Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, legislation that I co-sponsored because of my concerns about the Iranian nuclear threat. We in Congress must act swiftly to make sure a nuclear Iran is never a reality.

I know how destabilizing a nuclear Iran would be to the region. While serving on duty with the U.S. Navy reserve in the United Arab Emirates, I could look out each day over the Straights of Hormuz. I could see the line of oil tankers waiting to transit the straights and I saw what a choke point that was for the world's economy. This year, I traveled to Israel, a trip which reinforced just how critical and grave the threat from Iran is to Israel's security and America's interests in the region.

Despite being a leading producer of crude oil, Iran cannot adequately meet its own needs for refined petroleum products. Enacting sanctions to restrict the imports of those products into Iran is important leverage we must have to ensure the security of the united States, Israel, and our allies around the world.

Passing tough sanctions today will show Iran, and the global community, that the United States will not stand idle as Iran attempts to amass a nuclear arsenal.

Madam Speaker, the threat is real and the time to act is now. I strongly urge passage.

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