Rep. Mike Pence today from the floor of the House said it's imperative that the Obama Administration cripple Iran's energy and financial sectors in implementing the Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act, and offered a word of caution. “My word of caution is directed both to my colleagues in Congress, though, and to this administration. It is important not only that we adopt the Iran sanctions bill today, it is important that this administration implement this legislation. We know the nature of the threat. Iran has made no secret of its intent to use nuclear weapons to threaten the United States or our allies, especially our most cherished ally, Israel. Pence said the sanctions include a number of waivers demanded by the Obama Aministration, warning Iran could be very close to getting their hands on nuclear weapons. "These sanctions include a number of waivers demanded by the Obama Administration, but it is essential that President Obama carry out the clear Congressional intent and cripple Iran’s energy and financial sectors in implementing this legislation. Iran could be merely months away from acquiring nuclear weapons. They continue to test vehicles that could deliver it." Pence concluded, "“If we act and this administration implements these sanctions, we may yet see a future of security and peace in the Middle East. But if we fail to act, history will judge the Congress and this government in the harsh aftermath of a flash of light, a rush of wind, and a second historic tragedy. Let us act, let us adopt Iran sanctions. Mr. President, do not waive these sanctions.”
Rep. Pence's statements from the House floor:
“I rise in opposition to the rule. While other matters are being debated in the course of this, this rule also provides for consideration of a conference report on the Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act. And I rise in strong support of this legislation with a word of caution. It was my great privilege to serve on the conference committee for this Iran sanctions bill that will be considered today. I believe this legislation represents measurable and meaningful progress in the United States’ effort to economically and diplomatically isolate Iran in the midst of its headlong rush to obtain nuclear weapons. And I urge my colleagues to support it. “My word of caution is directed both to my colleagues in Congress, though, and to this administration. It is important not only that we adopt the Iran sanctions bill today, it is important that this administration implement this legislation. We know the nature of the threat. Iran has made no secret of its intent to use nuclear weapons to threaten the United States or our allies, especially our most cherished ally, Israel. “President Ahmadinejad said in 2005 in Iran, that humankind ‘shall soon experience a world without the United States and without Zionism.’ Led by this anti-American, anti-Israeli president, Iran has long associated with terrorist organizations. If Iran obtains a nuclear bomb, it will only be a matter of time before terrorist organizations around the globe have access to this technology. And America and our allies and our most cherished ally will be threatened as a result. “It is also essential we consider this legislation in the wake of the failed leadership at the United Nations. The adoption of so-called ‘sanctions’ by the U.N. was nothing more than a hollow gesture which will do nothing except embolden Iran in its nuclear ambitions. We must lead by example. I urge my colleagues to adopt this bill. I urge the president to sign this bill. “But, a word of caution: these sanctions include a number of waivers demanded by the Obama Administration, but it is essential that President Obama carry out the clear Congressional intent and cripple Iran’s energy and financial sectors in implementing this legislation. Iran could be merely months away from acquiring nuclear weapons. They continue to test vehicles that could deliver it. This is a time for decisive action by the American Congress and the American administration. Failure to act by this Congress or failure to implement these sanctions by this administration could lead to a second holocaust. “If we act and this administration implements these sanctions, we may yet see a future of security and peace in the Middle East. But if we fail to act, history will judge the Congress and this government in the harsh aftermath of a flash of light, a rush of wind, and a second historic tragedy. Let us act, let us adopt Iran sanctions. Mr. President, do not waive these sanctions.”