Gregory Meeks: “I think everyone has heard by now how important diplomacy is. I think that we should show it in our budget. I am a firm…”

“I think everyone has heard by now how important diplomacy is. I think that we should show it in our budget. I am a firm believer in diplomacy. The fact of the matter, the direct quote from General Mattis was: ``If you don't fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition ultimately.'' I guess my friends and colleagues from the other side of the aisle just want to buy ammunition, and that is why the State Department is continually being cut, because they don't really focus on or put diplomacy on the same level, and that is what is happening here with this bill. This bill would significantly impede America's ability to conduct effective diplomacy with Iran. By requiring that any adjustment in sanctions implementation be subject to a joint motion of disapproval, the bill would undermine diplomacy and U.S. negotiators, and makes that clear to anyone sitting across from them at the table. That is the negotiating table, not the battlefield, where we hope we don't have to go, but we are prepared and have shown that we are ready to do it if we must, and that is discussed first at a negotiating table. {time} 1415 This would also let them know when we are at the table--those that are sitting across that table--that they have no authority to relax or adjust sanctions. It would subject any negotiations to undue congressional partisanship.…”