Howard Berman: “I am taking out this special order here today in conjunction with my friend and colleague from Texas (Mr. Frost) to…”

“I am taking out this special order here today in conjunction with my friend and colleague from Texas (Mr. Frost) to discuss H.R. 2709, the Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997. The President must decide tomorrow whether or not to veto H.R. 2709, which was sent to him on June 10. This is legislation which Congress and the administration have discussed and debated again and again. It was first introduced in October 1997, followed by hearings and briefings with the administration, including at least two lengthy meetings between Vice President Gore and congressional sponsors of the legislation. In June it was sent to the President after a 392 to 22 vote. The Senate passed this legislation 90 TO 4. It has such great support in the Congress because it is aimed at halting one of the major threats to international stability, Iran's program of developing missile delivery systems for its nuclear, chemical and biological weapons program. There is no doubt about the Iranian program. Iran's Shihab-3 and Shihab-4 missiles are being designed with external help, reportedly primarily but not exclusively Russian, to a range of 930 to 1,250 miles. There have been additional reports that the Iranian objective is to develop a multistage, intercontinental missile with a range of 3,500 miles. I agree with the Secretary of State that we should engage Iran.…”