Wendy Sherman: “I thank the House for this opportunity, because I was not on the list to address the House today and did not expect to…”

“I thank the House for this opportunity, because I was not on the list to address the House today and did not expect to do so. My remarks may be intemperate because I come here in anger. I speak here not with any prepared text, but from a few roughly thrown together notes. I know those who prepare the Congressional Record like a prepared text to follow afterwards, but they will, unfortunately, have to rely upon our outstanding court reporter. Mr. Speaker, 20 minutes ago, I became aware of a horrifying news report, a report that filled me with anger at a proposed administration policy, a policy that may be taken by an administration that I have supported time and time again with my vote and with my voice. Today, news reports indicate that this Friday the State Department plans to announce an elimination on the ban on importing to the United States of Iranian caviar, carpets, and pistachios. We will be told that these three exports are insignificant to a Nation with so much oil. But Iran is able to export its oil on the world market and obtain the world price. Nothing America does influences that price or the total demand for Iranian oil. In contrast, Iran stands to benefit substantially if its three major non-energy exports are allowed into the United States. Nothing we do could have a greater impact in the area of importing goods from Iran than to allow carpets, pistachios, and caviar into our markets. Mr. Speaker, do we really need Iranian caviar?”