Ted Deutch: “Today, this body has the opportunity to profoundly advance the security of our nation and our allies. Today, this body…”

“Today, this body has the opportunity to profoundly advance the security of our nation and our allies. Today, this body can pass crippling new economic sanctions on Iran and at long last deliver the bill to the desk of the President. The stakes could not be higher. Again and again, Ahmadinejad has called for the destruction of our ally Israel and he has spoken of a world without the United States. This behavior is intolerable and today Congress sends the clear message to Iran that their pursuit of nuclear weapons will not be allowed. The past 30 days have marked the most serious steps forward in preventing a nuclear Iran. Beginning with the UN Security Council resolution, followed by the actions of the European Union, culminating today with the efforts of this Congress to craft the most comprehensive, results-oriented legislation, Iran will finally feel the burden of crippling economic sanctions. This legislation is the most important step Congress can take today to thwart the development of an Iranian nuclear power. Now we look to the Administration to hold those violators accountable and ensure the stringent implementation of these crippling sanctions. Now is the time to act to stop Iran's nuclear weapons program. I urge this body to act decisively today by passing this important piece of legislation.”