On the recordNovember 16, 2016
I thank Congressman Huizenga for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, the Obama administration's State Department recognizes the Islamic Republic of Iran as one of three state sponsors of terrorism. But, ironically, the President calls his deal with Iran a foreign policy achievement. Our Commander in Chief is proud of his plan that puts Iran on the path to getting a nuclear weapon. He is proud of his plan that condones and facilitates U.S. business with Iran. In September, the Treasury Department authorized the sale of up to 97 Airbus and Boeing planes to Iran. Iran is more than just a labeled state sponsor of terrorism. Iran uses its financial sector for international money laundering. Iran has been a long-time supporter of the brutal Assad regime in Syria. It has supported a government that has killed hundreds of thousands of its own people. Iran's leader has pledged to wipe America and Israel off the map, but none of these facts matter to the Obama administration. They will do whatever they can just to make a deal and ensure a legacy. Mr. Speaker, why are we rewarding and aiding a nation that has contributed to so much disorder and destruction in the Middle East? To me, it is simply a no-brainer. We must not authorize U.S. aircraft sales to Iran. I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 5711, which would prohibit the Treasury Secretary from authorizing U.S. financing in connection with commercial passenger aircraft to Iran. In God we trust.
