Political Quotes

“I support the Obama administration's historic efforts at nuclear weapon nonproliferation and nuclear security. It is a recognition that our security depends on dialogue and negotiation between nations. It was reflected in a proposal that was made last year to freeze Iran's nuclear programs at existing levels. Now, in December of last year, I led the effort to oppose H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. I stand here today, almost 5 months later, to reaffirm my objections to the underlying bill, and 5 months later, we have not come any closer to a diplomatic resolution to our objections to Iran's nuclear proliferation program nor have we attempted to amend the language of the Iran sanctions bill to ensure that it does not come at the cost of the well-being of the Iranian people we claim to support. Iran imports 40 percent of its gasoline. Leaders of Iran aren't going to lack for gasoline, but the people of Iran already suffer. We have to ask ourselves: Will this cause them to turn against their government or will it cause them to turn against the United States in our efforts to bring about a cessation of Iran's nuclear program? If we cared about the Iranian people, we would not be back on the House floor, considering Iran sanctions.”