On the recordDecember 13, 2011
I thank my colleagues very much, for whom I have the greatest respect, for the opportunity to discuss this; although I painfully must disagree with you here. Broad sanctions against Iran can only further isolate Iran from the international community and cause the regime to be increasingly secretive. The sanctions actually play directly into the hands of the Iranian Government. They directly undermine the efforts of the Iranian people, who have courageously challenged their government often at the cost of their lives. The sanctions could be seen as a gift to the regime, not just a political gift for polarization within their country to cross opposition, but also an economic gift because the price of oil will go up, and Iran will cash in on that. Section 302 of this bill revokes the President's authority to license the export of civilian aircraft parts and repairs for Iranian civil aircraft, authority which would ensure the safety of flight for humanitarian purposes. This provision recklessly places the lives of Iranian Americans in danger. We ought to defeat this bill and stand for diplomacy. I yield back the balance of my time.
