Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy in permitting me to speak on this bill. I am listening to the debate and, frankly, it is interesting to have the two diametrically opposed views. This agreement a year ago was supported by a range of former Secretaries of State in both parties. It was an opportunity to move forward with our principal allies and with China and with Russia to try and make Iran less likely to develop nuclear weapons. Mercifully, the agreement is in force, and for this first year it is working. There is a reactor filled with concrete. This item here today is an example of progress that my friends on the other side of the aisle want to turn back. Under this agreement, they are required to reduce the supply of heavy water. We are purchasing heavy water from them, taking it out of their hands. At the same time, there are 14,000 fewer centrifuges that are operating in Iran and under international supervision. Why wouldn't we want to take away this essential element for the production of nuclear weapons, especially since the United States has an opportunity to purchase heavy water? As my good friend from Texas pointed out, there are many research applications for which we need heavy water. My friend, the chairman of the committee, alluded to the question: Why don't we use the North American production of heavy water? Well, the United States doesn't manufacture heavy water anymore, and Canada has stopped producing it and is selling it off.…”