On the recordJune 26, 2019
Mr. Speaker, this motion amends the bill by adding $10 million for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Department of the Treasury. This office plays a key role in countering our most critical national security threats by implementing sanctions. As a Green Beret, I have fought in the war on terror, and I can tell you this office is vital to the safety of our Nation and preventing war. In light of our current threats, this office requires an additional $10 million to accomplish its goals. This motion will implement sanctions policy toward Russia, North Korea, ISIS, and, particularly, the Iranian regime, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. I am personally well aware of the grave threat Iran poses to the security of our country. I have lived it. I have dealt with the Iranians and their proxies all over the world. They are an enemy of this country and our ally Israel, and that does not change regardless of whether my colleagues are Republicans or Democrats. Mr. Speaker, no one wants war. In fact, we want to drive Iran back to the negotiating table to prevent war. The best way to do that is to exert maximum pressure on its economy because what the regime cares about the most is not the Iranian people--is not the Iranian people-- but lining its own pockets. All indications from the intelligence community are that the economic pressure campaign is working. Iran's currency is tanking. Inflation is on the rise. Oil exports are drying up.…





