Rep Wasserman Schultz speaks on behalf of the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 (HR 1327)

Madame Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009, which aims to put a stop to Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. It cannot be overstated a nuclear-armed Iran is an urgent and deadly threat to peace and stability in the Middle East and at home. The anti-Western rhetoric of Iranian President Ahmadinejad has only intensified in recent years. His regime supports terrorism in all its forms, a travesty worsened by the fact that Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons against the will of the international community. If Iran continues its plans for nuclear build up, we can expect that nuclear proliferation will increase throughout the region and around the globe. That is why it is critical for Congress to pass the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act. This legislation would authorize state and local governments to divest from companies investing in Iran's petroleum and natural gas sector. With Tehran importing nearly 40 percent of its gas and diesel needs, this legislation would have a dramatic effect on Iran's economy and is an important step forward in convincing Iran to suspend its nuclear program. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 1327. Thank you Madam Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.