Steven Holt: “The recent IAEA report on Iran's nuclear program indicates that Iran continues to pursue a clandestine nuclear weapons…”

“The recent IAEA report on Iran's nuclear program indicates that Iran continues to pursue a clandestine nuclear weapons program. Specifically, the IAEA's November 2011 report noted that Iran has carried out a number of activities that are relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device. These include efforts, some successful, to procure nuclear related and dual-use equipment and materials by military related individuals; efforts to develop undeclared pathways for the production of nuclear material; the acquisition of nuclear weapons development information and documentation from a clandestine nuclear supply network; and work on the development of an indigenous design of a nuclear weapon including the testing of components. These are ominous developments that the House simply cannot ignore. I am glad that the House is considering this legislation. I recognize that sanctions like this are crude instruments, but the threatening actions of the government of Iran must be countered. This bill will help increase diplomatic pressure on Iran by further tightening sanctions, particularly on entities associated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is a key player in Iran's nuclear weapons acquisition effort. The IRGC's activities are a key reason why this legislation is necessary. I recognize that this legislation is not perfect.…”