Barbara Lee: “I join my colleagues today in acknowledging the real and serious threat posed by a nuclear Iran to the United States…”

“I join my colleagues today in acknowledging the real and serious threat posed by a nuclear Iran to the United States, our allies in the Middle East, and the global nuclear nonproliferation regime that is vital to securing a safer and more prosperous world. I would also like to acknowledge the Obama Administration, which has rightly pursued and kept open a dual-track approach of concerted diplomatic engagement and pressure with Iran. The President's resolve proved successful in securing a coordinated and forceful international response, and I am pleased to see that this Conference agreement provides the Administration improved flexibility to ensure we do not undermine the very international partnerships that are necessary to prevent Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapons capability. As this package of unilateral U.S. sanctions moves forward for the President's signature, let us not lose sight of our ultimate goal--a long-term diplomatic solution to bring Iran into compliance with international nonproliferation standards and commitments. Mr. Speaker, although I support this Conference agreement, I must reiterate my deeply held belief that sanctions should never be viewed as a checkmark on the path to war. I remain deeply concerned by counterproductive rhetoric with regard to Iran that echoes the drumbeat to war we heard in Iraq.”