the bipartisan relationship that ica. If Iran pursues that course, I fear it all of the Members on the Foreign Af- Mr. Speaker, we also ought to be con- could spark a nuclear arms race across fairs Committee have, but especially cerned about our allies, Israel, and the the region. After years of intran- today, the words of Mr. ENGEL that other Arab states in the region that sigence, I am simply not confident that every Member of this House should be have deep, grave concerns about this, Iran will be a more responsible partner. mindful that impugning motives, ques- others that are indicating that this Before I finish, I would also like to tioning the motives of those who dis- will start a nuclear arms race in the say a few words about the debate sur- agree with us, is not conducive to an Middle East. rounding this issue so far. honest and fair debate over these Within 10 years, you could have near- We can disagree on the issues. We issues. I thank him for making that ly a half a dozen states in the Middle should debate the details of any impor- point on the floor today. East with nuclear arms. This isn’t the tant policy, such as this one, and we At this time, I yield 3 minutes to the way we ought to go. must rely on our democratic institu- gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. SCA- Then, of course, there are the secret tions to carry us forward as they have LISE), the majority whip. side deals. We have seen evidence now for so long; but we cannot question the Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, when the that there are secret side deals that motives of any Member of Congress no President started these negotiations the President won’t disclose. matter where he or she stands on this with Iran, I think, when you look at The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. issue. the fatal flaw in the beginning of those CARTER of Georgia). The time of the So, instead of using this time to negotiations, they should have started gentleman has expired. grind a political ax, let’s, instead, look with one basic premise. That premise, Mr. ROYCE. I yield the gentleman an down the road. After all, we know that Mr. Speaker, ought to have been to fi- additional 1 minute. this deal is going forward, and when nally force Iran to dismantle their nu- Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, under that happens, we need to ask how we clear weapons program. the law that President Obama himself can make this agreement stronger. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, that was signed, the law actually says the Presi- How do we ensure the security of not the objective of these negotiations. dent has to disclose to Congress and Israel and our other friends and allies In fact, if you look, it seemed there the American people all information

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That is many flaws of this deal and giving the Mr. Speaker, these are the people already settled. other side the opportunity to present that this deal is going to allow to in- Mr. Speaker, the President never told what is good about this deal. spect their own nuclear facilities. The Iran that Congress would approve this Mr. Speaker, after all of those hear- President ought to release to the deal. Why should we give Iran more ings in our Foreign Affairs Committee American people the details of these than they bargained for? They bar- led by Mr. ROYCE and Mr. ENGEL, it is secret side agreements right now or gained for the President’s signature to- simple to realize what is before us withdraw this entire proposal. gether with his freedom to carry out today. This deal paves the way for a President Reagan said, ‘‘Trust, but the deal. That is already settled. Why nuclear-armed Iran in as little as 15 verify.’’ Under this agreement, Presi- should we give Iran something extra in years. dent Obama is saying trust Iran to return for nothing? This deal lifts the . verify. You cannot allow this to go We should not vote to approve this This deal lifts the sanctions on Iran’s through. deal. ballistic missile program. This deal re- I urge all of my colleagues to reject The next thing we can all agree on is leases billions of dollars that will allow this deal. The President lays out a that this deal is not a binding agree- the regime to increase funding to sup- false premise that it is this deal or war. ment as a matter of U.S. Constitu- port terror, as it has been doing, to I would suggest, Mr. Speaker, there tional law or international law. support its regional hegemonic ambi- is a much different approach, a much The Constitution defines a treaty. tions. better approach, and that is to go get a This is not a treaty and certainly If all of that were not bad enough, better deal that protects the interest of wouldn’t get a two-thirds vote con- with this deal, the P5+1 countries will the United States of America for today firmation in the Senate. actually be obligated to help Iran mod- and for decades to come. If you look at the Vienna Convention ernize and advance its nuclear pro- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 on the law of treaties, this is not a gram. Yes. You heard that right. This minutes to the gentleman from Cali- ratified treaty, it is not an unratified is important because this moderniza- fornia (Mr. SHERMAN), a very valued treaty, it is not a legislative executive tion requirement gets lost with all of member of our committee and one of agreement. It is simply an agreement the other many flaws of this deal. We actually have an agreement be- the subcommittee ranking members. between the executives of the respec- fore us to help Iran strengthen its abil- Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, when I tive governments. ity to protect against nuclear security came to this House in 1997, a few Mr. Speaker, the next thing we can threats, to protect it against , months after I started serving on the agree on is that we don’t know what to protect all the physical sites. the best policy for America is in the Foreign Affairs Committee, I said back Incredibly enough, we will be helping then that the Iran nuclear program next decade. Let’s keep our options Iran with its nuclear program. So now, was the greatest single threat to the open. Iran is not legally bound by this not only do we have to allow Iran to security of Americans. It was true agreement. Even if they were, they enrich, not only do we have to allow then. It is true now. would conveniently ignore that any Iran to become a nuclear threshold On July 14, a few hours after the deal day of the week. state, but, yes, we must actually pro- We cannot feel that we are legally was published, I came to this floor and tect Iran’s nuclear program from sabo- bound. Now, as a legal matter, we are said that what this House ought to do tage and outside threats. is consider a Resolution of Approval of not. But appearances matter. And if Mr. Speaker, how does a rogue re- the nuclear deal and to vote it down by this agreement that has been signed by gime that has been in violation of its a large vote. That is exactly what we the President gets a positive vote of nonproliferation treaty obligations for will do tomorrow morning. approval in this House, there will be decades, a rogue regime that has been Let me go through a number of those around the world who believe in violation of—one, two, three, four, points that proponents and opponents that it is binding on the United States, five—six United Nations Security of this deal can both agree on. The first even while, as a legal matter, it is not Council resolutions and a regime that is this resolution is quite a bit dif- binding on Iran and, oh, by the way, violates other international obliga- ferent than the one we have been their legislature hasn’t voted to ap- tions get to be the beneficiary of such thinking about for the last month. prove it. protections from the U.S. and other This is a Resolution of Approval. And So we need freedom of action. What P5+1 countries? even if we vote it down, the President form will that action take? Will we de- This is madness, Mr. Speaker. It sim- can and will carry out this agreement. mand that Iran continue to limit its ply defies logic. We must oppose this That is very different from the Reso- nuclear program beyond year 10, be- deal. Let’s vote that way. lution of Disapproval that we have all yond year 15? Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 talked about and made commitments After all, we are continuing the sanc- minutes to the gentleman from Florida about. tions relief all through the next dec- (Mr. DEUTCH), a very important mem- We don’t have any commitments on ade. I don’t know if that will be the ber of the committee, the ranking this resolution. It is a totally new reso- right policy or not. member of the Middle East and North lution. This resolution will express the Mr. Speaker, the current President’s Africa Subcommittee. feelings of Congress, but will not pre- hands are untied. He gets to carry out Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank vent the President from carrying out his policy for the remainder of the the ranking member for yielding. I the deal. term. Vote no on this resolution. Be- thank the chairman for his leadership Second, we can agree this deal is bet- cause if we vote yes, we are tying the in the committee. ter during the next year and a half hands of future Presidents in a decade Mr. Speaker, there have been a lot of than it is the next decade. The controls to come. points made during this debate. I would on Iran’s nuclear program are much Mr. ROYCE. I yield 3 minutes to the like to set some context for the rest of stronger for the first 10 years than they gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- the evening. are thereafter. LEHTINEN), chairman emeritus of the Iran’s regime is anti-American. They Whether you like the deal or hate the Committee on Foreign Affairs who cur- are anti-Israel. They are homophobic. deal, you have got to agree that it is rently chairs our Subcommittee on the They are misogynistic. They violate better up front than it is in the out- Middle East and North Africa. the human rights of their people. years. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Iran’s support for terrorists has led The third thing we can agree on is want to highlight the hard work of our directly to the deaths of American citi- that the President only promised Iran esteemed chairman, Mr. ROYCE of Cali- zens. It actively works to destabilize

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It means enhanc- verification measures spelled out in se- his own people. ing Israel’s qualitative military edge cret side deals between Iran and the As we gather here today, four Ameri- and making Iran know that the pen- IAEA, which Secretary Kerry testified cans—, Amir Hekmati, alties should it cheat and break out to to me that even he has not seen. As- , my constituent Bob a bomb will be punishing. toundingly, the AP reports that the Levinson—are in Iran, held by the re- It means intensifying sanctions al- side deal allows Iran to self-inspect its gime and unable to return home to ready enshrined in U.S. law for Iranian nuclear sites. their families. support for terrorism and violation of Now, the American people, through Mr. Speaker, it is well known that I human rights. President Obama rightly their representatives in Congress, are oppose this deal. On the nuclear issue, made this point last week: nothing in expected to vote on this measure with- it does not dismantle Iran’s nuclear this deal prevents the United States out seeing these secret deals, which program. It pauses it. from sanctioning people, banks, and goes to the heart of verification. This, Now, inspections in Nantanz and businesses that support terrorism, and in my judgment, is nothing short of Fordow are very positive, as is the we must do so together. reckless. monitoring of the fuel cycle and the re- What happens next? I will vote Let’s be clear-eyed about what we are duction in enriched uranium. But we against the deal. Mr. Speaker, there debating. This was not a negotiation cannot access other suspected nuclear will be a day after the final resolution with an honest government; it was a sites in less than 24 days. of this nuclear deal, and on that day, negotiation with terrorists who chant If we find Iran in violation of this this House must work together to en- ‘‘death to America’’ and are respon- agreement, we cannot restore sanc- sure that Iran’s terrorism is checked sible for more than a thousand Amer- tions to the punishing level of today and that Iran never obtains a nuclear ican casualties in Iraq alone. If we and, if we snap back sanctions, Mr. weapon. On that, we all agree. allow this deal to go forward, we are Speaker, Iran has the right to cease Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 putting the security of the world at performing its obligations under the minutes to the gentleman from Texas grave risk. agreement altogether. (Mr. MCCAUL), chairman of the Com- Finally, Mr. Speaker, for the sake of mittee on Homeland Security and a our Nation’s security and in defense of b 1800 member of the Committee on Foreign the free world, I cannot in good con- While there has been a lot of specula- Affairs. science support this agreement. tion about what could happen in the Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, for the Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I now yield absence of a deal, we know that, under last decade, Congress has passed bipar- 31⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from this deal, the regime will get billions of tisan sanctions to get to the point Florida, DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. dollars to support terrorism; we know where we are today, and the purpose of Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. the arms embargo will be lifted, mean- these sanctions was to dismantle Iran’s Speaker, I rise in support of the motion ing that the most advanced weapons nuclear weapons program. to approve this agreement. After a will be available to the regime; and we This agreement does not achieve that thorough review process, I believe it is know that the ban on the development goal. In fact, this agreement puts Iran, in the best interests of ballistic missiles will be lifted. the world’s largest state sponsor of ter- of the United States and our allies for Now, I have heard a lot of criticism ror, on a glidepath to a nuclear bomb. Congress to support the Joint Com- of those of us who oppose the deal. I Proponents say it is the only alter- prehensive Plan of Action. don’t want war, Mr. Speaker. To the native to war, but I believe that is a I have been a public official for near- contrary, I want to prevent Iran from false choice. ly 23 years. This is the most consequen- using billions of dollars to cause more I recently met with Prime Minister tial vote I have taken and the most dif- violence and its surrogates to cause Netanyahu, and he agreed that our goal ficult decision I have ever faced. I have more bloodshed. should be a good deal, but that we can- spent the review period methodically I don’t want the start of an arms not put our security at risk for a bad going through the agreement, raising race. To the contrary, I want to pre- deal. Make no mistake, this is a bad concerns with the administration, and vent Iran from developing advanced deal for America and for our allies. speaking with independent sources, in- centrifuges and an industrial nuclear It will not stop Iran’s nuclear pro- cluding nuclear nonproliferation ex- program with an unlimited number of gram. It will leave Iran with the ingre- perts, economists, and foreign ambas- centrifuges so that other nations will dients for a bomb and infrastructure to sadors. not seek nuclear weapons. build it, and it will spark a nuclear I also held a series of meetings and Mr. Speaker, I don’t oppose this deal arms race in the Middle East. It will spoke with many constituents who fer- because of politics or my religion or give Iran a cash windfall, freeing up vently hold very strong and differing the people who live in my district. I over $100 billion to fuel the regime’s positions. My goal was to determine have simply concluded that the risks global campaign of Islamist terror. whether the Joint Comprehensive Plan are too great. Incredibly, this agreement lifts re- of Action is the most likely path to Now, these past few weeks have been strictions on Iran’s ballistic missiles, prevent Iran from achieving their nu- challenging for all of us. Reasonable which the Ayatollah himself said that clear weapons goals. people can disagree, and I am saddened they will mass-produce. There is only This agreement is clearly not perfect. by the often vitriolic comments hurled one reason to develop an ICBM, Mr. It is one tool that we have to combat at those of us with different views on Speaker, and that is to deliver a nu- Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Ultimately, both sides. I also disagree with the de- clear warhead across continents, which my support is based on substance. Im- cision by the Republican leadership to means the United States. portantly, my Jewish identity and make up new rules, ignoring our abil- A top Iranian general bragged re- Jewish heart weighed heavily in my de- ity to have an impact right now cently that his country will have ‘‘a cisionmaking process. through the Iran Nuclear Agreement new ballistic missile test in the near As we listen to Iran’s leaders call for Review Act that passed 400–25. future that will be a thorn in the eyes the destruction of the Jewish people in The consequences of this deal, Mr. of our enemies.’’ Israel, history offers a brutal reminder Speaker, present us with some harsh President Reagan’s famous negoti- of what happens when we do not listen. realities, but rather than denying ating advice was to ‘‘trust, but verify.’’ Iran continues to be a leading state them, it is now time for Congress to We can’t trust a regime that has cheat- sponsor of terrorism, but an Iran with begin the work of defying them, and it ed on every deal. President Rouhani a nuclear weapon or Hezbollah or will require bipartisan support to do it. says his country’s centrifuges will Hamas with a nuclear shield is far

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With the JCPOA in whose Supreme Leader, to this day, manently prevent the path- place, we will have Iran’s nuclear pro- calls for the annihilation of Israel, a way to a nuclear weapon at Arak; it gram under the most intrusive moni- regime that still chants ‘‘death to will disable and mothball two-thirds of toring and inspection mechanisms in America,’’ a regime that has put boun- Iran’s enrichment centrifuges, includ- place, while we continue to combat ties on the heads of American soldiers ing more advanced models; it will ter- Iran’s terrorist reach. and has the blood of American citizens minate all enrichment at Fordow; and I have personally spoken with the on its hands, a regime whose sponsor- it will provide for intrusive inspections President and my colleagues about ship of Hezbollah has left our closest of nuclear sites in perpetuity. steps that we must and will take to ally in the region, Israel, with 80,000 This is an unprecedented degrading— continue strengthening Israel’s and our rockets trained on it. not just a freezing, a massive degrad- other allies’ intelligence and military In sum, it is a regime that simply ing—of Iran’s nuclear program. No capabilities. Opponents say we must represents the world’s largest and most military strike or strikes could achieve press for a better deal, but after thor- dangerous state sponsor of terrorism. as much. oughly investigating this prospect, I Now, President Obama would have us I challenge any of the agreement’s am left with no evidence that one is believe that waiving sanctions against detractors to present a viable alter- likely or even possible. this regime would make the world native that achieves the same result I heard directly from our allies, top safer, but this is the very same Presi- and will verifiably prevent a nuclear- diplomats, and analysts from across dent that dismissed the Islamic State armed Iran for the foreseeable future. as the JV team, and we see what that the political spectrum that the sanc- They won’t—and they haven’t—because has gotten us. tions regime that we have in place now This is simply not an administration they can’t. There simply isn’t a viable will erode, if not completely fall apart. whose assessment of national security diplomatic or military alternative for Moreover, our partners will not come threats is credible, and the stakes in- preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon. back to the negotiating table, and nei- volved with a nuclear Iran leave zero The notion that we could somehow ther will Iran, and no one opposed to room for error. unilaterally reject the agreement and this deal has produced any evidence to In truth, Mr. Speaker, I fear it is we still compel the P5+1 to resume nego- the contrary. who sent the JV team to negotiate tiations is pure fantasy. Our inter- I cannot comprehend why we would with Iran. Sadly, they were outplayed, national partners have made clear that walk away from the safeguards in this outmaneuvered, and outwitted; and the reinstating the effective sanctions re- agreement, leaving Iran speeding to- result of their failure is the dangerous gime that brought Iran to the negoti- ward a nuclear weapon. Safeguards like agreement we have before us today. ating table would be impossible. For 24/7/365 access, monitoring all of Iran’s It is such a flawed agreement that Congress to scuttle the deal would de- previously declared nuclear sites, the President, yet again, tells Congress stroy our credibility as a negotiating eliminating 98 percent of Iran’s highly we have to pass something to actually party and would very likely put Iran enriched uranium stockpile, and the find out what is in it. In other words, right back on the path to developing a unprecedented standard of monitoring the President has utterly failed to pro- weapon. every stage of the nuclear supply vide the secret side agreements. The stakes couldn’t be higher. The chain. President Obama once told us we nuclear issue should transcend polit- Even if Iran cheats, we will know cannot allow Iran to get a nuclear ical opportunism and partisan rancor. much more about their nuclear pro- weapon, but under his deal, Iran’s nu- We should be working together across gram, allowing us to more effectively clear program will not be dismantled, party lines to ensure the swift and ef- eliminate it if that ever becomes nec- only temporarily slowed, and that is if fective implementation of the JCPOA. essary. the Iranians don’t cheat; but the Presi- We should be exploring ways that we As a Jewish mother and as a Member dent’s team has failed to achieve any- can enhance cooperative efforts with of Congress, nothing is more important time, anywhere inspections. Thus, it Israel and the international commu- to me than ensuring the safety and se- will be impossible to ensure the Ira- nity to address Iran’s support for curity of the United States and Israel. nians aren’t cheating. Hezbollah and its gross abuse of human I am confident that supporting this Ah, but don’t worry, Mr. Speaker, we rights as well as other critical chal- agreement is the best opportunity that are told the Iranians will turn them- lenges in the Middle East. we have to do that. selves in if they cheat—really? In Today, we can start down that path Mr. Speaker, we have an expression short, the President’s agreement re- by supporting the agreement. I urge in Judaism, may the United States go wards Iran’s terrorist-sponsoring re- my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on the res- from strength to strength, and as we gime with billions of dollars in relief olution of approval. say in synagogue, the people of Israel without any guarantee of compliance. Mr. ROYCE. I yield 2 minutes to the live—am Yisrael chai. When you look at the record, Mr. gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Speaker, I don’t trust this administra- FOXX). minutes to the gentleman from Texas tion. I don’t trust the Iranians. Why Ms. FOXX. I want to thank my col- (Mr. HENSARLING), chairman of the would we ever trust the two together? league from the Foreign Affairs Com- Committee on Financial Services. For the sake of our national security, I mittee for his leadership on this work. Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to reject this Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my rise in strong opposition to President flawed, dangerous agreement. strong opposition to this legislation Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran. Now, Mr. ENGEL. I yield 3 minutes to the that would clear the way for the Presi- the President says it is a good deal; gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. dent’s misguided deal with Iran. and you know what, he is right. It is a PRICE). The United States must continue to Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. very good deal for Iran; but it is a very stand between Iran and nuclear weap- Speaker, I rise today in strong support bad deal for America. ons capability, but instead, the deal le- of this historic nuclear agreement I fear, in his rush to try to build a gitimizes Iran’s nuclear achievements reached by the United States and our legacy, the President has clearly given and strengthens its extremist regime. negotiating partners with Iran. For the up far too much for far too little. He The agreement gradually removes sake of our national security and that has done this at the expense of our se- the key barriers that prevent Iran from of our allies, we must seize this unique curity, as well as the security of our obtaining nuclear weapons capabilities, opportunity. friend Israel and other U.S. allies. In the midst of all these wild charges, from growing its economic influence in Mr. Speaker, this is a deadly serious let’s just try to get some perspective. the Middle East, and from continuing matter. The first thing the President In fact, this agreement goes far beyond its state funding of terrorist organiza- does in his agreement with Iran is to any negotiated nuclear deal in history. tions that threaten the security of the give them some startup capital. An es- country and the well-being of our al- timated $120 billion held abroad will b 1815 lies. now be repatriated back to Iran’s cen- It will reduce Iran’s stockpiled ura- This deal lifts critical economic tral bank, $120 billion to a regime nium by nearly 98 percent; it will per- sanctions that have limited Iran’s

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.071 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5917 scope of influence in the region, re- ica will use all of its economic might sionable material for a nuclear bomb moves the arms embargo, and lifts mis- to put tough sanctions back in place. for at least 15 years. The inspection sile program restrictions. If we do this deal, let’s look at what and verification procedures against il- For these reasons, I oppose the Presi- the next 25 years looks like. licit plutonium production or uranium dent’s deal and urge my colleagues to Immediately, in the next 12 months, enrichment are airtight. oppose this legislation. Iran will get their hands on $50 billion The questions that have been raised Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would to $150 billion. The money will not be about inspection procedures—the so- like to inquire how much time I have used for their citizens. It will be used called side deals, the alleged self-in- remaining. to perpetuate terror around the world. spection—do not relate to the central The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Iran will get its money; we won’t get issue of production of fissionable mate- tleman has 8 minutes remaining. our four Americans. rial. And without fissionable material, Mr. ENGEL. I yield 2 minutes to the Over the next 12 months, they will you cannot make a bomb. start to cheat and they will get a bomb gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LIPINSKI). Even after 15 years, when some of the or two. Over the next 12 months, we are Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, the Iran restrictions will be eased, we would going to start an arms race in the Mid- nuclear agreement should be judged on still know instantly about any attempt dle East. Over the next 1 to 5 years, we what is best for our national security to make bomb materials because the will try and snap back sanctions, but and what is more likely to produce inspectors and the electronic and pho- that will be ineffective because all the peace. I believe that peace has a better tographic surveillance will still be long-term contracts will be grand- chance if we reject this deal, keep there. The options available to a future sanctions on, and go back to the nego- fathered in. In 5 years, Iran will be buying con- President for stopping Iran then would tiating table to get a better agreement. be better than the options available This agreement was supposed to pre- ventional weapons. In 8 years, they will have a ballistic missile. In 10 years, be- now if the deal is rejected because we vent Iran from obtaining a nuclear would have more access, instant intel- weapon, but, at best, Iran will be a nu- cause of their cheating, they will have a ballistic missile with a nuclear bomb ligence, and more knowledge of the Ira- clear threshold state in 15 years. By nian program. practically guaranteeing and legiti- pointed at the United States of Amer- ica. And in 25 years, our friend and ally The argument that if we reject the mizing this access, there will be a rush deal, we can force Iran back to the ne- by others in the region to gain their Israel may not exist. I was in business for 30 years before I gotiating table and obtain a better deal own nuclear weapons, creating an enor- got here, and the one thing I knew is is a fantasy. It is not a viable alter- mously dangerous arms race in the you cannot do a good deal with a bad native. The other countries that have most volatile part of the world. guy. joined us in multilateral sanctions The inspections protocols in the We cannot do this deal with Iran. against Iran have made it clear that agreement are troubling because they Mr. ENGEL. I yield 3 minutes to the they will drop their sanctions if we re- give Iran 24 days to delay inspection gentleman from New York (Mr. NAD- ject the deal; and American sanctions, requests at suspected nuclear sites, a LER). by themselves, have been proven inef- far cry from ‘‘anytime, anywhere.’’ Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise fective in coercing Iran. And the agreement contains deeply today in support of the resolution of We must be very clear that, if nec- concerning sanctions relief on Iran’s approval of the Joint Comprehensive essary, the United States will use mili- acquisition of conventional weapons Plan of Action. tary force to prevent an Iranian nu- and ballistic missile technology in 5 Throughout this debate, there have clear bomb; but the odds of that being and 8 years, respectively. been accusations questioning the mo- necessary are significantly less with These are just some of my concerns tives and loyalties of Members in mak- approval of this deal than with rejec- that lead me, after careful consider- ing this decision. It is precisely be- tion of the agreement. ation, to oppose this agreement. cause I believe this agreement is in the Mr. Speaker, we should and we can The SPEAKER pro tempore. The interest of the United States and be- time of the gentleman has expired. do better. I urge my colleagues to re- cause I have been a strong supporter of ject this resolution. Mr. ENGEL. I yield the gentleman an Israel my entire life that I am sup- additional 30 seconds. Mr. ROYCE. I yield 2 minutes to the porting the Iran nuclear agreement. gentleman from Michigan (Mr. TROTT). This must not be a vote of politics Mr. NADLER. Going forward, it re- Mr. TROTT. Mr. Speaker, I want to but of conscience. I, for one, could not mains vital that we continue to pursue thank Chairman ROYCE and Ranking live with myself if I voted in a way ways to further guarantee the security Member ENGEL for all of their hard that I believe would put the lives of of the United States, of Israel, and of work. Americans and Israelis at greater risk our other allies in the Middle East. The fact that we are even debating of an Iranian nuclear bomb. This will require strict and diligent whether to enter into this agreement is My priority and overriding objective oversight of the implementation of the very troubling. in assessing this agreement has been to agreement, maintaining Israel’s quali- Let’s be clear what we are talking prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear tative military edge, and countering about. The United States of America is bomb. The interests of the United Iran’s support for terrorism and other going to enter into a deal with a rogue States and of Israel in this respect are destabilizing conduct. nation who refuses to release the four identical. In addition to constituting We must be ready to take action Americans they are holding, who has an existential threat to Israel, a nu- against Iran’s nefarious behavior, and cheated on every deal they have been clear-armed Iran would make Iran’s Iran must know that the United States party to over the past 30 years, who is conventional threats more dangerous will never allow it to pose a nuclear a party to secret deals we cannot see, and difficult to counter and pose a threat to the region and the world. who calls all of us the , greater danger to the United States, to Mr. ROYCE. I yield 3 minutes to the who calls for death to our citizens and the region, and to the world. gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. wants to wipe Israel off the face of the The question before us is not whether DENT), chairman of the Committee on Earth. And we are told the deal is nec- this is a good deal. The question is Ethics. essary because the United States of which of the two options available to Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in op- America has no other option. us—supporting or rejecting the deal—is position to this bill and the underlying Has it really come to this? We have more likely to avert a nuclear-armed Iran nuclear agreement. options. One option is a better deal, Iran. I have concluded, after examining Despite entering into these negotia- and a better deal looks like this: re- all the arguments, that supporting the tions from a position of strength—that lease the four Americans, no sunset Iran nuclear agreement gives us the would be the United States—the deal clause, and inspections just like we better chance of preventing Iran from before us fails to achieve the goal of were promised—anytime, anywhere. developing a nuclear weapon. preventing Iran’s capacity to develop a And if these terms are unacceptable to The agreement will shut Iran’s path- nuclear weapon. It simply contains or Iran, then the United States of Amer- ways to developing the necessary fis- manages Iran’s nuclear program.

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As recently as yester- I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on Iran with billions of dollars of funds day, Ayatollah Khamenei declared: ‘‘I the motion of approval and reject this that will bolster the Revolutionary am saying to Israel that they would deal. Tell the world where we stand. Guard and nonstate militant groups. not live to see the end of these 25 Whether our partners around the world The deal ends the conventional arms years. There will be no such thing as a can see the clear-eyed threat that embargo and the prohibition on bal- Zionist regime in 25 years.’’ these folks represent to the world for listic missile technology. Not only will This is a bad deal, and we should re- the next several decades, we can see it, this result in conventional arms flow- ject it. and we must vote ‘‘no.’’ ing to groups like Hezbollah, it con- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 cedes the delivery system for a nuclear minutes to the gentleman from Texas minutes to the gentleman from Texas bomb. (Mr. CONAWAY), chairman of the Com- (Mr. HINOJOSA). This agreement will provide Iran mittee on Agriculture. Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise with nuclear infrastructure, a missile Mr. CONAWAY. I thank Chairman today in opposition to H.J. Res. 64, delivery system, and the funds to pay ROYCE for yielding time. which disapproves of the Joint Com- for it all. And, by the way, the I in Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi- prehensive Plan of Action negotiated by the P5+1. ICBM means ‘‘intercontinental.’’ I tion to the approval process that is I reviewed the agreement thoroughly, don’t believe that New Zealand and going on and the underlying deal with Iran. It is one of the most consequen- participated in classified briefings, and Mexico are the intended targets. That listened to the many details and intri- would be us. tial foreign policy issues that we will confront, certainly since I have been cacies present by the nuclear and secu- This deal cripples and shatters the rity experts on all sides. This agree- current notion of nuclear nonprolifera- here and, I expect, for the next several decades. ment may not be perfect, but it is the tion. If Iran can enrich uranium, which most viable option we have in reducing they can under this agreement, their This is a terrible deal. I can’t state it any more forcefully. Iran’s capability of acquiring a nuclear Gulf Arab neighbors will likely want to weapon. do the same. We have seen this movie before. In 1994, President Bill Clinton made a deal The JCPOA prolongs Iran’s nuclear I do not want a nuclear arms race, a weapon breakout time, reduces their with North Korea. His deal with North nuclearized Middle East, a region of number of operating centrifuges, and Korea would rid the Korean Peninsula state instability in irrational nonstate decreases Iran’s current stockpile of of nuclear weapons and would usher actors. Someone explain to me how de- low enriched uranium. terrence works under that scenario. We North Korea onto the stage as a re- More importantly, the agreement al- should not reward the ayatollahs with sponsible citizen of the world’s nations. lows the International Atomic Energy billions of dollars and sophisticated That didn’t happen. This is the exact Agency the ability to access and in- weapons in exchange for temporary and same verbiage we heard on this floor spect Iran to verify and ensure compli- unenforceable nuclear restrictions. then that is being said tonight, and ance. Mr. Speaker, I have always supported this is the exact same outcome we will Should Iran cheat, the international a diplomatic resolution to the Iran nu- get with Iran and their nuclear pro- community will come together and clear issue, but this is a dangerously gram. once again reimpose the sanctions that weak agreement. I urge my colleagues Look at their current record. Chief brought Iran to the negotiating table. to reject it. sponsor of state terrorism around the In every situation that involves the world. As their economy improves with b 1830 possibility of using military force to the dropping of the sanctions and the overcome a threat, I will always side Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 resources they will get, do you realisti- with exploring and exhausting every minute to the gentleman from Cali- cally think that this ayatollah will, in possible avenue towards a diplomatic fornia (Mr. VARGAS). fact, become a moderate voice within resolution first. Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank his country? I support the JCPOA because it pro- the gentleman from California for Do you not think he will take those vides a reasonable, balanced, and diplo- yielding. resources and expand the mischief and matic solution rather than a worst- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- terror that he has conducted around case scenario. tion to the Joint Comprehensive Plan the world already under the sanctions In closing, with the support of 36 re- of Action between the P5+1 and Iran. that were in place? tired generals and admirals and 29 of The deal fails to dismantle Iran’s nu- The other side has already given up ’s top scientists, I am con- clear program. It fails to guarantee in- on the snapback provisions. They have fident we are on the right track with trusive enough inspections to ensure argued very eloquently that those this plan. All of these highly distin- that Iran does not cheat, it fails to won’t happen because we can’t rein- guished and experienced leaders agree keep Iran from achieving nuclear force the sanctions that were the heart that this agreement is the most effec- threshold status, and it rewards Iran’s of what got Iran at the table today. tive means currently available to pre- horrific behavior. Mr. Speaker, this deal ushers in a vent Iran from obtaining nuclear weap- In the initial phase of this agree- world that is less safe, less stable, and ons. ment, Iran would quickly receive a less secure. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 whopping sanctions relief package po- Trust must be earned. I trust Iran’s minutes to the gentleman from Indiana tentially totaling $150 billion. We all word when they say that Israel must go (Mr. MESSER), the chair of the Repub- know that Iran is the world’s leading away. I trust Iran when they say lican Policy Committee. state sponsor of terrorism and that this ‘‘death to America.’’ I do not trust Iran Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise money will embolden a regime openly when they say they will abide by this today to oppose this legislation and the committed to confronting the United agreement. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, States and destabilizing the Middle I wouldn’t play golf with these people also known as the Iran nuclear deal. A East. because golf is one of those events chief reason for this opposition is im- In 8 years, Iran legally begins ex- where you have to self-assess your pen- portant, yet simple: The Iran nuclear panding its ballistic missile program alties. They will not do that in playing deal doesn’t make America safer, it and continues expanding its interconti- golf, and they are not about to do it doesn’t make Israel safer, and it nental ballistic missile program under with respect to this nuclear program doesn’t make the rest of the world the guise of satellite testing. that is going on. safer either.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.073 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5919 Whatever your thoughts on this Iran and Iran and say, we just couldn’t sell tions on the Iranian nuclear program. nuclear deal, we should all be able to it; let’s start over. If these restrictions are not adhered to, agree, the world will be a much more The proposition that we would re- the United States can, at any time, dangerous and unstable place if Iran nounce our own agreement that we ne- unilaterally revive the sanctions cur- were to obtain a nuclear weapon. Un- gotiated, wrought by more than a year rently in place. fortunately, the deal the President ne- of tough negotiations, and expect that Congress should immediately begin gotiated won’t stop that from hap- our negotiating partners, including to conduct close oversight to ensure pening. Russia and China and, of course, Iran those terms are implemented and that Instead, under this deal, Iran gets to itself, would sit back down at the table Iran is living up to its obligations. keep its nuclear facilities. Amazingly, and start all over again under our lead- This isn’t about trust. It was Ronald it will be allowed to self-police those ership is specious, if not delusional, as Reagan who said ‘‘trust, but verify.’’ facilities and report directly to the an argument. Former Secretary of State Clinton IAEA, an idea that would be laughable We cannot be naive about the sce- today kind of echoed those words, say- if it were not so crazy. nario in which Congress rejects this ing ‘‘distrust and verify,’’ and that is Iran will get to enrich uranium, all agreement brokered by our own coun- why she supports the agreement. It while receiving sanctions relief to the try. Among our allies, we divest our- does just that. tune of $150 billion—$150 billion selves of the goodwill that undergirded More broadly, the United States pumped into a $400 billion a year na- these negotiations; and among our ad- must signal to Iran that its condem- tional economy; $150 billion that will versaries, we would confirm their sus- nable record on human rights, ter- no doubt be used by Iran to bankroll picion we cannot be trusted. rorism, and regional subversion will terrorist organizations, further desta- The regime not be tolerated; nor will we hide, with bilize the Middle East, and continue that drove Iran to the negotiating this agreement, that action and our re- their work to wipe Israel off the map. table would collapse, and our diplo- sponse to it. In fact, quite the opposite. matic leverage would be diminished in It was Ronald Reagan who said We will redouble our efforts to stop all future U.S.-led negotiations. ‘‘trust but verify’’ during arms control them in that egregious behavior. Most concerning of all, we would re- negotiations with Communist Russia turn, once again, to the situation we b 1845 more than a generation ago, but it are at, one of deep anxiety and uncer- seems the Obama administration is Mr. Speaker, in closing, article I, sec- tainty regarding Iran’s nuclear ambi- asking us to trust Iran and then trust tion 8, clause 11, of the Constitution tions. some more. Well, I’m not willing to do vests Congress with the duty to author- Critics of the agreement have offered ize war. that, and the American people aren’t no alternative and have tried to define willing to do that either. Implicit in that text is Congress’ ad- that agreement by what it is not. It is ditional responsibility to exhaust all We need to stop this bad deal before not a perfect deal that dismantles it is too late and negotiate a better reasonable alternatives before commit- every nut and bolt of the Iranian nu- ting the American people and our men deal, a deal that stops Iran’s nuclear clear development program, peaceful or program and ensures the safety of and women in uniform to such a fateful otherwise. path. America, Israel, and the rest of the It is not a comprehensive resolution The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac- world now and into the future. of the entire relationship and the myr- tion represents our best endeavor to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The iad issues the U.S. and our allies have provide just that alternative. It is the time of the gentleman from New York with the repressive regime in product of earnest diplomacy. Congress (Mr. ENGEL) has expired. and its reprehensible support for ter- should put aside partisanship and sup- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield rorist insurgencies in the region. No port it for the sake of our country. myself such time as I may consume. one ever said it would be. I rise in support of the Joint Com- What arms control agreement in the I reserve the balance of my time. prehensive Plan of Action and against history of our country has ever at- Mr. ROYCE. I yield myself such time the resolution—well, actually, in favor tempted to circumscribe every aspect as I may consume. of the resolution of approval. of a relationship with an adversary? Mr. Speaker, several Members spoke I must say, in starting, we are at a And certainly not this one. In other of Iran’s commitments under this paradoxical moment. The fears, the words, this agreement is the diplo- agreement. While it is true that Iran haunting specter, a terrible thing, the matic alternative we sought to attain has committed to taking certain steps existential threats posed by a nuclear when we entered into these very nego- under the agreement, it is also true Iran are all legitimate fears and legiti- tiations. that Iranians have never complied with mate haunting specters, regional he- The deal adheres to the high stand- any agreement related to its weapons gemony to be avoided. ards of verification, transparency, and program. But ironically, those concerns and compliance on which any acceptable So let’s start with considering what those fears and those outcomes raised agreement with Iran must be founded. Iran’s leaders have been saying today by my friends on the other side of the That isn’t just my word. That is what about this agreement. This is what aisle and the opponents of this agree- former Republican Secretary of State they say. They say that Iran can pur- ment actually come true and are real- Colin Powell says. That is what Repub- sue the development of missiles with- ized if we do what they want us to do, lican former NSC Adviser Brent Scow- out any restrictions. How can that be, which is to reject this agreement. croft says. That is what former Repub- given what is in this agreement? The alternative to this agreement is lican Senator John Warner from my Well, President Rouhani—the sup- an opaque, unconstrained Iranian nu- State says. posed moderate here—has argued re- clear program, Mr. Speaker, hanging The agreement erects an unprece- peatedly that the only restrictions on like the sword of Damocles over all of dented and intrusive inspection regime Iran’s missile developments are in the our heads. And the security of the that provides the IAEA with access to U.N. Security Council resolution. United States and Israel and regional declared nuclear facilities and sus- Endorsing the deal, he says, it is not partners, who knows? pected covert nuclear development in the agreement itself. They don’t rec- The false hope offered by the critics sites. ognize the Security Council resolution. is let’s return to the negotiating table Additionally, they will be able to So he says: We are not restricted by to seek a better deal. A man that I re- monitor Iran’s entire nuclear program this agreement. So what the gentleman spect, at one of our hearings that supply chain, including uranium mines, is quoting, they say they are not re- Chairman ED ROYCE chaired on the mills, centrifuges, rotors, bellows pro- stricted by that. House Foreign Affairs Committee, duction, storage facilities, and dedi- Mr. Speaker, Iranian leaders say that former Senator Joe Lieberman, said cated procurement for nuclear-related Iran can violate the U.N. Security just that. or dual-use materials technology. Council resolutions without violating I said: How did that work? He said: The agreement also rolls back major the agreement. Sanctions do not, Well, let’s just go back to the partners components and places strict restric- therefore, snap back if Iran violates

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:23 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.074 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 the U.N. Security Council resolutions, I think in many ways it mirrors what important next step in diplomatic ef- according to Iran, and that Iran in- we saw in 1938. At that point, Neville forts. tends to violate the U.N. Security Chamberlain negotiated with Hitler Former U.S. ambassadors; former Council restrictions on weapons sales and gave away Czechoslovakia in the Israeli military; former U.S. Secre- and on imports. process. taries of State, including Colin Powell; This is President Rouhani again: But there in the Munich accords and so many others from an array of We will sell and buy weapons whenever and there was this promise of peace, lasting vantage points have expressed support wherever we deem it necessary. We will not peace in our time. The peace lasted less for this landmark deal, as have over 100 wait for permission from anyone or any reso- than a year, and it did not materialize. nations. lution. I think that the saying is that those We should not ignore the considered So Iran’s defense minister has said who don’t learn from history are des- judgment of scientists, security ex- that Iran is negotiating right now to tined to repeat it. perts, renowned diplomats, and our al- purchase Russian fighter jets. We know I think we would be very well-advised lies. The consensus is that this is a they are negotiating in terms of bal- to look at the recent history of the good deal. listic missiles right now. They are in 1990s in the North Korea deal, the his- Now, some of my colleagues believe violation of the agreement, yet we tory of the 1930s, and a whole lot of his- that, despite the risk, rejecting this don’t see any intention to enforce that. tory across the last 1,000 years that say deal can lead to a better deal down the So we have got to ask ourselves: Just trading off peace for security is never road. Others oppose the deal out of what kind of agreement is this? Who is something that works so well. reckless political gamesmanship. this agreement with? Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, before But what has become clear to me in As the committee heard yesterday, it I recognize the gentleman from New my assessment of the risks involved in is an agreement with a regime whose York, I would simply say I think that supporting or rejecting the Joint Com- world view was founded in large part last analogy is invidious. prehensive Plan of Action is that, if on a fiery theological anti-Ameri- The history of World War II is the Congress derails this deal, history will canism and a view of Americanism as fact that people ignored warnings for record such act as a monumental mis- Satanism. so long that, by the time Munich hap- take and the alternatives would not I don’t have to tell the Members pened, it most certainly was appease- change Iranian nuclear and here. I mean, they hear it every week, ment. weaponization pursuits. Mr. Speaker, rejecting the plan and those of you that are watching what is What should have happened was ac- resorting to unilateral sanctions would coming out of Iran ‘‘death to America’’ tive engagement to preclude that ever prove futile, as it has in the past, while every week. happening. That is precisely what this Mr. Speaker, this agreement gives up relying on military action would not administration has done. too much too fast with not enough in curb Iran’s ambitions or erase its tech- It will prevent a Munich. It will pre- return, and we have to judge it on the nical knowledge. vent appeasement. It will provide the long-term national security interests Critics also assert that this deal does dynamic engagement we need to pre- of the United States. not address concerns about issues with Does it make the region and the vent a nuclear Iran. Iran that are outside the scope of the I now proudly yield 4 minutes to the world more safe, secure, stable? In my plan. We know from past experience gentleman from New York (Mr. mind, clearly it does not. So I don’t that reaching an agreement on one MEEKS feel this is worthy of the House’s sup- ). critical issue does not preclude us from Mr. MEEKS. I thank the gentleman port. working on other serious concerns by from Virginia. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman other means. Mr. Speaker, Dr. King once said, ‘‘On from South Carolina (Mr. SANFORD). We negotiated with the Soviet Union Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, I too some positions, Cowardice asks the during Strategic Arms Limitation rise in opposition to the so-called Iran question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks Talks, which took place in the midst of nuclear accord. I do so for all the rea- the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity the Vietnam war that was waged sons that have been well-articulated asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But against us with Soviet-made arms, yet over the last couple of hours. Conscience asks the question, ‘Is it those agreements lessened the danger But I also do so based simply on the right?’ And there comes a time when of nuclear confrontation. reason of history. And it is a history one must take a position that is nei- Finally, Mr. Speaker, the Obama ad- that is actually shared with the chair- ther safe, nor politic, nor popular, but ministration has shown tremendous man, in that we were here together in one must take it because one’s con- leadership on the world stage by choos- the 1990s. science tells one that it is right.’’ ing diplomacy first. Leadership is Then-President Clinton at that time I have often reflected on those words never easy. By definition, it is a lonely met with North Korea. They formed an when faced with tough decisions. and sometimes an unpopular exercise. accord that basically said: We will give Today’s vote on the Joint Com- Today we must show leadership, we you benefits now for the promise of be- prehensive Plan of Action is one of the must display fortitude, and do what is coming a responsible member of the most consequential votes we will take right. And what is right in this sce- world community going forward. The as Members of Congress. nario is that we support the Iran agree- benefits went and accrued to North My support for the Iran agreement is ment. Korea. The responsible membership in about doing what is right for America, Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the world community never came. our allies, and the world. It is, indeed, minutes to the gentleman from Colo- In that regard, though, the President a matter of conscience. rado (Mr. LAMBORN). is certainly well-intended in his ef- Mr. Speaker, since the conclusion of Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, this forts. This promise will prove as real as the agreement, I have traveled to 10 deal is a capitulation by the greatest this notion of, if you like your health nations and vetted this deal from every nation in the world to the most rogue insurance, you can keep it. angle I could think of so that, at this nation in the world. His intentions were good in that re- moment of decision, I could act with- What makes the deal so bad is that gard, with regard to providing health out reservation and with full under- Iran doesn’t even have to cheat to insurance, but it just didn’t pan out. I standing. emerge in 10 or 15 years with an indus- don’t think it will be any different in As I listen to this debate, I am deeply trial-sized nuclear program and with this particular deal. disheartened that we are not ade- little or no breakout time to achieve In that regard, I think it is impor- quately weighing the realities of our nuclear weapons capabilities. tant to think about what neighbors globalized world. By lifting the financial sanctions, we think of neighbors. In this case, it is After years of effort toward a more are literally financing the very weap- important to look at what the Prime unified approach to addressing Iran’s ons and terror that will be directed at Minister of Israel has said in that he nuclear ambitions, key partners in the us and our allies by the biggest state believes this is a mistake of ‘‘historic Middle East region and most of our al- sponsor of terrorism in the world proportions.’’ lies consider the Iran agreement as an today.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.076 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5921 Amazingly, we are abandoning the go forward, there is no better deal, Mr. party politics over the will of the arms embargo and the ballistic missile Speaker. In fact, there is no deal. No American people and global security. It embargo against Iran for good meas- sanctions, no international partners, is a terrible way to do business. ure. no inspections, no deal. This is a nego- The American people deserve full Not only is our national security tiation which is, by definition, not per- transparency from the White House on threatened, but our close ally, Israel, fect. this deal, as required by the law and fears for its very existence under this even basic respect for American voters. b 1900 deal. We simply cannot abandon Israel. The President is required to turn Let history record that I stand It is my hope that we will divorce over all the agreements—even the side against this weak and dangerous deal ourselves from the hyperbole and the deals made with third parties—and he with a regime that hates the U.S. and rhetoric in favor of the seriousness this has yet to do that. hates Israel. issue deserves. I have concluded that While I was home the last few weeks Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield the agreement is the best path forward. in my district in eastern Washington, 3 minutes to the distinguished gentle- This is not just my considered judg- not a day passed that I didn’t hear woman from Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS). ment; it is the judgment of the highest grave concerns about this deal. It Ms. EDWARDS. I thank the gen- levels of the military, nonproliferation wasn’t Republicans versus Democrats, tleman for yielding. experts, nuclear scientists, and our dip- liberals versus conservatives; it wasn’t Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support lomatic partners who join in their anti-President Obama. People are sin- of the resolution approving the Joint overwhelming support of the agree- cerely worried about what this deal Comprehensive Plan of Action regard- ment. means for our safety and security. ing the nuclear program of Iran nego- As a Congress, we can only do our We were told by the administration tiated by the Obama administration in best and our part to move forward to early on that no deal was better than a concert with five other nations, the provide the necessary resources for bad deal. Now, the President claims it P5+1. proper oversight to ensure effective is either this deal or war. Mr. Speaker, we aren’t asking the I want to commend President monitoring and aggressive verification. President to stop his efforts to reach Obama’s Secretary Kerry, Under Sec- If Iran cheats, we will know it; we will an agreement with Iran. We need a bet- retary Sherman, Secretary Moniz, and know it quickly, and we will act deci- ter deal. We are asking the President their teams for their leadership and sively. to continue and strengthen his efforts continued, persistent engagement with Once again, the world turned to the so that we get a deal that, first, truly our international partners and Mem- United States for our leadership on denies Iran a path to a nuclear weapon bers of Congress to make this moment dealing with Iran and its nuclear pro- by dismantling its extensive infra- possible. gram. This agreement, reached through structure; second, includes a robust in- None of us comes to this decision rigorous diplomacy, in conjunction spections process, not one that is con- lightly. It is perhaps the most impor- with our partners, provides the tools ducted by Iran itself; and, third, com- tant decision of our public life, no mat- we need to ensure a pathway to peace pels Iran to cease its support of ter- ter what decision we come to. and security for the United States, for rorist organizations and brutal dic- But after reading the agreement and Israel, the region, and the world. tators like Assad, whose actions are de- the classified and unclassified under- I will vote to approve the Joint Com- stabilizing the entire region, as well as lying documents, taking part in nu- prehensive Plan of Action. Europe. merous briefings at the White House Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Until this deal includes, at a min- and here on Capitol Hill, meeting with self such time as I may consume. imum, these three components and the constituents, and studying the anal- I would just note that over 200 retired President has made his obligations yses of experts, I am confident that generals, flag officers, and admirals under the law, I will continue to oppose this strong diplomatic achievement signed a letter in opposition; and we it, and I will urge my colleagues on provides the only option that prevents have heard continuously, including this week, from retired generals, offi- both sides of the aisle to do the same. Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon Let’s send the President back to the cers, and admirals about their concerns and, by some estimates, in as few as 2 negotiating table. to 3 months. This is not achieved by about this agreement. Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield trust, Mr. Speaker, but through verifi- I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman myself such time as I may consume. cation. from Washington (Mrs. MCMORRIS ROD- Maybe the President could get some Mr. Speaker, after 14 years of contin- GERS), the Republican Conference advice from the leadership of the Re- uous military engagement for our chair. publican Conference in how to figure armed services, this agreement cuts off Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. out what resolution to bring to the all pathways to an Iranian nuclear Speaker, the votes this week on the floor. weapon and does so without unneces- President’s nuclear deal with Iran are I now proudly yield 4 minutes to the sarily risking American lives in yet an- some of the most important we have gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. other military action, even as the taken in years. As the world’s largest CICILLINE), my friend. agreement preserves that ultimate op- sponsor of terror, Iran continues to Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, the tion, should it become necessary in the play an enormously destructive and de- question before us today is whether or event of Iran’s default. stabilizing role in the world. not this body will approve the nego- This agreement sends a clear mes- Iran’s actions are destroying the tiated agreement to prevent Iran from sage to Iran that the global community lives of millions of vulnerable inno- obtaining a nuclear weapon. It is one of stands united today and well into the cents. The current refugee crisis in the the most consequential issues of our future in ensuring that Iran never ob- Middle East and Europe is only the time and requires serious and sober tains a nuclear weapon. most recent example. consideration by every single Member Much has been said of Iran’s capacity Iran has been propping up Assad’s re- of this body. after 10 to 15 years. And even there, the gime in Syria for the past 4 years, You would think, Mr. Speaker, that agreement places Iran in the confines sending weapons and thousands of in a matter of such gravity involving of a nuclear non-proliferation treaty, fighters there to brutalize the Syrian the foreign affairs of our Nation and just as the rest of us are. people. ISIS has exploited these condi- the safety and security of our allies, If Iran violates the agreement, they tions, and now, millions of Syrians particularly Israel, we could set aside will, without question, face complete have been displaced, many of them urges to score political points and isolation, even more severe repercus- going to unimaginable lengths to seek avoid dangerous hyperbole and instead sions, and the U.S. retains our ability refuge in Europe. Iran bears responsi- debate the merits of this agreement. to engage unilateral sanctions and our bility for this. I regret that the process for consid- military option. This deal is not reform. This deal is ering this agreement has sometimes It is true that this agreement is not incentivizing bad behavior. A vote in devolved into a sad show of partisan- perfect. But if this agreement does not favor of this deal is a vote that favors ship. Our Nation is better than this.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.077 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 Today, Mr. Speaker, I am mindful of age Iran from escalating its desta- must address. Unfortunately, the President Kennedy’s inaugural address, bilizing activities in the region, and to agreement we have before us does not which he delivered from the east front enhance the likelihood that Iran com- meet congressional standards and has of the Capitol, just a few hundred feet plies with all the terms of the agree- numerous fatal flaws. from this Chamber. Addressing the ment. For example, in 2012, Congress barred threat from the Soviet Union, Presi- Additional resources have to be de- Iranians from coming here to study nu- dent Kennedy said: ‘‘Let us begin voted to supporting, monitoring, verifi- clear science and nuclear engineering anew—remembering on both sides that cation, and intelligence gathering ac- at U.S. universities. One would think civility is not a sign of weakness.’’ tivities. that is a good policy, given that they He went on to say: ‘‘Let us never ne- Above all else, we must make it abso- are seeking to get a bomb. gotiate out of fear. But let us never lutely clear to Iran that any violation In one of the most outrageous provi- fear to negotiate.’’ of the agreement will be met with swift sions of this deal, the Department of Those words still ring true today. and decisive action by the United Homeland Security and the Depart- This agreement shows the power of di- States and the international commu- ment of State will no longer be allowed plomacy to advance our national secu- nity. to enforce the bar. This deal will actu- rity interests and ensures that, before I look forward to working with the ally make the U.S. an accomplice to being required to send our brave men administration and my colleagues on Iran’s nuclear weapons program by and women into a dangerous military both sides of the aisle to make certain granting Iranians the ability to come conflict, that we have had the courage that all of this happens. to the U.S. to acquire knowledge in- to exhaust every possible alternative. In the end, this was not an easy deci- strumental in their being able to de- Like all of my colleagues, I have sion or one I arrived at quickly. There sign and build nuclear bombs. spent the last 2 months carefully is risk in accepting this agreement, Other concerns include giving Iran a studying the terms of this agreement and it contains real tradeoffs. No re- signing bonus, lifting the arms embar- that the United States and our negoti- sponsible person should claim other- go, failure to cut off Iran’s pathway to ating partners reached to prevent a nu- wise. the bomb, and the lack of protection clear Iran; meeting with military, sci- I am certain, Mr. Speaker, that re- for not only our own safety, but for the entific, and nonproliferation experts; jecting this agreement would present safety of the world. A nuclear Iran is a participating in dozens of classified even greater and more dangerous risks threat to our great ally, Israel, but is briefings and committee hearings; to our national security and our allies also a threat to the rest of the Middle meeting with the President and mem- than the risks associated with going East, America, and the world. bers of his administration, as well as forward. Because of this, I intend to While the administration has said meeting with my constituents. support the resolution of approval and that any deal is better than no deal, After a great deal of serious delibera- urge my colleagues to do the same. Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘‘Delay is tion, I believe that the United States Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 preferable to error,’’ and I agree with and the world are safer with this deal minutes to the gentleman from Vir- Jefferson. in place than without it. ginia (Mr. GOODLATTE), chairman of the Had our negotiators remained at the I fully recognize that this agreement Committee on the Judiciary. table a while longer, perhaps we would is not perfect—far from it—but like Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I not be where we are today; yet, as it any decision in life, we have to con- want to thank Chairman ROYCE for his stands, this so-called deal, if it goes front the choices we face, not the one outstanding leadership on this issue. through, will likely mark the pages of we would rather have before us or like Mr. Speaker, our Founding Fathers history as a great error. to imagine. included in the preamble of the United Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield I believe approval of this agreement States Constitution the intention of myself such time as I may consume. is the most responsible and effective our government to provide for the com- I am reminded back to Churchill. He way to prevent Iran from developing a mon defense. Protecting and defending said it is always better to jaw-jaw than nuclear weapon. By its very terms, it our Nation was not an afterthought; it to war-war. affirms that under no circumstance was a first thought. I now yield 2 minutes to the gentle- will Iran ever seek, develop, or acquire The defense of America and our allies woman from California (Ms. LEE). any nuclear weapons. has always been a strategic and moral Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first, I want I urge my colleagues on both sides of goal. The agreement we have before us to thank Representative CONNOLLY for the aisle to consider what we will be today, however, primarily meets Iran’s yielding me time and, really, for your giving up if we reject this deal. This goals. Sanctions are lifted; nuclear re- tremendous leadership on this very agreement requires Iran to submit to search and development continues, and vital issue. Also, I must salute our the most intrusive and rigorous inspec- America’s safety is compromised. Leader PELOSI for her unwavering sup- tions regimen ever negotiated. This is Under this deal, in a matter of years— port and hard work for global peace in stark contrast to the complete lack likely in our lifetimes, but certainly in and security. of access currently available to the the lifetimes of our children and grand- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support international community to monitor children—Iran will have a bomb. of H.R. 3461, a resolution to approve the Iran’s nuclear program. The President of the United States Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. If Congress rejects the Joint Com- has said that this agreement is not Now, in the last two Congresses, prehensive Plan of Action, it will mean based on trust, but on verification. I mind you, I introduced the Prevent zero restrictions on Iran’s nuclear am- wish that was true because this agree- Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons bitions, no limitations on their enrich- ment shouldn’t be based on trust. I cer- and Stop War Through Diplomacy Act, ment activities or centrifuge produc- tainly do not trust a government that which called for the appointment of a tion, and no ability for international has acted as a bank for terrorists. high-level special envoy to address inspectors to monitor Iran’s nuclear Any agreement should be based on Iran’s nuclear program and an end to program. verification; but where is the simple the no-contact policy between our dip- Many experts agree that rejection of assurance of anytime, anywhere in- lomats. this agreement would mean Iran could spections? We don’t have verification. Since the 1970s, quite frankly, I have develop a nuclear weapon in just a What we have is misplaced hope, hope worked on many nuclear nonprolifera- matter of months, the worst possible that Iran has disclosed all of its past tion issues and believe very strongly outcome. nuclear activities, hope that Iran will that the deal that President Obama Approval of this agreement does not be transparent, hope that Iran has and our P5+1 partners negotiated dem- end our responsibility, Mr. Speaker. somehow changed. onstrates how effective diplomacy can Congress must work closely with the Earlier this year, 367 bipartisan be. It will lead us closer to a world administration to ensure that we take Members of Congress sent a letter to where our children and future genera- additional steps to mitigate the risks the President outlining several condi- tions can live without the fear of Iran reflected in the agreement, to discour- tions that any final nuclear agreement acquiring a nuclear weapon.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.079 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5923 The JCPOA, supported by the major- There, almost all Democrats have table, including that of military force; ity of Americans and key international joined to block a vote on this deal. One but we have a solemn obligation to en- allies, including France, Germany, and Democrat who wanted to vote was Sen- sure that every diplomatic avenue is Britain, though not perfect, it is the ator SCHUMER of New York. Senator exhausted before military action is best way to prevent Iran from ever ac- SCHUMER released a statement last taken. That is why I opposed author- quiring a nuclear weapon. month that showed he understands the izing the and why I support The Iran nuclear deal puts into place serious defects of this deal—from the this nuclear deal with Iran. the most intrusive inspection system, inadequate inspections to the billions This deal has certainly not been per- including a 24/7 surveillance of Iran’s that will flow into Iran’s terror enter- fect, but perfect is not and never has enrichment facilities and reactors; it prise. Because of these defects, Senator been an option. Those who are urging cuts off all of Iran’s pathways to a nu- SCHUMER concluded, we will be worse the defeat of this deal have a responsi- clear weapon, and it will enhance re- off with this agreement than without bility to propose a viable alternative, gional and global security. it. yet no such alternative has been put b 1915 But there is another choice, Mr. forward. This agreement before us is Speaker—a better deal—one negotiated the best path available. It has my full United Nations Ambassador with a clear understanding of the na- support. Samantha Power stated in her recent ture of our enemy. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 political op-ed: ‘‘If we walk away, there I ask my colleagues to reject this minutes to the gentleman from Florida is no diplomatic door No. 2, no do-over, deal, to encourage the President to go (Mr. DESANTIS), a member of the Com- no rewrite of the deal on the table.’’ back to the negotiating table, and to mittee on Foreign Affairs. Rejecting the Iran deal will isolate vote ‘‘no’’ on this resolution. Mr. DESANTIS. Mr. Speaker, in 2012, the United States from our inter- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, it was when the President was running for re- national partners. It will not make us John Kennedy who negotiated the first election, he said: Look, with Iran, it is any safer, and it certainly won’t result nuclear Test Ban Treaty successfully very simple. We will remove the sanc- in a better deal with Iran. Instead, it with our archenemy that threatened to tions when they dismantle and give up would allow Iran to accelerate its bury us—the Soviet Union. He said their nuclear program. weapons programs with no oversight. that we should never negotiate out of That was a promise he made to the That is unacceptable. We cannot afford fear, but we should never fear to nego- American people, but this deal doesn’t the alternative to this deal. tiate. even come close to that. Iran is allowed This is a defining moment for our I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman to maintain a vast, vast nuclear infra- country and for our world. Let us con- from California (Mrs. CAPPS). structure. tinue to work for peace. We all know Mrs. CAPPS. I thank my colleague Two years ago in this House, we that the military option is always for yielding. passed more robust sanctions, which there. I urge my colleagues to vote Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support would have further tightened the ‘‘yes’’ on this resolution of approval. of the P5+1 nuclear agreement with screws on the Iranian regime. I think, Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Iran, formally known as the Joint at that time, Iran desperately wanted minutes to the gentleman from Penn- Comprehensive Plan of Action. Like to get out of the sanctions. If you had sylvania (Mr. ROTHFUS), a member of my vote against the Iraq war, this deci- asked Iran what they wanted, they the Committee on Financial Services. sion is one of the most important for- would have, obviously, wanted the Mr. ROTHFUS. I thank the chairman eign policy votes I will take during my sanctions relief because they needed for yielding. time in Congress. the money—the regime needed it to so- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi- The intent of sanctions and negotia- lidify themselves in power—but they tion to this resolution and against this tions has always been to diplomati- also would have wanted to keep their disastrous nuclear agreement with cally cut off Iran’s pathways to a nu- nuclear program. Then, of course, they Iran. clear weapon and to verifiably increase would have wanted to continue to fund The actions that Iran will be allowed the transparency of their nuclear ac- terrorism. to pursue under this agreement are a tivities. It is clear to me, as well as to This agreement basically gives Iran direct threat to the United States and numerous nuclear, diplomatic, and na- everything it wants, so I join my col- to our allies, and it falls far short of tional security experts around the leagues who have urged that we re- the commitment the President made to globe, that this agreement achieves soundingly reject this agreement. the American people, which is to these critical goals. I want to point out something that, I verifiably prevent Iran from getting a It not only cuts off all pathways to a think, is very personal to a lot of vet- nuclear weapon. nuclear weapon, but it also imposes un- erans. Under the deal, Iran will maintain a precedented and permanent inspec- If you look right here, this is an up- robust nuclear infrastructure. They tions, and it ensures we can automati- armored Humvee in Iraq in, probably, will be able to conduct research on ad- cally reinstate international sanctions the 2007–2008 time period. It has been vanced centrifuges that are capable of if Iran violates the agreement. ripped to shreds by an EFP device—an rapidly enriching uranium and devel- In contrast, defeating this deal would explosively formed penetrator. This is oping ballistic missiles that are capa- allow Iran to resume its nuclear pro- something wherein the explosion will ble of carrying a bomb to Israel, Eu- gram with no restrictions or oversight, cause these pieces of metal to go 3,000 rope, or the United States. Instead of increasing the likelihood of military meters per second. It will ravage the anytime, anywhere inspections, the bu- conflict and a regional nuclear weapons individuals who are in the Humvee, and reaucratic process ensures lengthy race—precisely the scenario sanctions it will even go through the armor. delays, which will allow Iran to cover were designed to prevent. These devices caused the deaths of hun- its tracks. Another costly war in the Middle dreds of our servicemembers, and they This troubling deal will provide bil- East would put American lives at risk wounded many, many more. lions of dollars to fund Iran’s inter- and undermine the security of our Na- Why do I bring that up? national terror enterprise even as they tion and our allies, including Israel. Because this was perpetrated by this call for Israel’s annihilation and chant While the risks of a nuclear-armed man, , who is the head ‘‘death to America.’’ Iran are unquestionably dire, there is of the Quds Force—Iran’s Revolu- It is time to lead the world to a bet- simply no scenario in which these risks tionary Guard terrorist outfit. He was ter deal that will result in Iran’s for- are reduced by rejecting this deal. orchestrating those attacks on Amer- ever abandoning its threats to the There are no decisions I take more ican servicemembers. That is enough, world. seriously than those that involve po- right? We are doing a deal with a coun- Mr. Speaker, while this House actu- tentially sending American troops into try that has a lot of American blood on ally votes on the merits of this deal, I harm’s way. This is, undeniably, one of its hands. know what happened today in the those decisions. Under this agreement, It is even worse than that. This deal other House of Congress—the Senate. every option is and will remain on the relieves the international sanctions on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.081 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 Qasem Soleimani and the Quds Force. playing the long game. You need pa- questions. He has just got the wrong It empowers the very people who tience, and you need unshakable cour- answer. I can answer those questions. harmed our servicemembers in Iraq. I age in your convictions. I want a world that rolls back the nu- think that that is an insult to the Let me say that I remember the mo- clear capability of Iran, not a world memories of the people who lost their ment in 2007 when then-Senator Obama based on a false hope that we can make lives on our behalf and an insult to said he would engage in personal diplo- it work somehow without a plan. their families. macy with leaders in the Middle East That is what puts the world at risk. For that reason, in addition to all of in order to stop bloodshed in the re- That is what puts my children and the other great ones that have been gion. That is the moment that I knew grandchildren at risk. I am not willing mentioned, we need to resoundingly re- I would vote for him, and I am proud to to take that risk ject this deal. stand here nearly a decade later to con- Mr. Speaker, before I recognize Mrs. Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I gratulate the President for this diplo- DAVIS of California, can I inquire how would simply point out for the record matic victory. much time is left on both sides? that Soleimani remains on the list. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman minutes to the gentleman from Florida FORTENBERRY). The gentleman from from Minnesota (Mr. ELLISON). (Mr. CURBELO). Virginia has 41⁄2 minutes remaining. Mr. ELLISON. I thank the gentleman Mr. CURBELO of Florida. I thank the The gentleman from California has 421⁄2 for yielding. chairman for yielding. minutes remaining. Mr. Speaker, in 2012, Prime Minister Mr. Speaker, many of our colleagues Mr. CONNOLLY. Forty-two? of Israel Netanyahu went to the U.N. have come to the floor today and have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Yes. with a graph, much like the one right stated that this is the most important Mr. CONNOLLY. Okay. What a lucky beside me. It was a picture of a bomb vote or the most important series of man my friend from California is. with a red line. The Prime Minister votes that we will take in this Con- I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman said: ‘‘The red line must be drawn on gress. I agree with them because these from California (Mrs. DAVIS). Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.’’ votes boil down to the fundamental Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- This deal does that. question: er, after much deliberation and soul Today, we can say that Iran cannot What kind of a world do we want to searching, I am convinced that the produce or stockpile highly enriched live in? P5+1 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac- uranium, and it has to get rid of 98 per- What kind of a world do we want for tion creates a viable path to reduce cent of its low enriched uranium. To ourselves? for our children? for our Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. make sure that they don’t achieve a grandchildren? for future generations? For that reason, I believe this agree- nuclear weapon, we have the strictest Do we want to live in a world where ment is in the best interest of the inspection regimen in the history of we legitimize the most radical, the United States. Of course, the agree- nuclear agreements. The impetus for 2 most extremist, the most terrorist gov- ment must also be in the best interest years of negotiation has been achieved. ernment in the world—a government of our friends in the Middle East. So what is the problem? that has a long and well-documented As someone who has lived in Israel The gears of war are halted when we history of lying to the world? of hold- and has returned many times since, I prove that negotiation and diplomacy ing Americans hostage? of hanging ho- understand that, for Israelis and Amer- are the best methods of achieving mosexuals from cranes? of executing icans with close ties to Israel, Iran peace. This deal is a triumph of diplo- juveniles? threatening to wipe Israel off the map macy over military conflict. It is a win Do we want to empower that govern- is not an abstract concern. for those who reject the misconception ment with an investment of at least $56 It has been less than a hundred years that diplomacy is weakness. billion, a portion of which will surely since the Jewish people nearly suffered In 2003, Vice President Cheney said: go to terrorist activities not just in the such a fate. The threat of annihilation ‘‘I have been charged by the President Middle East but all over the world? is very real to Israelis, and it is very with making sure that none of the tyr- Do we want to guarantee that wheth- real to me. annies in the world are negotiated er it is in 10 years or in 13 years or in I would never take a vote that I with.’’ The ensuing decades of war 15 years or in 20 years that that same thought could leave my grandchildren brought 6,840 U.S. soldiers home in cof- government will have the ability to a world without a strong, safe Israel. fins and squandered trillions of hard- build a nuclear arsenal? Mr. Speaker, I am under no illusions earned, American tax dollars. Do we want to afford that same gov- that this agreement will end Iran’s Yet, we have learned from that. ernment—the mullahs in Iran—the hegemonic ambitions, but I can’t allow We have learned our lesson that we ability to have intercontinental bal- their destabilizing behavior to have the must negotiate, that we must talk it listic missiles? Those aren’t for Israel. protection of a nuclear umbrella. out before we begin to shoot it out. The Those aren’t for the Middle East. Those I agree with the former head of the fact that a majority of Americans sup- are for us. The only purpose of those IDF, the Israeli Defense Force, the ports this deal means that people are missiles is to carry a nuclear warhead. head of that intelligence agency, Amos tired of sacrificing so much for the What kind of a world do we want to Yadlin, that, if we walk away from this bankrupt idea that a conversation is live in? agreement, Iran will remain closer to a capitulation. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that, many nuclear bomb in the coming years, and This agreement keeps nuclear weap- years from now, my daughters, ages 5 the chances of a collapse of the sanc- ons out of Iran’s hands for decades. In and 3, will look up how their dad voted tions regime will increase. 2003, Iran had 164 centrifuges. In 2005, on this critical issue. I think—and I am Nobody in this Chamber, Mr. Speak- they had 3,000. In 2009, they had 8,000. very hopeful and I am confident—that er, trusts Iran. That is why we need By 2013, they had 22,000. While we were they will thank me, because this is a and we must have and take the respon- rattling sabers and making bravado- bad deal. This is a deal that not only sibility to come together after this type comments about what we were endangers our allies in the Middle vote to make sure that the United going to do to them, they were making East, it endangers us. This is a deal States is exercising all of its initiative centrifuges. When the President got where we have to ask ourselves who we to implement this agreement and to down to the business of negotiation, we are, what we stand for, and what kind address what we know will come, those had brought that process to a stop. of a world we want to live in. inevitable challenges. We will continue to sanction human For that reason, I am opposing the Mr. ROYCE. I yield 2 minutes to the rights violators wherever they are, in- Iran deal, and I urge my colleagues to gentleman from Nevada (Mr. HECK), a cluding in Iran, and we will also con- do the same. member of the Armed Services and In- tinue to confront people who export telligence Committees. terrorism; but the best way to em- b 1930 Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, power reformers within Iran is to en- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, our when President Obama announced that gage. Diplomatic victories require friend from Florida asks the right the P5+1 had reached an agreement on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.083 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5925 Iran’s nuclear program, he stated that America has had for over a half a cen- ons activities and violate the agree- the deal was not built on trust, that it tury, and that is to prevent nuclear ment. was built on verification. war. And to do so, it has been nec- Secret deals that the administration This was a clear acknowledgement by essary to deal with an untrusted foe. has hidden from Congress and the the administration that the Iran re- I have listened to my constituents. I American people have now been re- gime is not a trustworthy negotiating have been privy to many classified vealed. One secret deal permits Iran to partner and that any agreement must briefings. I have spoken personally to conduct its own inspections at a mili- contain stringent verification guide- President Obama and Secretary Kerry. tary facility suspected of ties to nu- lines to ensure that Iran adheres to its I have met with officials in Vienna at clear weapons. obligations. the headquarters of the IAEA and with Finally, by increasing the odds of a Unfortunately, the verification pro- diplomats and officials from Europe nuclear Iran, this deal directly threat- cedures in the Joint Comprehensive and Asia and considered the opinions of ens the security and future of Israel. Plan of Action are impotent at best. renowned physicists and military gen- The Iran deal destabilizes the Middle While the agreement does allow for 24/ erals. East, jeopardizes America’s security, 7 monitoring of declared sites, it in- Over those past several weeks and and endangers the world. The Iran deal cludes a provision that gives Iran up to months, I have often thought about must be opposed now and in the future. 24 days to grant inspectors access to President Kennedy’s eloquent words at Remember, this is not the law of the suspected undeclared facilities. American University in August of ’63 land. This deal is a nonbinding execu- According to former IAEA officials, when he said that, in the final analysis, tive agreement. Only the Constitution this greatly increases the probability ‘‘We all inhabit the same small planet. is the law of the land. that nefarious nuclear activities could We all breathe the same air. We all Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, in escape detection. cherish our children’s future. And we closing, I hope our fellow Americans While this verification scheme is al- are all mortal.’’ The same holds true understand what is really at stake ready embarrassingly weak, it gets today. here: engagement and the rollback of a worse when one considers the secret I support this agreement based upon nuclear threat or the kinetic option, side deals that prevent inspection of the information I have gleaned from which is military intervention that the Parchin military complex and the aforementioned individuals and takes us down a path that will lead to allow Iran to inspect itself. This is not groups and with the understanding more terrorism, more violence, and the the ‘‘anytime, anywhere’’ inspections there is no more important mission necessity of troops on the ground. I the administration claimed it was pur- than preventing nuclear war. choose the former, and I believe our suing. Mr. Speaker, our people and our plan- fellow Americans will, too. The fact is that, in spite of claims of et are in the balance. I am convinced I yield back the balance of my time. the administration, this agreement is Mr. ROYCE. I yield 2 minutes to the this is the most effective way that Iran not built on verification. It is built on gentleman from Michigan (Mr. BISHOP). will not build a nuclear weapon. Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speak- trust. Mr. ROYCE. I yield 3 minutes to the It requires us to trust a regime that er, I rise today to raise my vehement gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH), is the largest exporter of terrorism in objection to the Joint Comprehensive chairman of the Committee on Science, the world, that has already violated Plan of Action and to call on my col- Space, and Technology. the interim nuclear agreement and leagues to do the same. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I whose Supreme Leader just today stat- In March, I joined 346 of my bipar- want to thank the gentleman from ed that Israel will not exist in 25 years. tisan colleagues in a letter outlining Mr. Speaker, as the President himself California, the chairman of the com- the issues needed to be addressed by has said, no deal is better than a bad mittee, for yielding me time and for Iran in a comprehensive nuclear agree- deal. Mr. Speaker, this is a bad deal, the excellent job he has been doing to- ment. and I urge my colleagues to reject it. night during the debate on this par- The last sentence of that agreement Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield ticular issue. said: Congress must be convinced that 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ten- Mr. Speaker, this week is a somber the agreement’s terms foreclose any nessee (Mr. COHEN). week for our Nation. September the pathway to a bomb, and then and only Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, in 1963, 11th reminds us of the sacred responsi- then will Congress be able to consider President Kennedy, who served in this bility we, in Congress, have to protect permanent sanctions relief. Chamber, spoke at American Univer- the American people from those who Mr. Speaker, I have read this entire sity about preventing nuclear war and want to kill us. That is why we must agreement, and I am profoundly dis- that to do so it was necessary to deal oppose the Iran deal. appointed to say that it falls remark- with our most feared and distrusted This deal only emboldens our en- ably short of foreclosing a pathway to enemy at the time, the Soviet Union, emies at the expense of our friends and a bomb. as mistrusted and evil in the eyes of our own national security. So it is no To the contrary, this agreement Americans then as Iran is today. As surprise that a majority in Congress brings Iran to the brink of becoming a you recall, Prime Minister Khrushchev oppose this deal, as do most Ameri- nuclear weapons state and 8 short boldly stated, ‘‘We will bury you.’’ cans, for many reasons. years from now provides them a path- President Kennedy understood, First, it allows Iran to develop nu- way to acquiring technology to strike though, that in negotiations with an clear weapons in the future. Europe and well beyond. enemy, ‘‘We must avert those con- Second, it lists sanctions and frees up To ease the concerns of my noncom- frontations which bring an adversary as much as $150 billion in assets for mittal colleagues, the President has to a choice of either a humiliating re- Iran. These funds inevitably will be promised a military option remains on treat or nuclear war.’’ used by Iran to export terrorism as the table. President Obama, along with the even the President himself has admit- I am simply awestricken by the fact other five nations at the negotiating ted. that my colleagues on the left have table in Vienna, confronted the same Third, the longstanding arms embar- fallen for these assurances. It is the reality. go against Iran will be lifted. This en- same administration that promised the When President Reagan engaged in ables Iran to buy long-range surface-to- red line in Syria. detente with the Soviet Union, he also air missiles from Russia by the end of It is the same empty rhetoric that was negotiating with our most feared the year. has sustained the , the and distrusted enemy. Fourth, there is no credible way to Libyan civil war, ISIL’s control of In negotiations with Iran, it has been conduct inspections of Iran’s nuclear western Iraq, and, of course, the impe- the same for President Obama as it was weapons-building sites. Under the pro- rialist that has an- for President Kennedy in negotiating posed deal, Iran is given weeks, if not nexed the sovereign territory of the with the Soviet Union. months, of advanced notice of any in- Ukraine. Both President Kennedy and Presi- spection. This provides ample time for I therefore urge my colleagues to re- dent Obama had the same goals as Iran to hide evidence of nuclear weap- ject this deal and any deal that enables

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.084 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 a belligerent state sponsor of terror to One of the most important provisions the deaths of hundreds of American have access to hundreds of billions of of this deal allows any permanent soldiers. This regime has been respon- dollars and nuclear weapons that will member of the U.N. Security Council sible for the deaths of innocent civil- allow its atrocities to continue in per- who can show that Iran has violated ians in Israel and other nations. In petuity, all the while four Americans, the agreement the ability to snap back 2009, this regime murdered their own one of them a native of the State of the tough sanctions that had pre- citizens who courageously advocated Michigan, my home State, Amir viously been in place. for the freedom of the Iranian people. Hekmati, is being held hostage. Now, I know there are critics who be- The actions of the Iranian regime Mr. Speaker, in no other world, pub- lieve that, by rejecting the deal and in- speak for themselves. lic or private, would this agreement be creasing sanctions on Iran, that the Mr. Speaker, history is a great teach- considered credible. U.S. can somehow coerce the leaders of er, and I believe the past mistakes of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Iran to completely dismantle its nu- world leaders who failed to recognize FLEISCHMANN). The time of the gen- clear program. As effective as the cur- the lethal danger posed by ruthless and tleman has expired. rent sanctions have been in bringing ambitious regimes have been written in Mr. ROYCE. I yield an additional 1 Iran to the table to negotiate, they the pages of history with the blood of minute to the gentleman. have not stopped Iran from becoming a millions upon millions of people. Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. I was say- threshold nuclear state. We must not allow our Nation to ing that, in no other world, Mr. Speak- If Congress rejects this deal, it will take rank with those nations and lead- er—and to all of you—having served in not lead to a better one. If the U.S. ers who chose appeasement over cour- the public and in the private sector, walks away from this deal, we will age, who chose to take what appeared have I ever seen an agreement where have squandered the best chance we to them to be the easy path, instead of we are negotiating with a party that have to solve this problem through bearing the responsibility of making has no respect for the other party. peaceful means. In fact, U.S. rejection the harder decision because it was the In this case, the Supreme Leader of of the deal is more likely to isolate the right decision. the State of Iran as late as yesterday United States rather than Iran from If the administration is correct that referred to the United States as the the rest of the world. allowing the ruling regime in Iran to Great Satan and called for us to be It would reinforce questions around become armed with nuclear weapons wiped off the face of the Earth, not just the world about our commitment to will pose no threat to America and Israel. multilateralism and American political Israel, then no one will remember how We are the Great Satan. They are dysfunction. Furthermore, it would se- the Members of this Congress voted; Satan, according to the Ayatollah. We riously undermine our ability to lead but if this administration and the sup- are the Great Satan. I object to enter- any future diplomatic efforts on ter- porters of this agreement are wrong ing into an agreement with a country rorism and on a range of other issues and we suffer a catastrophic loss of that has no respect. important to our national security in- lives, no one will ever forget what we Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. terests. did here. We will bear the burden of Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time I urge my colleagues to support this this vote for the rest of our lives. as I may consume. resolution, which is necessary for the America’s foreign policy is at a cross- Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by success of the nuclear deal, the preser- roads. I am reminded how a great thanking Democratic Leader PELOSI vation of the international financial President described how we should deal for her tireless and unyielding advo- sanctions architecture, and for main- with dangerous nations. President cacy for the Iran nuclear deal agreed to taining the credibility of U.S. diplo- Theodore Roosevelt said we should between Iran and six major world pow- matic commitments in the future. speak softly and carry a big stick. He ers, with the unanimous support of the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of described this approach as the exercise U.N. Security Council. my time. of intelligent forethought and of deci- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 sive action sufficiently far in advance b 1945 minutes to the gentleman from Ala- of any likely crisis. This deal does not I very much share the leader’s view bama (Mr. PALMER). meet that standard. that diplomacy and peace must be Mr. PALMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Mr. Speaker, this is the time when given every chance in our dealings with opposition to this ill-conceived agree- the burden of leadership that has been Iran before we contemplate the use of ment between our current administra- entrusted to every Member of Congress any other options. tion and the fanatical regime ruling falls most heavily upon us. The Amer- I also want to acknowledge the fact the nation of Iran. ican people look to us to do our duty that, acting with the President’s full I find it impossible to understand and bear this responsibility without re- support, Secretary of State how those who are sworn to protect the gard to party or politics, to put their has done a masterful job of holding the security and interests of the American safety and security first and foremost. P5+1 coalition together. It was far from people could enter into such a one- I urge all the Members of this House to certain that Russia and China, intent sided deal. This is a deal that expands put aside the politics and partisanship as each of them is on reducing Amer- the lethal potential of a ruthless re- that otherwise divide us and stand to- ica’s influence in the world, would con- gime by giving them a path to a nu- gether in opposition to this deal. tinue their participation in the tough clear weapon; a regime whose stated Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. multinational effort necessary to get objective is the destruction of the Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the us to this point. United States; a regime committed to gentleman from Michigan. This agreement proves that world the complete and utter destruction of Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the goal leaders, despite being divided on a Israel, our most trusted friend and ally of the negotiations between world pow- range of issues, can still work together in the Middle East; and a regime that ers and Iran has always been to prevent and reach an agreement with profound almost no one believes will honor this them from developing a nuclear weap- implications for international peace deal. on. I think we have to be realistic and security. This is truly extraor- It is incomprehensible that we would about this. dinary. so blindly ignore the warnings of the This agreement, as opposed to reject- I support this agreement not because world’s most aggressive supporter of ing the agreement, takes us very far it is perfect, but because it is a deal terrorism by allowing them access to toward that goal; and I think accom- that stands up extremely well as a bar- $150 billion in assets and allowing them plishes that goal in a way that we rier against for at to use those assets to project their war should all be able to live with and ac- least 15 years. It also establishes an in- against our Nation and our allies. cept. The alternative is just too treach- trusive inspections regimen to ensure If the rantings of this regime are not erous, I think, for us to even imagine. that Iran’s program remains heavily enough to cause us to reject this deal, I have been involved in this issue for monitored and exclusively peaceful for then we should let history instruct us. as long as I have been here, this last 21⁄2 even longer. This regime has been responsible for years that I have been in Congress. I,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.085 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5927 as many Members, have had countless clude him as part of a transaction that and evening here, supporters of this hours of briefings. I have read the doc- deals with Iran’s nuclear capabilities. agreement have argued that we will be uments; I have read the classified re- That is the position that I take be- aggressive against Iran, aggressive ports, and I am confident that this cause I think it is the right position, against Iran on its regional aggression, agreement, simply put, makes the but I think it is important to note that aggressive against Iran on its human world a safer place, both for the U.S. that is also the position that this brave rights violations. young man, who for 4 years has been and our allies. b 2000 What this agreement does not do, sitting in an Iranian jail cell, also however—and I think it is important to takes. I will just bring up some concerns I keep in context—this agreement does Finally, we have to be honest with have for the consideration of the body not make Iran a good actor on the ourselves about the question that is be- here. world stage. It is intended to tamp fore us. Now, if I were to have written I don’t see it. This administration down their nuclear aspirations. this agreement by myself, it would be a was silent during Iran’s Green revolu- It doesn’t mean that Iran can be different agreement, and I am sure that tion, when the Iranian people were in trusted. In fact, the very of the is true of virtually everybody in this the streets revolting against the re- agreement is that it will rely on in- House. gime at the time of the stolen election spections; it will rely on the eyes of the The fact of the matter is, when eval- there in Iran. They needed U.S. leader- world to be on Iran to ensure that the uating our position on this question, ship the most at that time. agreement is adhered to with robust in- we have to first search our own con- And since the administration began spections. science, but we have to measure the ef- its negotiations with Iran, we have had Like any negotiated agreement, it is fect of this agreement and the con- a grand total of three human rights not perfect. If Iran cheats, we will sequences of adhering to it and enact- abuse designations from the adminis- know it through inspections. If Iran ing this agreement with the con- tration—three designations against the violates the agreement, our allies and sequences of walking away from a mul- backdrop of a record number of execu- the United States will be able to put tilateral negotiated agreement with no tions under the so-called moderate back in place those sanctions that were prospect. Rouhani, more executions this year so important to get them to the negoti- Listen to the voices of the other na- than under alternative leadership in ating table in the first place. In fact, tions involved, with no prospect of the past. even if our allies don’t agree, we would being able to come back to the negoti- So if you are seeing unparalleled lev- have the ability to unilaterally take ating table. els of repression and executions and we steps to reinstate those important The conclusion, I think, that I have don’t see that being countered force- sanctions. come to in examining my conscience is fully, I come to a certain conclusion. I Finally, I think, importantly, under that we are in a far better position as see the same thing with the adminis- this question, the U.S. will be in a a world and we are far more secure tration not confronting Assad’s mass much stronger position than we are through this agreement than we would murders. Assad is Iranian-backed. today if, in fact, military intervention be with the uncertainty of walking From my standpoint, if the adminis- ultimately is required because we will away from the diplomatic process and tration is locked into an agreement, I have allowed the diplomatic process to allowing Iran to pursue a nuclear weap- will tell you how I think. I presume the work, I believe, and I think most on in the next months. administration will defend that agree- Americans believe, it strengthens our The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ment, and I presume that that will hand, it strengthens our standing in time of the gentleman has expired. mean ignoring Iran’s abuses at home the world if, in fact, the necessity of Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. and probably ignoring Iran’s aggression military action does come upon us. The Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 abroad. The negotiations were a con- fact that we gave diplomacy a chance, seconds to the gentleman. straint on the administration taking I think, is a really important point. Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, this is the action and protesting, and I presume Now, I have heard, from friends on conclusion that I have come to, but that the new agreement is going to be both sides of the aisle, concern about this is also the conclusion that experts a constraint on the administration’s the Americans that are being held, and on both sides of the political spectrum taking action against Iran. this is a subject that I know something have come to. I am just pointing out my view of about. I represent the family of Amir Ambassadors from across the world— this, based upon what I have observed Hekmati, and I appreciate the efforts former Secretary of State Madeleine going back to the Green revolution and of Members on both sides to call upon Albright thinks this is the right path this desire for a rapprochement with Iran to release the Americans that forward; former Secretary of State Iran. I wish that the administration they hold. Colin Powell thinks this is the right would take on a new life in confronting I personally thank Chairman ROYCE path forward. Iran. I don’t see it. And we will have a for his effort through his leadership on I understand that individuals in this really bad deal to contend with. the Committee on Foreign Affairs to House may come to different conclu- The other part about the deal, and assist me in developing a resolution sions after examining the facts. The other points were made here tonight, that allowed this House to speak with only thing I ask and encourage my col- but sanctions relief provided to Iran one voice on that question. leagues to do is to vote your heart. under this agreement will enable them It would be a mistake, as some have Vote what you think is right. to increase the size and scope of their suggested, to have included the free- Examine the documents and do what ballistic missiles. dom of innocent Americans as one of you think is in the best interests of So the other observation I would the provisions of an agreement be- this country and of the world, and the make is the medium-and long-term cause, by the very nature of an agree- conclusion that I have come to is that threat of an Iranian ballistic missile ment through negotiation, in order to supporting this agreement is the right that can reach the United States is secure a concession, in order to secure thing. very real. That is what we have heard the release of those Americans in ex- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- from so many retired officers and what change for something else that was ne- self such time as I may consume. we have heard from the Pentagon, and gotiated at the bargaining table, we I would also point out, though, that yet the administration has been reluc- would have had to exchange something we have heard from many experts. We tant to ensure that the United States that makes the world a less safe place. have heard from many generals, admi- has adequate protective measures to Don’t take my word for it. Listen to rals, and there are over 200 generals guard the homeland against the Ira- the position taken by that young, and flag officers, admirals who have nian ballistic missile threat. brave man that I represent, that young come to the opposite conclusion, who The missile defense program has suf- marine, Amir Hekmati, who himself have come to the conclusion that this fered greatly under President Obama. has said that the onus is on Iran to uni- makes the country less safe, and One of his first major decisions was to laterally release him and not to in- throughout the course of the afternoon cut funding for the Missile Defense

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.086 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5928 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 Agency. Then there was the unilateral when they say ‘‘death to America,’’ it why this deal imposes tough limita- abrogation of signed missile defense is more of a cultural expression. tions on Iran and includes safeguards agreements with our allies Poland and In 1983, 241 marines died from an Ira- to better ensure that if Iran cheats, we the Czech Republic in terms of the in- nian-backed Hezbollah guerilla in a will know and can respond by reimpos- terceptor program that was supposed truck bomb. ing economic sanctions, or, as the to defend Europe and the United States The SPEAKER pro tempore. The President has indicated, the military against any future Iranian potential time of the gentleman has expired. option remains on the table. launch. Mr. ROYCE. I yield the gentleman an I want to note some of the limita- And contrary to the representation additional 1 minute. tions that are in the agreement. provided to Congress as part of the New Mr. COFFMAN. In 1996, 19 airmen Iran must cut its low enriched ura- START, the President canceled phase 4 died in the Khobar Towers by an Ira- nium stockpile by 96 percent. It cur- of the European missile defense plan, nian-backed attack. rently has 7,500 kilograms of low en- which was specifically designed to in- When they say ‘‘death to Ameri- riched uranium. It has to cut that to crease protection of the U.S. homeland. cans,’’ they mean death to Americans. 300 kilograms—from 7,500 to 300. So now that this agreement will In 2005, I was in Iraq with the United Iran must cut its centrifuge capacity pump resources and technology ad- States Marine Corps, and we were los- by over 66 percent—from 19,000 cen- vancements into the ballistic missile ing soldiers and marines on the ground trifuges to 6,104; and of the 5,000 it may run, all must be the lower efficiency, threat to the U.S. by Iran, my other due to IEDs, but we up-armored our ve- hicles and we did better route recon- first generation centrifuges. hope is that this institution will have The reactor core in the naissance and security. Iran introduced uniform opposition to the administra- plant at Arak must be removed and what was called an EFP—a shape tion’s record of cutting missile defense filled with concrete, making it unus- charge, or an explosive force pene- and support proactive measures to pro- able for nuclear weapons, and it must tect the U.S. homeland. Because I will trator—that was designed to penetrate be redesigned for nuclear energy pur- remind everyone here, Iran claims the thickest hulls of our vehicles and poses only. today that they are not bound in this killed hundreds of soldiers and marines Mr. Speaker, we all know that this agreement on the issue of ballistic mis- on the ground. When the Iranians say deal is not based on trust. In fact, it as- siles. They do not recognize the U.N. ‘‘death to Americans,’’ they mean it. sumes Iran will try to cheat. That is sanctions on their ballistic missiles, This deal will threaten the stability why the inspections regime is so intru- and they are claiming we did not put it of the region, the security of the sive. In addition, IAEA inspectors will specifically into the agreement. So as United States and of Israel, and I have full access to all declared sites far as they are concerned, they are would urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ and use of the most advanced tech- moving forward. They are moving for- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. nology available. ward with their ballistic missile pro- I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman It also subjects Iran’s entire nuclear gram. from Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH). fuel cycle to inspections, from uranium I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman Mr. LYNCH. I want to thank the gen- mining to waste disposal and every from Colorado (Mr. COFFMAN). tlewoman from California for leading stage in between. No other member of Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in this debate on our behalf, and I want to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty opposition to the Iran agreement. thank her for the great work she has is subject to that scrutiny, nor would In 2009, I was able to visit Israel and been doing on all of this. we be inspecting Iran’s whole fuel cycle was in separate meetings with Prime Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. if we trusted them. Minister Netanyahu, then-President 3461, legislation to approve the Iran nu- Mr. Speaker, let’s be clear about Peres, and the Israeli Chief of Staff of clear agreement. While I will admit something. The United States did not the IDF, or Israeli Defense Forces. I this deal is not absolutely perfect, I be- negotiate this agreement alone. This asked the same question: What would lieve it does offer the best chance of was a joint effort with the UK, Ger- it take to stop Iran from gaining a nu- preventing Iran from obtaining a nu- many, France, China, Russia, and the clear weapon? And they all gave me the clear weapon. EU. Those countries are in a more vul- same answer. They said: You have to Mr. Speaker, the Iran nuclear agree- nerable position than the United impose economic sanctions that are ment is an opportunity, the likes of States if Iran should violate this agree- tough enough that the Government of which we could not even imagine a few ment. Iran fears a collapse of the economy years ago: a chance to stop Iran from Now, any observer of foreign affairs and a resulting loss of power. And that obtaining a nuclear weapon, and to do will tell you that in recent years it has is the only thing short of war that will so without engaging in another costly been next to impossible to get this mix cause them to give up their quest for a and bloody war. of countries to agree on anything, much less a deal with such significance nuclear weapon. Now, I did not reach this conclusion The Obama administration, merely lightly. I did so only after closely ex- as this. Yet that is what we have here— to bring them to the negotiating table, amining the deal and the classified and an agreement that major global powers back and are ready to enforce the threw them a lifeline and relaxed eco- unclassified supplementary documents. agreement. And if we sabotage it now, nomic sanctions. And then, even before I also spoke to experts and numerous if we are the only country to say ‘‘no’’ going to the Congress of the United officials who were closely involved in to diplomacy and ‘‘yes’’ to military ac- States, they went to the United Na- the talks, including one of the IAEA tion, we may very well do so alone. tions to unravel economic sanctions on inspectors, and carefully weighed the Mr. Speaker, as I stated earlier, this Iran. arguments from both sides. agreement is not perfect. However, no Michael Oren, Ambassador to the While I still have some concerns, I one got everything they wanted in this United States from Israel, said that, simply do not see an alternative that agreement. For every critic who says even though the President has tried to will constrain Iran’s nuclear program the P5+1 gave away too much, there is box the Congress in—the United States and maintain the global cooperation one in Iran who says the Iranians did has a $17 trillion economy, and that by needed to enforce these limits. the same. the United States imposing economic Mr. Speaker, the plain language of This deal has vast potential, but its sanctions on Iran, that in fact other this agreement explicitly states that success will ultimately hinge on its im- countries will be forced to follow in ‘‘under no circumstances will Iran ever plementation. It would be better use of order to be able to do business with the seek, develop, or acquire any nuclear our energies to focus on ensuring that United States. weapons.’’ There is no waiver, no ex- this deal succeeds and that the IAEA This is really the hope and change ception, no qualifier or sunset. Iran has what is necessary to carry out its applied to American national security. may never have a nuclear weapon, pe- mandate. The hope and change is that the con- riod. That is what the agreement says. One final point, if some of the critics duct of Iran will change over time; that Now, of course, nobody believes a are right and we eventually have to re- the ruling mullahs will in fact some- simple affirmation alone is enough, es- sort to a military option with or with- how become enlightened. And that pecially with Iran’s history, which is out our international neighbors, I

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.088 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5929 think it would be much better for us to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The breakout time. This is the reaction have had hundreds of inspectors on the time of the gentleman has expired. time that the world community will ground inspecting nuclear and non- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield the have for a diplomatic, economic, and nuclear facilities. gentleman another 30 seconds. military response if Iran decides to re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I en- sume its nuclear weapons program. time of the gentleman has expired. courage a strong ‘‘no’’ vote on this Because of the importance of this Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. deal. I encourage this Chamber, the issue, I have spent a great deal of time I yield the gentleman an additional 30 Senate, and the administration to do and effort personally vetting this esti- seconds. the right thing by rejecting this deal in mate. The breakout time calculation is Mr. LYNCH. It would be far better its entirety; and I pray that God would complex because there are many pos- for us and our international allies to intervene and help us. sible paths to obtain the fissile mate- have had international inspectors— Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. rial for a first weapon, and each of hundreds—on the ground in Iran, so Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the these must be examined. that if we do have to take military ac- gentleman from Illinois (Mr. FOSTER). After many hours of study and de- tion, we have that information, we Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, as the tailed questioning of our experts, I have that intelligence, so that any only Ph.D. physicist in Congress—in have concluded that the 1-year esti- military action that eventually is nec- fact, the only Ph.D. scientist of any mate for the minimum breakout time essary will be much more effective. kind—I have taken very seriously my is accurate. But I agree that this agreement is responsibility to review the technical Fourth, in regards to the our best chance, this opportunity for aspects of the proposed agreement. weaponization timeline, this is the diplomacy, and I ask my colleagues to After over a dozen briefings, many of time needed by Iran from the point support it. them individual classified briefings by that it possesses a sufficient quantity the technical experts who have sup- b 2015 of nuclear material for a first weapon, ported our negotiators, I have come to to the time that it will take them to Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 support this deal not based on trust of assemble and to test that first nuclear minutes to the gentleman from Arkan- Iran, but based on science. weapon. sas (Mr. WESTERMAN). I would like to take a moment to Unfortunately, Iran has made signifi- Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I make four technical points that under- cant progress toward weaponization, rise tonight in strong disagreement pin my support of this deal. including such items as the multipoint with the President’s deal. First, in regards to the claim that initiation system for implosion devices Tonight is the eve of the 14th anni- ‘‘Iran gets to be in charge of inspecting that is referenced in the IAEA report of versary of attacks on America by rad- itself’’ in investigations of its past 2011. ical Islamic terrorists. These were di- weaponization activities, this is simply Moreover, if Iran breaks out of this rect, premeditated attacks on our soil not true. The investigations will be agreement, it will resume the that targeted and murdered thousands carried out by a team of IAEA inspec- weaponization activities during the of Americans, just because they were tors, using equipment and sampling same year that it takes to accumulate Americans. kits prepared by the IAEA, with sam- fissile materials for a first weapon. It was a dirty, cowardly act that re- ples being sent to the international Therefore, I concur with the assess- flects the lack of civility and values of Network of Analytical Laboratories, of ment that, in the context of a 1-year all terrorists, those who finance terror, which a number of U.S. laboratories breakout effort, the additional time for those who plan terror attacks, and are members. weaponization may be small. However, those who carry them out. I urge my colleagues who harbor at the end of this agreement, when the Who would have thought we would be doubts about this inspection regime to breakout time to obtain fissile mate- here at this time debating whether to avail themselves of classified briefings rial is shortened, the weaponization ac- approve an agreement with the number on the details. What I can say publicly tivities become the dominant factor in one state sponsor of terrorism in the is that our technical experts have full the time line. world, a deal with a country that confidence in the technical inspection This underscores the importance of chants ‘‘death to America’’ while hold- capability of the IAEA. maintaining maximum visibility into ing four American hostages, a deal that Secondly, in regards to the 24-day in- all aspects of the Iranian nuclear capa- removes sanctions and allows billions spection delay, which has been a source bility, a position that is surely of dollars to flow into a regime that of concern for many, including myself, strengthened by the adoption of this wants to annihilate us and our allies, a under the proposed agreement, Iran’s agreement and, also, of significantly deal that allows thousands of cen- declared nuclear facilities will be avail- strengthening the nonproliferation trifuges to continue spinning and en- able for anytime, anywhere inspection. treaty for Iran and for all other nu- riching nuclear fuel that can and most However, for undeclared facilities, in- clear threshold countries. likely will be used in nuclear weapons. cluding military facilities, Iran has the This must be the work of the coming There is a better way to deal with opportunity to contest what is nor- decade, so that by the end of the main this regime, by not making any conces- mally a 24-hour inspection regime terms of this agreement, Iran and its sions until Iran ends their support of under the nonproliferation treaty and neighbors in the Middle East and terrorism and demonstrates they can additional protocol for a period of up to around the world will be bound by a be civilized and trusted. They must 24 days. This is clearly not ideal. It is much stronger and more verifiable non- earn our trust. a negotiated number. proliferation treaty. Mr. Speaker, America’s $18 trillion to However, when I look closely at the As was emphasized by former Sen- $19 trillion economy dwarfs Iran’s $400 many steps that must be taken to ators Dick Lugar and Sam Nunn, two billion economy, and some sell Amer- produce and to test a nuclear weapon, gentlemen who have actually reduced ica short to say that the world would the ability to detect activities in a the threat of nuclear war, instead of stand with Iran over us if we kept our window of 24 days versus 24 hours has just talking about it, that this is not a sanctions and showed resolve. limited operational significance. perfect deal, but it is the best path for- Mr. Speaker, I never thought I would This is because, while many steps to- ward and our best chance to achieve see the day when America negotiated ward weaponization can unfortunately our goal of preventing Iran from devel- with terrorists, and I certainly never be hidden from even a 24-hour inspec- oping nuclear weapons. thought I would see the day when those tion, things like design and testing of I urge my colleagues to support the who swore to protect her would agree nonnuclear components, but the mo- Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as to a deal shrouded in secrecy—not Con- ment that Iran touches nuclear mate- the best opportunity to prevent a nu- gress’ deal, not the American people’s rials, it will be subject to detection by clear-armed Iran. Remember, we did deal, the President’s and the minority the IAEA, even months after any at- not negotiate this deal alone, but if we that supports its deal that jeopardizes tempted scrubbing of the facility. walk away, we walk away alone. so much of our safety and security and Thirdly, I support the administra- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- gains so little. tion’s estimate of a 1-year minimum self such time as I may consume.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.089 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5930 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 We did not negotiate this deal alone. to get closer to their ultimate goal of The International Atomic Energy Also negotiating this deal was Iran and building a nuclear weapon. Agency will have nearly continuous ac- was Russia and was China—true I oppose with all my heart and soul cess to Iran’s declared nuclear facili- enough—but when it comes to the the Iran nuclear agreement because I ties and can gain unprecedented access question of inspections, I do not have do not believe the agreement nego- to other suspicious, undeclared sites in the document that indicates how these tiated by the administration is in the as little as 24 hours. inspections will be done; but what I do best interest of our national security, Under this agreement, Iran will dis- know is what is reported to be the pro- nor is it in the best interest of our al- mantle two-thirds of its installed cen- cedure and what is asserted also by the lies in the Middle East, nor is it in the trifuges, remove over 97 percent of its Iranians to be the procedure. best interest of America. uranium stockpile, and make changes As reported, it is Iran, not inter- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my oppo- to its Arak plutonium reactor before it national inspectors, who will provide sition to the administration’s Iran nuclear receives sanctions relief. the agencies the photos of the loca- agreement. United States Department of Energy tions. It is Iran that will provide the On the Eve of September 11, we remember Secretary and nuclear physicist Ernest Agency videos of the locations. It is the lives lost and unfortunate reality that peo- Moniz has confirmed that the agree- Iran, not international inspectors, who ple want to do America harm. ment increases Iran’s breakout time will provide the Agency the environ- Based on my review of the agreement com- significantly for well over a decade, mental samples. It is Iran that will use bined with my personal experience of being from 2 to 3 months today to at least 12 Iran’s authenticated equipment, not deployed to Iraq in 2005 and again in 2009– months moving forward. This addi- the equipment of the international in- 2010 and seeing firsthand the Iranian influ- tional time will give us ample oppor- spectors. ence there, I have no reason to believe Iran tunity to catch and stop Iran should it The point I make, again, is that one will act in good faith choose to pursue a nuclear weapon. It is not just concerns I have regarding the of the reasons we wanted to have the Some have suggested that we need to deal, but concerns I consistently heard from agreements, the side agreements, the reject this deal in order to get a better constituents, regardless of party affiliation, dur- two side agreements, including the one one, but I have found no evidence to be- ing the August work period. lieve that a better deal is possible. addressing the 12 questions that have Just this week, Iran’s Supreme Leader said never been answered about the thou- It is clear that some of our negoti- America remains the ‘‘Great Satan’’ and reiter- ating partners and other allies do not sand pages of bomb work that the ated his desire to wipe Israel off the map. IAEA had in its possession, that Iran want more sanctions. If we reject this Common sense would prevail that the goal of deal, the robust international sanc- supposedly conducted at Parchin, was Iran’s nuclear program is not to promote to get Iran to answer these questions. tions regime would certainly erode, if peace but exactly the opposite. not unravel entirely. To this day, to my knowledge, sci- Lifting economic sanctions that Congress entists in Iran are not available to an- In the meantime, Iran could move has imposed for more than two decades only forward with its enrichment program swer these questions. gives Iran—a recognized state sponsor of ter- Now, perhaps if we obtain these docu- without inspections; limitations on rorism since 1984—access to billions of dol- manufacturing, installation, research, ments, these two side agreements, we lars to finance terrorist activities in the region will have the details that assure us and development of new centrifuges; and get closer to their ultimate goal of building and constraints on its enriched ura- that, finally, these 12 questions have a nuclear weapon. been answered, but I can tell you, dur- nium stockpile. Simply put, no deal Increased access to wealth coupled with a would mean no inspections and no con- ing the interim agreement, we only got lack of ‘‘anytime, anywhere’’ inspections will half of the first question answered, and straints on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. only allow Iran to increase their support of ter- Some have suggested that we cannot after that, Iran shut it down. There rorism in the region to groups like Hamas and was to be no more discussion about make an agreement with a country Hezbollah and is not nearly sufficient in stop- that we do not trust, but we must re- their past bomb work. ping their pursuit of a nuclear weapon. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the member that this deal is not based on I oppose the Iran nuclear agreement be- trust, but rather the most intrusive in- gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. cause I do not believe that the agreement ne- KELLY). spections regime upon which we have gotiated by the administration is in the best in- ever agreed. (Mr. KELLY of Mississippi asked and terest of our national security nor is it in the was given permission to revise and ex- We did not trust the Soviet Union, best interest of our allies in the Middle East. especially when we negotiated an arms tend his remarks.) Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. reduction treaty with them as we Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the fought in devastating proxy wars Speaker, I rise today to voice my oppo- gentleman from New York (Mr. TONKO). around the world. sition to the Iran nuclear agreement. Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, this agree- On the eve of September 11, I remem- ment is the best option available to b 2030 ber the American lives lost to ter- prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear Today we are not debating whether rorism and the unfortunate reality weapon. The alternatives are simply to trust Iran. We are debating whether that people want to do America harm. too risky and too costly, which is why and how we should enhance monitoring Based on my review of the agree- the deal’s opponents have failed to ar- of its nuclear program. ment, combined with my personal ex- ticulate a realistic alternative. I remain committed to working with perience of being deployed in the Army During my time in Congress, I have the administration and my colleagues in Iraq in 2005 and, again, in 2009 and voted for every bill that imposed crip- here in Congress to contain Iran’s con- 2010 and seeing firsthand the Iranian pling sanctions on Iran, which brought ventional capabilities that threaten influence there, I have no reason to be- the regime to the negotiating table and stability in the region and throughout lieve that Iran will act in good faith in united the world to stop Iran’s pursuit the world, but know that this deal is this agreement. of a nuclear weapon. the best option to take the nuclear It is not just my concerns that I have Sanctions were meant to be a tool to issue out of the equation. regarding this deal, but it is also my ensure negotiations; that is exactly I urge my colleagues to approve this concerns I have consistently heard what they have done, but as we have agreement. throughout the August work month learned from the past decade, sanctions Again, I thank the gentlewoman from my constituents, regardless of alone are not enough to stop Iran from from California for yielding. party affiliation, that did not support expanding its nuclear program. Mr. ROYCE. I yield myself such time this agreement with Iran. Before negotiations began, Iran as I may consume. Lifting economic sanctions that Con- greatly increased its enrichment stock- Mr. Speaker, in terms of viewing this gress has imposed for more than two pile and centrifuge capacity, despite as the most intrusive regime, I remem- decades only gives Iran, a recognized sanctions. That is why a verifiable ber South Africa. We put the kinds of state sponsor of terrorism since 1984, agreement that will cut off Iran’s abil- sanctions on South Africa that we access to billions of dollars to finance ity to build a nuclear weapon is nec- tried to get the administration to put terrorism activities in the region and essary. on Iran.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.091 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5931 We had legislation here by a vote of Congress hasn’t even received all the Quds Force money showing up in our 400–20 to do that, and the administra- details related to the deal. There are hemisphere. tion blocked that legislation in the side deals as well. Earlier this year I was at a series of Senate. That would have given us real So what makes us believe that Iran meetings in Panama. We had parlia- leverage. will abide by the agreement that we mentarians from the region speaking Why do I think so? Because in South see, let alone by the side deals that we to us, telling us that they are actually Africa, when we put those sanctions have not seen? seeing Iranian money moving through on, it actually gave the regime a choice This deal asks us to trust a country their banks, financing bad actors in between compromise on its nuclear that holds American hostages, that their region, creating death and de- program and dropping apartheid and tortures its own people, and that has struction, trying to finance the over- changing its system or economic col- called for the destruction of the United throws of their governments. That is in lapse. States and its allies. It is not a sur- our own hemisphere. The choice was made in South Africa prise that Iran and its allies are cele- Are we prepared as a body, particu- to turn over their nuclear bomb to the brating. larly those who will vote for this, to international inspectors. Now, I would However, it is obvious that this deal step up and take responsibility for the consider that an intrusive regime. I does little to advance U.S. security. We lives that are about to be lost, for the wouldn’t consider this one. can still reject this severely flawed governments that are going to be over- In the case of , they turned deal. There are still alternatives. The thrown and the destruction and dis- over their weapons programs to inter- U.S. can use sanctions, sanctions that placed people, the refugees, the cas- national inspectors, allowed them in, have worked to negotiate a good deal. cades that are going to come from allowed them to take them out. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. that? I don’t know why we say this is the LOUDERMILK). The time of the gen- We are about to hand billions and bil- most intrusive regime. It seems to me tleman has expired. lions and billions of dollars to a regime that, clearly, in cases where we actu- Mr. ROYCE. I yield the gentleman an that is committed to destroying our ally forced the issue, where we actually additional 10 seconds. way of life, but also to destroying their in South Africa put the totality of Mr. GARRETT. We can use those own neighbors. sanctions in place, that Congress both sanctions, those sanctions from the That is what is on the line right now. in the House and the Senate in a bipar- very committee that I was on, to nego- We are about to execute a vote here tisan way felt were mandatory to force tiate a good deal. that is going to kill, maim, destabilize the South African hand. I urge my colleagues to join me in not only the region; the world. In that case, yes, we got them to give protecting the security of the United Those who are about to vote for this, up their nuclear capabilities and their States and protecting the security of I expect you to step up and be respon- right to enrich and all of that. I don’t our allies as well by rejecting this mis- sible for what you have done. see that here. guided deal. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance from New Jersey (Mr. GARRETT). Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how of my time. Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, for much time I have left? We have heard a lot in these debates months now, the President has made The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- that have gone on today. I would like promises that we have heard that tlewoman from California has 61⁄2 min- to take this opportunity to try to rein- would prohibit Iran from obtaining nu- utes remaining. force the tremendous support that we clear weapons through strict oversight. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. have for this deal. Unfortunately, we see now that this I reserve the balance of my time. I would like to also debunk the idea deal does not do that at all. The Ira- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 that somehow this administration is nian regime has done nothing to earn minutes to the gentleman from Ari- not concerned enough about the secu- the trust of the international commu- zona (Mr. SCHWEIKERT). rity of this country. nity, yet this agreement rewards Iran Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, Let me just share with you the tre- with sanctions relief. first I would like to thank Chairman mendous support that this deal has. I I was a member of the Iran Sanctions ROYCE. He has actually dealt with this will do that by reading some excerpts Conference Committee, and I support and done this very honorably. from and insert into the RECORD an tough, strict sanctions against this re- It has been powerful to watch. There open letter signed by 36 retired U.S. gime. has been amazing testimony given to generals and admirals who make the You see, the Iran sanctions were de- us. There have been great speakers case that addressing the risk of a nu- signed to force a peaceful resolution to here. But I fear something very impor- clear conflict with Iran diplomatically this ongoing situation. It was clear to tant has not gotten enough under- is far superior than trying to do it many that the sanctions were working. standing and enough focus. militarily. Iran had an inflation rate of 35 per- Who in this body is going to take re- In their letter, these retired military cent, the value of its currency was fall- sponsibility when the Iranian regime is leaders say about the nuclear agree- ing, and its monetary reserves were flush with cash and the death and de- ment with Iran, ‘‘There is no better op- dwindling. struction that is coming with that? tion to prevent an Iranian nuclear Iran had no choice but to come to the Who here is going to take responsi- weapon,’’ ‘‘If the Iranians cheat, our negotiation table. So the U.S. was in a bility for the displaced people around advanced technology, intelligence and position of power to negotiate a good the region? the inspections will reveal it, and U.S. deal. Who here is going to take responsi- military options remain on the table. Instead, we have a deal which allows bility for what some of the experts And if the deal is rejected by America, Iran to continue to use centrifuges, a have told us, the potential financing of the Iranians could have a nuclear deal that allows them to continue to a Sunni-Shia war in the region, the weapon within a year. The choice is enrich uranium, a deal where, after 15 amount of death, whether it be the $59 that stark.’’ years, it will be unclear what, if any, billion the administration talks about Recognizing the importance of strong access the inspectors will have to their or the $150 billion that sits in accounts multilateral coordination and action, facilities, and a deal where Iran can around the world that is about to be the retired military leaders go on to dispute inspections and delay for 24 handed back to the regime? say, ‘‘If at some point it becomes nec- days. I hold up this board next to me so essary to consider military action This is not, by the way, ‘‘anytime, you can see this is more. This is so against Iran, gathering sufficient inter- anywhere’’ inspections that the admin- much more than just the neighbors national support for such an effort istration also promised us. around Iran. would only be possible if we have first The President may claim that this The bad acts have been happening all given the diplomatic path a chance. We deal is built on verifications. That is over the world. Tell me why there is must exhaust diplomatic options before simply not true. We now know that Iranian Revolutionary Guard money, moving to military ones.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.093 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5932 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 Mr. Speaker and Members, while I RADM Joseph Sestak, U.S. Navy; intractable, messy problem, where have great respect for all of the Mem- RADM Garland ‘‘Gar’’ P. Wright, U.S. there weren’t any neat, beautiful, ele- bers of this House, for the most part, I Navy; gant solutions.’’ do not accept the notion that Members BGEN John Adams, U.S. Air Force; He said: ‘‘You were deciding between BGEN Stephen A. Cheney, U.S. Marine who have not served in the way that Corps; doing something that objectionable or these generals and admirals have BGEN Patricia ‘‘Pat’’ Foote, U.S. Army; doing nothing at all, which could even served this country would know better BGEN Lawrence E. Gillespie, U.S. Army; be more objectionable. So I don’t par- about our security. BGEN John Johns, U.S. Army; ticularly like it when people criticize So I would like to insert that letter BGEN David McGinnis, U.S. Army; something that’s big and important into the RECORD. BGEN Stephen Xenakis, U.S. Army; that’s been done if they don’t have a RDML James Arden ‘‘Jamie’’ Barnett, THE IRAN DEAL BENEFITS U.S. NATIONAL SE- better idea.’’ Jr., U.S. Navy; CURITY—AN OPEN LETTER FROM RETIRED RDML Jay A. DeLoach, U.S. Navy; [From , Aug. 14, 2015] GENERALS AND ADMIRALS RDML Harold L. Robinson, U.S. Navy; REPUBLICAN AND FORMER TREASURY SEC- On July 14, 2015, after two years of intense RDML Alan Steinman, U.S. Coast Guard. RETARY PAULSON SLAMS NAYSAYER OF IRAN international negotiations, an agreement DEAL was announced by the United States, the Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. United Kingdom, France, Germany, China And, further, I would like to share with (By Karoun Demirjian) and Russia to contain Iran’s nuclear pro- you something from someone that I Not many high-profile Republicans have gram. We, the undersigned retired military came to know very well. It is a Wash- anything nice to say about the Iran deal. officers, support the agreement as the most ington Post article that I am going to But former Treasury secretary Hank effective means currently available to pre- quote from. Paulson—the guy who was in charge of the vent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The quotes will be from Republican government’s sanctions operation under The international deal blocks the potential and former Treasury Secretary President George W. Bush, when the inter- national community was just setting up this pathways to a nuclear bomb, provides for in- Paulson. He will not only make very trusive verification, and strengthens Amer- regime of punitive measures over Iran’s nu- ican national security. America and our al- strong statements about his support clear ambitions—thinks at this point, it lies, in the Middle East and around the for this deal, he slams the naysayers of would be pretty ill-advised to back away. world, will be safer when this agreement is this Iranian deal. ‘‘It’s somewhere in between naive and un- fully implemented. It is not based on trust; Let me read from the Washington realistic to assume that after we’ve, the the deal requires verification and tough Post article from August 14 in which United States of America, has negotiated sanctions for failure to comply. former Treasury Secretary Hank something like this with the five other, you There is no better option to prevent an Ira- Paulson was asked what he thought know, parties and with the whole world com- nian nuclear weapon. Military action would about the viability of maintaining munity watching, that we could back away be less effective than the deal, assuming it is multilateral nuclear sanctions against from that—and that the others would go fully implemented. If the Iranian’s cheat, with us, or even that our allies would go our advanced technology, intelligence and Iran if the United States decided to with us,’’ Paulson said during a forum spon- the inspections will reveal it, and U.S. mili- walk away from the nuclear deal that sored by the Aspen Institute on Thursday tary options remain on the table. And if the has just been agreed to between Iran night to discuss his new book on China. deal is rejected by America, the Iranians and the international community. ‘‘And unilateral sanctions don’t work, could have a nuclear weapon within a year. It is important to note that former okay?’’ Paulson continued. ‘‘They really The choice is that stark. Secretary Paulson, a Republican, was have to be multilateral.’’ We agree with the Chairman of the Joint in charge of administering the admin- Paulson was responding to a question from Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, istration’s sanctions under President the moderator of the event, who had asked who said on July 29, 2015, ‘‘[r]elieving the George W. Bush during the period when what Paulson thought about the viability of risk of a nuclear conflict with Iran dip- the international community was just maintaining , should lomatically is superior than trying to do the United States walk away from the agree- that militarily.’’ beginning to enact the current regime ment struck in Vienna last month. Congress If at some point it becomes necessary to of punitive sanctions over Iran’s nu- will vote on that very question next month, consider military action against Iran, gath- clear ambitions. but naysayers need a veto-proof, two-thirds ering sufficient international support for This was his response, ‘‘It’s some- majority in both houses to kill the deal—a such an effort would only be possible if we where in between naive and unrealistic formidable hurdle to clear. have first given the diplomatic path a to assume that after we, the United In Congress and on the campaign trail, the chance. We must exhaust diplomatic options States of America, has negotiated critics of the deal—many, though not all of before moving to military ones. something like this, with the five other them Republicans—have been advocating For these reasons, for the security of our parties, and with the whole world com- ripping up the agreement and either leaving Nation, we call upon Congress and the Amer- the U.S. sanctions in place or stepping them ican people to support this agreement. munity watching, that we could back up to make the point to Iran and the inter- GEN James ‘‘Hoss’’ Cartwright, U.S. Ma- away from that—and that the others national community that the United States rine Corps; would go with us, or even that our al- means business. Some lawmakers, including GEN Joseph P. Hoar, U.S. Marine Corps; lies would go with us.’’ Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D–N.Y.), and can- GEN Merrill ‘‘Tony’’ McPeak, U.S. Air Paulson also viewed as far-fetched didates have even suggested that the United Force; the idea that the United States could States could force other nations into lock- GEN Lloyd W. ‘‘Fig’’ Newton, U.S. Air force other nations into lockstep on a step on a more hardline approach to Iran by Force; more hard-line approach to Iran by threatening them with secondary sanctions. LGEN Robert G. Gard, Jr., U.S. Army; threatening them with secondary sanc- Paulson thinks that idea is farfetched. LGEN Arlen D. Jameson, U.S. Air Force; ‘‘I think it’s totally unrealistic to believe LGEN Frank Kearney, U.S. Army; tions. that if we backed out of this deal that the LGEN Claudia J. Kennedy, U.S. Army; Again, Mr. Paulson said: multilateral sanctions would stay in place,’’ LGEN Donald L. Kerrick, U.S. Army; ‘‘ ‘I think it’s totally unrealistic to Paulson said. ‘‘I’m just trying to envision us LGEN Charles P. Otstott, U.S. Army; believe that if we backed out of this sanctioning European banks or enforcing LGEN Norman R. Seip, U.S. Air Force; deal, that the multilateral sanctions them, or Japanese banks, or big Chinese LGEN James M. Thompson, U.S. Army; would stay in place,’ Paulson said. ‘I’m banks.’’ VADM Kevin P. Green, U.S. Navy; just trying to envision us sanctioning Sanctions against Iran have become far VADM Lee F. Gunn, U.S. Navy; European banks or enforcing them, or more extensive since Paulson left office. And MGEN George Buskirk, U.S. Army; Japanese banks, or big Chinese Paulson’s comments, delivered in a resort MGEN Paul D. Eaton, U.S. Army; banks.’ ’’ city in Colorado, may not carry that much MGEN Marcelite J. Harris, U.S. Air weight among his GOP colleagues in Wash- Force; b 2045 ington. MGEN Frederick H. Lawson, U.S. Army; In fact, the former Treasury Sec- The former Goldman Sachs chief executive MGEN William L. Nash, U.S. Army; retary could barely hide his disdain for came to the Treasury Department in 2006 on MGEN Tony Taguba, U.S. Army; the eve of a colossal financial crash and left RADM , U.S. Navy; those who think they could strike a as a controversial figure for the policies he RADM Malcolm MacKinnon III, U.S. path to a better deal than one that has spearheaded. Since leaving that post, he has Navy; been reached. broken from the mainstream GOP party line RADM Edward ‘‘Sonny’’ Masso, U.S. Further, he said: ‘‘I had a seat in to advocate for more attention to issues like Navy; Washington when we dealt with a big, climate change.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:23 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.094 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5933 Even others in the Bush administration chaired the Terrorism Subcommittee, sales of aircraft and parts to Iranian probably wouldn’t agree with Paulson: His we were in Haifa when Nasrallah was airlines, which the Quds Force uses to former boss, George W., advised against lift- firing off the Iranian-made rockets move its people and weapons through- ing Iran sanctions this spring. But Iran sanctions are Paulson’s wheel- with 90,000 ball bearings in the war- out the region. The IRGC controls key house, and while he didn’t direct any darts heads into the town of Haifa; there parts, as I said, of the Iranian econ- toward specific politicians or give his own were 600 victims inside the trauma hos- omy—the largest construction compa- point-by-point assessment of the merits of pitals, and now, Iran has transferred nies, the telecom sector, shipping. the deal, Paulson’s disdain for those who over 80,000 missiles. Ninety current and former IRGC offi- think they can strike a path to a better solu- What is it Nasrallah wants that he cials and companies will be taken off tion than the one reached in Vienna was ap- doesn’t have currently? He wants guid- the sanctions list as a result of this parent. ance systems so that those missiles ‘‘I had a seat in Washington when we dealt deal. Even sanctions on the head of with a big, intractable, messy problem, will hit targets, such as individual Iran’s elite Quds Force, General where there weren’t any neat, beautiful, ele- buildings in Tel Aviv, the airport, Je- Soleimani, will be coming off. gant solutions,’’ Paulson said. ‘‘You were de- rusalem. That is what he needs. That is Soleimani had been involved in the ciding between doing something that was ob- what Iran is telling Nasrallah it will plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambas- jectionable or doing nothing at all, which provide. sador here in Washington, D.C. could even be more objectionable. It needs the hard currency and with While still under a UN travel ban, ‘‘So I don’t particularly like it when people this agreement will come the hard cur- Soleimani traveled to Moscow on July criticize something that’s big and important rency. It is also committed to restock that’s been done if they don’t have a better 24, 10 days after the Iran nuclear agree- idea,’’ Paulson said. the inventory that Hamas used when it ment was announced, and he held fired off its rockets into Israel from Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. meetings with the Russian Defense Gaza and to rebuild the tunnels; all of Mr. Speaker, having said that, I would Minister and with President Vladimir this is what the Iranians seek to fund, like to discuss a point that I do not Putin. Believe me, those meetings are but to do that, they need the sanctions think has been given enough attention about weapon systems, which the Rus- lifted. yet in this debate. Iran could move in sians want to sell to the Quds Force, to When they lift those sanctions, who the Iranians. any direction over the next 15 years is going to be the primary beneficiary? and the postagreement dynamics in The IRGC is the biggest sponsor of It is going to be people such as the Ira- terror throughout the Middle East and Iran would play out in a number of nian Revolutionary Guard Corps that ways. We are aware of the less benign even tried to carry out a terrorist at- will be strengthened. tack here. Under the nuclear agree- scenarios. Look, Mr. Speaker, if this agreement ment, as Iran is reconnected to the There is also the scenario in which goes through, Iran gets a cash bonanza. global economy, the IRGC is going to the agreement helps to amplify the It gets a boost to its international be the biggest winner. voices of those in Iran who want peace standing. It gets a lighted path toward The agreement helps legitimize in regional and international accom- nuclear weapons. With sweeping sanc- Soleimani and gives additional re- modation. I have hope with respect to tions relief, we have lessened our abil- sources to the mastermind behind the this latter possibility, and I will tell ity to challenge Iran’s conduct across world’s foremost state sponsor of ter- you why. the board. As Iran grows stronger, we It is because more than half the pop- will be weaker to respond. rorism and eyeing future weapon sales. ulation of Iran today—almost 55 per- The question before us today is It was Russia that teamed up with cent—is under 30 years old, and the whether temporary constraints on Iran in the eleventh hour, after we youth unemployment rate is some- Iran’s nuclear program are worth the thought this deal was done, to insist on where between 27 and 40 percent. I hope price of permanent sanctions relief. one more thing, the lifting of the arms that these young people, given the op- When I say the Revolutionary Guard is embargo. I just ask you: If they did portunity to work, to achieve pros- going to be the beneficiary, I say that that, whose side do you think Moscow perity, and to live peacefully, will, in because they are the ones that have is going to take when Iran tests this fact, help animate the kind of change taken over so many of the major com- agreement? in Iran that will, indeed, move it to be- panies in Iran and they are working to Now, we talked a little bit about the come a responsible member of the destabilize the entire Middle East. younger generation in Iran. Yes, yes, 55 world community. That organization fuels the Assad re- percent is under 30, but it is not those This is a possibility that I urge Mem- gime in Syria today. Those rockets are 55 percent under 30 that are going to be bers to keep in mind when they vote on being launched by the Quds Force into empowered. The ones holding the the resolution before us today. Israel. They are going to provide them strings now—because of the way the I have no more time, but I would just with more weapons and more military Iranian economy works—are the gen- urge my colleagues to support this im- personnel. That organization backs the erals, are the clerics. They are the ones portant deal and agreement, and I yield Houthi rebels. There were 200 Quds that have taken over the companies. back the balance of my time. When you have got $60 billion to $100 Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Forces that were on the vanguard when they overthrew our ally in Yemen, and billion, depending upon whose figure self the balance of my time. you use, and you lift the escrow on Mr. Speaker, to begin with, I would they overran that country. It is responsible for the deaths of that and that money goes back to Iran, like to also submit later for the hundreds of American troops in Iraq. it is their accounts that it is going to RECORD a letter by 200 retired generals The IRGC exports terrorism through- go into, and they are going to control and flag officers and admirals in terms out that region. It holds sway over the contracts going forward. of why they are opposed to this deal Iran’s nuclear program. It brutally, How is that going to liberalize the and why they feel it would make the brutally represses internal dissent, and economy or work to the benefit of the national security challenges for the as part of the Iranian agreement, the next generation in Iran? No, it makes United States more problematic. it more certain that the tyranny that The second point I would make is IRGC is going to be bolstered in a big this theocracy imposes is going to be that Nasrallah, who is the head of way, and I will explain how else. It is strengthened. Hezbollah, says this about this deal: going to have the funds to build up its tanks, its fighter jets, and the inter- We reverse decades of bipartisan U.S. Iran will become richer and wealthier and policy; we remove the Security Council will also become more influential under the continental ballistic missiles. deal reached this week. This will also rein- The European sanctions on the elite resolutions against Iran’s illicit nu- force the position of its allies. A stronger Quds Forces—this is the group that clear program, and we okay Iran as a and wealthier Iran in the coming phase will does the political assassinations, assas- nuclear threshold state. That is what be able to stand by its allies and especially sinations outside Iran, and does the has been done here. the Palestinian resistance more than at any terrorist work outside of Iran—that is You and I know that, once that proc- other time in history. going to be lifted on the European side. ess is underway, Iran is going to What does that mean? I can tell you The administration signed off on produce nuclear weapons on an indus- what it means because, in 2006, when I these concessions. The deal will allow trial scale when they are at the end of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:23 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10SE7.026 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 10, 2015 that process, unless they cheat before Soleimani, killed 500 U.S. soldiers in on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear pro- they get to the end of the process. Iraq. Removing sanctions on Soleimani gram of Iran. Secretary Kerry had previously said and the IRGC is so shocking that, when The President’s failed legacy to execute a we do not recognize Iran’s right to en- the deal was first announced, many strategy of peace through strength has re- rich and that there is no right to en- thought that it was a mistake, thought sulted in mass murders throughout the Middle rich in the NPT. However, this agree- that that was not the case. East. We have seen his failure to take action ment legitimizes Iran’s vast nuclear Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance after Syria violated the President’s declared program, including its right to en- of my time. ‘‘red line’’ and used chemical weapons against riched uranium, which can be used to Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, like my vote its citizens. We have seen it in his failure to produce a nuclear warhead. against the Iraq War, consideration of the recognize ISIL/DAESH as a significant threat I guarantee you that everybody in Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to Americans, not as the ‘‘JV’’ team. When it the region is going to be looking at is one of the most consequential foreign policy comes to Middle East policy, the President that and saying: We want the same votes I will take during my time in Congress. has been dangerously inaccurate, putting agreement Iran had. We want that After careful consideration I have decided to American families at risk. same exemption to the NPT. support the JCPOA because it is the best way In South Carolina’s Second District, I hosted After the agreement’s temporary forward to prevent Iran from obtaining a nu- three town hall meetings on the deal, and the limits expire, Iran’s nuclear program clear weapon and advance the national secu- response from my constituents was over- will be treated in the same manner as rity interests of the United States and our al- whelming—the American people know this that of any other nonnuclear weapon lies. deal is dangerous in the tradition of Neville state party to the NPT. Okay, so we The intent of sanctions and these negotia- Chamberlain. are going to treat Iran like it is Hol- tions has always been to diplomatically cut off This week’s vote on the Iranian nuclear deal land, but it is not Holland. It has been Iran’s pathways to a nuclear weapon and to is of historic proportions. If allowed, this deal caught cheating. That is why we are verifiably increase transparency of their nu- would economically and militarily reenergize a here. It has been caught cheating in clear activities. After reviewing the agreement regime bent on the destruction of democracy the past, over and over, on their agree- and its classified documents, participating in all over the world. It will put the young people ments. classified briefings with Secretaries Kerry, of Iran who seek change at risk. We must act Iran can have a peaceful nuclear pro- Moniz, and Lew, and listening to the insights immediately to stop this deal and vote against gram without the ability to enrich ura- of experts on all sides, it is clear that this deal the Resolution of Approval. nium. This is something we all under- achieves these goals. IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL stand. Many countries have this. It is The JCPOA will ensure that Iran will not Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to begin this key bomb-making technology that have the materials or capability to build a nu- with a couple quotes from the President about is so objectionable. clear weapon and extends the breakout time the agreement: We had no problem with the idea of for building a nuclear bomb from two or three ‘‘There is nothing more important to our se- letting them have a peaceful nuclear months as it currently stands to at least a curity and to the world’s stability than pre- program; but why give up the right to year. And if Iran violates the agreement, un- venting the spread of nuclear weapons and enrich? Preventing the spread of this precedented international inspections will en- ballistic missiles. dangerous technology has been the sure we know about it and can automatically ‘‘It does not rely on trust. Compliance will be foundation of our nonproliferation pol- reinstate international sanctions. certified by the International Atomic Energy icy for decades. In contrast, blocking this deal would allow Agency.’’ As a result, over 20 countries have Iran to resume its nuclear program with no re- Mr. Speaker, you would be forgiven if you peaceful nuclear energy programs strictions or oversight, increasing the likelihood thought I was quoting President Obama. How- without a domestic enrichment pro- of military conflict and a regional nuclear ever, I was quoting President Bill Clinton gram. In fact, buying fuel for nuclear weapons race—precisely the scenario sanc- lauding his nuclear agreement with North power plants abroad from countries tions were designed to prevent. Another costly Korea in 1994. Additionally he stated, ‘‘This like Russia is much more cost effective war in the Middle East would put American agreement will help to achieve a longstanding than producing it domestically. lives at risk and undermine the security of our and vital American objective: an end to the You have to ask: Why do they want nation and our allies, including Israel. threat of nuclear proliferation on the Korean to produce it domestically? If this There are no decisions I take more seri- Peninsula.’’ agreement is allowed to go forward, the ously than those that involve potentially send- Mr. Speaker, we now know that reality United States will recognize the ability ing Americans into harm’s way. This is undeni- turned out to be very different. Despite assur- of Iran, the world’s largest state spon- ably one of those decisions. ances from President Clinton, the North Kore- sor of terrorism, to enrich uranium. Under the JCPOA, every option is—and will ans violated the deal, began a clandestine Despite claims to the contrary, this remain—on the table, including military force. program to enrich uranium and in 2006 con- will set a dangerous precedent; it will But as a Member of Congress I have a sol- ducted its first underground test of a nuclear greatly undermine longstanding U.S. emn obligation to ensure every diplomatic ave- weapon. efforts to restrict the spread of this nue is exhausted before military action is Once again we are told by a Democrat key bomb-making technology. How can taken. That is why I opposed authorizing the President that an agreement will prevent an we tell our allies they can’t have it if Iraq War and why I support the JCPOA. adversarial country from acquiring a nuclear we do this? This is a pivotal moment. We must certainly weapon. We would be fools to believe that If fully implemented, this agreement remain vigilant in the years and decades to they will not violate the Obama agreement just will destroy the Iran sanctions regime, come to ensure the deal is strictly enforced as North Korea violated the Clinton agree- which this Congress has built up over and that Iran upholds its end of the bargain, ment. The stakes here are even higher. Iran is decades, despite opposition from sev- but the terms of this agreement are strong, a regime that will not hesitate to use nuclear eral administrations. We did that in verifiable, and long-lasting. weapons to achieve its long-stated goals: the Congress. We pushed this. The billions The JCPOA is certainly not perfect, but per- destruction of both Israel and America. in sanctions relief that Iran will get fect is not an option. Those who are urging The Iran Nuclear Deal that was agreed to will support its terrorist activity, and the defeat of this deal have a responsibility to by President Obama is wholly inadequate and those billions are just a downpayment. propose a viable alternative—yet no such al- unacceptable. The deal gives up-front, perma- Under this agreement, European ternative has been put forward. nent sanctions relief to the Iranian mullahs sanctions on the Iranian Revolutionary While the risks of a nuclear armed Iran are and allows Iran to have an internationally rec- Guard and the leader of its elite Quds unquestionably dire, there is simply no sce- ognized nuclear program after 15 years that Force—Soleimani, again—are removed, nario in which these risks are reduced by re- could quickly produce a nuclear weapon. and their job is to export the revolu- jecting this deal This agreement is the best Most laughable are the ‘‘anytime, anywhere’’ tion. That means their job is to export option available and it has my full support. inspections. In fact, the agreement grants the terrorism. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speak- Iranians 24 days to allow the IAEA access to General Dempsey—I will close with er, I am in strong opposition to House Resolu- undeclared nuclear facilities. This gives Iran this—testified that Iranian militias, tion 3461, the to Approve the Joint Com- ample opportunity to cheat and continue its such as those trained and equipped by prehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna march toward a nuclear weapon. We have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:19 Sep 11, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10SE7.098 H10SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 10, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5935 also learned that the Iranians will be able to ment is enforceable. The monitoring and in- bate this agreement, we must listen to the provide their own samples from their military spection provisions are more intrusive than non-proliferation experts who have worked base at Parchin to international inspectors. any previous agreement. Most importantly, tirelessly to move the deal forward. I urge my This is essentially asking the fox to guard the they will prevent Iran from producing fission- Congressional colleagues to support the deal. henhouse. able material without the international commu- It would be negligent to walk away from a nu- I also have great concerns about what hap- nity knowing. clear deal at this point. pens once sanctions are lifted and billions of There are some who suggest that even with f dollars are flowing back into Iran. While the this agreement Iran might still acquire nuclear The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time UN Security Council resolutions allegedly pre- weapons in the long term. While some provi- for debate has expired. vent Iran from shipping arms to terrorist orga- sions of this agreement are indeed time lim- Pursuant to House Resolution 412, nizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and ited and the world will need to revisit this the previous question is ordered on the to Assad in Syria, nothing prevents them from issue, this agreement remains our best bill. sending money. In an incredibly dangerous chance of thwarting the immediate threat. The question is on the engrossment concession, the U.S. even agreed to shorten Many estimates suggest Iran is two to three and third reading of the bill. the length of the arms embargo against Iran. months away from acquiring a nuclear weap- The bill was ordered to be engrossed There is no question that this will negatively on—and this agreement addresses that very and read a third time, and was read the impact regional stability as well as the U.S. imminent threat. third time. Navy’s access to the Persian Gulf. An article Mr. Speaker, I have heard from constituents The SPEAKER pro tempore. The in the Washington Post pointed out that the on all sides of the issue. I respect the opinions question is on the passage of the bill. funds available to Iran immediately upon im- of those who do not support it. However, I be- The question was taken; and the plementation of this deal would equate to ap- lieve this agreement is our best option. Speaker pro tempore announced that proximately 10% of its GDP. That would be Support the agreement. Vote yes. the ayes appeared to have it. equivalent to a $1.7 trillion injection into our Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, on that I economy. Mr. Speaker, I rise after careful consideration Mr. Speaker, I do not believe this agree- demand the yeas and nays. and review of the Joint-Comprehensive Plan The yeas and nays were ordered. ment will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear of Action (JCPOA) and would like to extend weapons. I believe it will do just the opposite. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- my full support of the deal negotiated between ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- In no way should a country that vows to wipe Iran and the P5+1 countries. This historical Israel off the map and chants ‘‘Death to Amer- ceedings on this question will be post- agreement between the United States, China, poned. ica’’ be allowed nuclear capabilities. Today France, Russia, the United Kingdom, plus marks a turning point for the future of one of Germany, is in the best interest of our country, f our greatest allies, Israel. If this deal goes our major ally in the Middle East, and the b 2100 through, President Obama and Democrats in global community. IN MEMORY OF ELANOR BENSON Congress will own the consequences of allow- The agreement, which will face Congres- ing the Iranian regime to become a nuclear sional scrutiny, has won endorsement by more The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under power. than one hundred former American diplomats. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- We can and must have a better deal. A deal The group that contains Republicans and uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Ari- that truly allows for anytime/anywhere inspec- Democrats described the deal, negotiated by zona (Mr. SCHWEIKERT) is recognized as tions. A deal that would keep restrictions on Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary the designee of the majority leader for Iran’s nuclear program for decades. A deal of Energy Dr. Ernest J. Moniz as a ‘‘landmark half of the time remaining before 10 that forces Iran to end its missile development agreement.’’ It would make no sense to reject p.m., approximately 30 minutes. program. A deal that allows Iran truly limited this diplomatic movement towards stability and Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, I enrichment capability. A deal that releases peace in the region. yield such time as he may consume to U.S. hostages in Iran. It is a catastrophic fail- Twenty-nine top American scientists have the gentleman from Texas (Mr. CAR- ure that President Obama did not insist on also endorsed the deal, noting that it will ‘‘ad- TER), my good friend. these provisions in the nuclear deal. We vance the cause of peace and security in the IRAN NUCLEAR AGREEMENT should be embarrassed that as the leader of Middle East, and can serve as a guidepost for Mr. CARTER of Texas. I thank my the free world and the most powerful country future nonproliferation agreements.’’ The friend from Arizona for recognizing me. on earth, this is the best deal President group of scientists includes six Noble Laure- Mr. Speaker, we have been having a Obama could negotiate. really great conversation here, and I We have been presented with a false choice ates. In a letter to President , they pointed out that Iran was only ‘‘a few hope that everyone who has the respon- of accepting this deal or going to war. We sibility of casting a vote on this so- should reject this deal and return to work, not weeks away’’ from having fuel for nearby called deal that the President has to war. We cannot allow the sanctions to be weapons. The agreement would stop Iran’s brought us has been listening very lifted, we must reject approval of the deal and nuclear program, the scientists wrote. closely. we must have all the information—including In the JCPOA, Iran agrees that it will not de- Mr. Speaker, the President wants side agreements—before the clock can begin velop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The deal Congress to approve what I would call on the deal. I urge my colleagues to stand also includes a permanent ban on Iran’s de- an absurd deal that eases the path for with our ally Israel and with the American peo- velopment of key nuclear weapon components an avowed enemy of the United States ple. The consequences of these votes are and is based on four clear objectives; blocking of America’s and our allies to unleash truly life and death. the highly enriched uranium route, allowing no Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, an Iran with path to plutonium, intensive monitoring, and a nightmare on the world. a nuclear weapon would present an existential incentives for compliance I want us to take a look—and I ask threat to Israel, destabilize the region and un- Without the agreement, there will be no re- the supporters of this deal to take a dermine U.S. security interests. This agree- straints on Iran’s nuclear program. There will look—at what Iran has done to merit ment is our best option for avoiding such a more than likely be an arms race to acquire our trust. scenario. If Congress rejects this agreement, and develop nuclear weapons by various na- We first saw these guys way back in there is a high probability Iran will continue de- tions in the Middle East. Such a climate would the Carter administration when they veloping weapons grade plutonium and ura- not be in the best interest of our country, and stormed our American Embassy and nium. certainly not in the best interests of our ally, took our people hostage and held those That could result in American military ac- Israel, and the global community. people for, I believe it was, 42 days. tion—something I believe we should avoid— It is my firm belief that if this deal is not im- They abused them in every way they and that the American people oppose. A U.S. plemented due to a Congressional blockade, could think of. Quite honestly, they fi- strike would be costly, causing loss of life on we risk devastating military conflict. I am nally released them after pressure was both sides—and could lead to attacks on hopeful that we can continue on this trajectory placed on them. Since that time, I can- Israel. Yet, it would only postpone Iran’s nu- of peace and diplomacy as opposed to an un- not think of a single instance where clear weapons development by a few years. avoidable nuclear arms race and armed con- dealing with Iran has been a positive Clearly, a strong, enforceable diplomatic so- flict in the region. As we move to the next thing. In fact, let’s look at the public lution is superior. Let’s be clear—this agree- phase and allow Congress to study and de- face they put on.

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