IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 1905, IRAN THREAT REDUCTION AND SYRIA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT OF 2012; Congressional Record Vol. 158, No. 118

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IN SUPPORT OF \[H.R. 1905\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1905), IRAN THREAT REDUCTION AND SYRIA HUMAN RIGHTS

ACT OF 2012

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speech of

HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

of california

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate

amendment to \[H.R. 1905\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1905), the Iran Threat Reduction Act. This bipartisan

legislation is critical to the protection of the American people and

our allies around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is imperative that the United States take

the lead in opposing Iran's effort to produce nuclear weapons. Such a

development would introduce an intolerable and destabilizing element

into one of the world's most volatile regions. The discovery of a plot

to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the United States on American

soil is but a reminder of the urgent need for the United States to take

forceful and effective action to ensure that Iran does not succeed in

developing the capability to produce nuclear weapons.

In, Congress passed \[H.R. 2194\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/2194), the Iran Sanctions, Accountability and

Divestment Act, which at the time were the most comprehensive sanctions

ever imposed on Iran by the United States. But more needs to be done.

While current sanctions on Iran have impeded Iran's ability to

successfully develop a nuclear weapon, most experts agree that Iran

will have nuclear capabilities in the next two to three years if

tougher sanctions are not imposed. According to a report released by

the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has a stockpile of low-

enriched uranium that if further enriched could produce three nuclear

weapons.

Last year, I wrote to Chairman Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Member Berman,

Leader Pelosi, and Speaker Boehner urging them to bring before the

House legislation imposing sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran.

Shortly thereafter, I was very encouraged and pleased that the

Committee reported favorably and the House passed \[H.R. 1905\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1905).

\[H.R. 1905\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1905) strongly reflects the demands of the international

community that tougher sanctions must be placed on Iranian leaders to

end their nuclear program. \[H.R. 1905\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1905) increases sanctions on human

rights violators in Iran, imposes tougher sanctions on the Islamic

Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and codifies U.S. policy to prevent

Iran from developing unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles.

This bill takes steps to peacefully thwart Iran's nuclear aspirations.

During the markup of this bill, an amendment offered by Ranking

Member Berman to strengthen sanctions against Iran's Central Bank was

unanimously agreed to. The Berman Amendment strengthens \[H.R. 1905\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1905) by

inserting language that directs the President to determine whether the

Central Bank of Iran is engaged in sanctionable activity.

By sanctioning the Central Bank of Iran, the United States would set

a strong example for countries around the world that depend on a

geopolitically stable Middle East for their own security and

prosperity. Imposing tougher sanctions on the Iranian economy will

demonstrate that the international community will not tolerate Iran's

continued refusal to end their nuclear enrichment program.

Specifically, the Berman Amendment directs the President of the

United States to determine whether the Central Bank of Iran has: (1)

assisted Iran's VVMD or missile programs, including proliferation of

WMD to other governments; (2) financed Iran's procurement of advanced

conventional weapons; (3) provided financial services for the Islamic

Revolutionary Guard Corps; or (4) facilitated Iran's support of

international terrorism.

Should the President make the determination that the Central Bank of

Iran is involved in any of these areas, the bill requires him to apply

sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The

President will have 30 days to make this determination. These sanctions

would ensure that any foreign bank involved in significant transactions

with the Central Bank of Iran is excluded from doing business with the

U.S.

Mr. Speaker, the bill also includes Title WI, entitled the \\\`\\\`Syria

Human Rights Accountability Act of 2012.'' I support the inclusion of

this title. What began as a peaceful stand against tyranny has

degenerated into the bloodiest movement of the Arab Spring. According

to the International Red Cross more than 16,00o people have been killed

in the conflict and the violence has increased substantially in the

past few weeks.

This is why Title VII of this bill is necessary. It builds upon

efforts to bring about a peaceful and swift resolution by

(1) requiring the President to identify within 90 days and impose

sanctions on officials of the Syrian government or those acting on

their behalf who are complicit in or responsible for the commission of

serious human rights abuses against Syria's citizens, regardless of

whether the abuses occurred in Syria;

(2) imposing sanctions on anyone who transfers equipment or

technologies including weapons, rubber bullets, tear gas and other riot

equipment, and jamming, monitoring and surveillance equipment which the

President determines are likely to be used by Syrian officials to

commit human rights abuses, and

(3) imposing sanctions on anyone who engages in censorship, or

activities relating to censorship, in a manner that prohibits, limits,

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or penalizes the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression by

citizens of Syria.

Mr. Speaker, history has taught us that strong sanctions can bring

about peaceful change. A generation ago, Congress passed the Anti-

Apartheid Act which led to the end of the apartheid regime and brought

about a peaceful revolution resulting in the new democratic South

Africa.

\[H.R. 1905\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1905) will help to refocus our efforts on appropriately

addressing these critical issues. Leaders in the Iranian and Syrian

governments have shown repeatedly that they are unwilling to comply

with international demands.

For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support \[H.R. 1905\](https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1905) and the

Senate amendments. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass

this bill.

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