Robert Pittenger: “I thank the chairman for yielding the time. I also thank Congressman Poliquin for his leadership on this very critical…”

“I thank the chairman for yielding the time. I also thank Congressman Poliquin for his leadership on this very critical issue. Mr. Chairman, we are frequently reminded that Iran remains the world's number one state sponsor of terrorism, spreading their terrorism throughout the Middle East and throughout northern Africa. Terrorism takes money. Training, recruiting, smuggling weapons, supporting sleeper cells, all of these are business activities of terrorist organizations which require major funding. For Iran, much of the funding comes when Iran's small network of tyrannical leaders pilfer Iran's economy. Iran's top political and military leaders control roughly one-third of Iran's economy, including large portions of the telecommunications, construction, airport, and seaport sectors. This cozy arrangement provides Iran's radical Islamic leaders with significant cash to export terror and evil, while leaving Iran's citizens to suffer the effects of a depleted economy. The Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act will shine a bright light on the rampant corruption and the self-serving behavior of the Iranian mullahs. Through this report, we hope to make international corporations aware of how their dealings with Iran are supporting terrorism and barbaric evil and to help the Iranian people fully understand how their supposed leaders are not operating in their best interests.…”