| (WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, last night made a special address on the House floor to make the case for stronger sanctions against the Iranian regime. Statement of Ros-Lehtinen:
“The events of September 11th made us realize that innovative approaches would be needed to protect our homeland against the new threat posed by violent extremists. Yet, as the Iranian song-and-dance to obscure its nuclear program continues, it appears some have forgotten the lessons of 9/11.
“Many believe that, because Iran has not yet mastered all of the elements needed for an operational nuclear weapon, we have the luxury of time.
“But Iran has already produced over 1400 kilograms of low-enriched uranium, which can be easily used for a ‘dirty nuke.’ How much more progress will Tehran make towards a full-fledged nuclear warhead before responsible nations will act?
“The U.S. and others appear to be operating in a fantasy. Next week, the U.S. will forego a golden opportunity to raise the Iranian issue at the UN, preferring instead to cling to tried-and-failed dialogue that will only provide the Iranian regime more time to enrich uranium and expand its ability to threaten the U.S. and our allies.
“In the real world, we are running out of time. Crippling, comprehensive sanctions – not more talk – are needed now if we are to avoid a nuclear-armed Iran in the near future.”
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