Prohibiting The Secretary Of The Treasury From Authorizing Certain Transactions Relating To Commercial Passenger Aircraft To Iran
Floor Speech
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Michigan for yielding. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5711. And I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), who serves on our committee, for his leadership on this measure and consistently works on matters concerning Iran, as well as Mr. Roskam of Illinois.
I was proud to be a member this past Congress on the Financial Services Committee Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing. During our hearings, Mr. Speaker, we heard numerous witnesses describe Iran's support for terrorism and other evil activities. It is really staggering, Mr. Speaker, that we sit here tonight and we have a Member of the other party suggest that Iran is a friend to the United States. There is no friendship between Iran and the United States or our allies. I think that is a stunning thing to say on the House floor. You have heard tonight about Iran's direct involvement in conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Yemen; their support of Hamas, Hezbollah. And one of the main methods they use to support their terrorist activities around the world is they are flying commercial aircraft by the Quds Force around this world supporting terrorism, supplying Assad in Syria, who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds.
This deal is not about blocking airplane sales, Mr. Speaker. This deal is about protecting taxpayers on financing airplane sales, protecting our banks in the financing of airplane sales. In fact, Mr.
Speaker, the Obama administration has already provided the Government of Iran, the mullahs in Iran over $100 billion in freed-up cash and has given them $1.7 billion in Euros in cash on pallets. Let them use that to buy an aircraft. Let's assume they cost $100 million, $150 million. They can buy several aircraft and pay cash, thanks to the failed diplomacy of the Obama administration. So, again, this legislation is about the belief that the United States should not directly support terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians.
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Mr. Speaker, I support this bill. It is the mission of Iran to use these aircraft for nefarious purposes. We already have that guilt on our hands by the release of $100 billion and $1.7 billion in cash. Let's not compound the errors of the past by opposing this bill, which will limit taxpayer risk and our financial sector risk at financing aircraft to Iran.
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