Political Quotes

“I certainly would acknowledge that Iran is up to very nefarious purposes as far as sponsoring terrorism internationally. I also acknowledge the gentleman referenced the previous administration more than once during his remarks as far as the issue before the House today. In 2016, last year, heavy water was purchased by the Department of Energy and the State Department, but I would point out this is 2017 with a different administration, and essentially the amendment is a solution to a problem that does not exist. The current administration has recertified Iran's compliance with the agreement twice. Iran does not have a nuclear weapon and is subject to intense scrutiny by the International Atomic Energy Agency. But importantly to the point raised today, I would suggest that the Department of Energy consistently has indicated at the time of the 2016 heavy water purchase from Iran that the United States would not be a regular buyer of Iranian heavy water. Since that purchase, the United States has not purchased any additional heavy water from that country. In fact, the U.S. has, through refraining from purchases of excess supply, forced Iran to ship excess heavy water abroad so that it can continue to adhere to the agreement entered into. It seems highly unlikely that the current administration would now seek out an opportunity to purchase this heavy water.…”