Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, nuclear weapons are a plague.

If we are to control their spread, international law must mean something. Words must be supported by action.

In recent months, the United States and our allies have engaged in vigorous multilateral diplomacy in an attempt to break through an impasse with Iran over its nuclear program.

Rather than engaging in good-faith diplomacy, Iran has stalled and played games.

So today we must authorize President Obama to impose sanctions on Iran's petroleum sector. Iran's leaders must understand that life will become more difficult every day they defy the lawful will of the international community. I urge the President to use this authority carefully, patiently, and effectively.

I commend Chairman BERMAN for his diligence and determination in bringing this legislation through Committee and to the floor. I am also proud to have a small claim of co-authorship. I contributed language that highlights Iran's construction of a secret uranium enrichment facility at Qom and demands that Iran disclose any additional covert enrichment facilities.

Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons will beget similar programs by Iran's neighbors. A nuclearized Middle East is bad for international security, bad for the global economy, bad for the United States and bad for our allies.

Nuclear weapons are a plague. Here we must draw a red line and stop their spread.

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