Evan Bayh

I think we would all agree that we have a strong interest in avoiding that.

The hope is to move progressively, with timelines and real consequences for failing to meet them.

The purpose for this hearing and for some of our initiatives is to try and make negotiations--maximize the chances that we do not reach that point.

I see President Obama continuing a lot of the strength that was in President Bush's policy.

I am pleased to call to order this hearing of the Senate Banking Committee which will focus on how the United States can use sanctions and other forms of economic pressure to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.

I think that President Obama has done--I have been impressed by his diplomacy toward Iran.

Dialog and negotiations is appropriate, but they are most likely to be effective... if there is some meaningful consequences for a failure to negotiate in good faith

Rather, it is only by applying the toughest possible sanctions that we stand any chance of persuading Iran's leaders to consider serious negotiations with the international community.

I think at the end of the day, the truth is, but a lot of people aren't willing to say it, that they are willing to accept a nuclear Iran.

I think it is a difficult prospect. I am not sure this strategy will succeed, but it is worth trying.

He is a man of integrity, intelligence, and as I have said, he focuses on the bottom line--how do we work together to help people.

I am confident that he will bring that same devotion to consensus building and pragmatism to the Federal Government.