URGENT ACTION REQUIRED
July 2, 1997
To:
Rabbis, Synagogue Leaders, IPA Key Contacts, InfoNet
From:
Richard B. Stone, Chairman
Betty Ehrenberg, Director of International Affairs
Re: Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act
Call your member
of Congress to override Iran Missile Veto!
The Institute for Public Affairs of the Orthodox Union has been a
staunch supporter of the Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act, a bill designed to stop
the continuous flow of missile technology to Iran by enforcing penalties with those who do
business with Iran which fund Iranian sponsorship of its nuclear weapons program.
This bill, IMPSA, was passed by the United States Congress in early June, however, the act
was vetoed. This veto sends a message that the United States is weak in its commitment to
fighting the battle against the global proliferation of non-conventional weaponry,
including nuclear weapons.
IMPSA would impose sanctions on countries exporting missile
technology to Iran and would apply to foreign governments or businesses where there is
credible evidence of the transfer or attempted transfer of goods, technology, or technical
assistance that contribute to Iran’s effort to acquire, develop, or produce ballistic
missiles.
The Russian government continues its support for Iran’s missiles programs. China
recently transferred some 1000 tons of steel to Iran for use in missile fabrication. Since
Iranian nuclear capabilities are dangerously imminent, this legislation is critical.
The override of this veto and the passage of IMPSA is crucial and timely. The passage of
IMPSA will demonstrate the seriousness of U.S. concern over the great danger of the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Though
Congress is out for the July 4th recess, efforts to override the veto of the Iran Missile
Proliferation Sanctions Act must continue. Calls must be made into Washington
Congressional Offices and meetings must take place in home district offices. This is
crucial as the House and Senate will likely vote on the veto override during the third
week in July. |
Call your members of Congress today at 202-224-3121 and ask for
their commitment to override the veto.
Ask your Senators and Congressional Representative to make a public
statement in support of the override in a press release, public speech, or letter.
Write a letter today to your
Senators and Congressman urging them to vote to override the veto stressing the
importance of the passage of IMPSA.
Your Senator Honorable _______________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Your Representative Honorable ______________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Stress the following points in your letter:
1. IMPSA places sanctions on foreign entities that aid in
Iran’s missile development program.
2. If we do not act now, Iran could produce medium range missiles by
next year.
3. Israeli Trade Minister, Natan Sharansky, cited a recent report
that Iran is developing missiles that are able to hit targets 1,250 miles away.
4. This is not about trade-this is about American and global
security.
5. Sanctions against Iran’s missile development should be a
critical part of U.S. diplomatic policy.
It is important that you act on this now. Timeliness is
crucial.
If you require more information please call Betty
Ehrenberg, Director of International Affairs, 212-613-8124.
A list of names and addresses of
elected officials is linked to this memo. Kindly call us at 212-613-8123 if you need
more information. In addition, we would greatly appreciate receiving any copies of your letters as well as responses you may
receive from your elected officials. They can be sent to the Institute for Public Affairs,
333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 or e-mailed to feedback@ou.org
We thank you for your immediate attention to this
urgent matter.
COMMENTS?
FREE THE ISRAELI
MIAS TODAY!!
The Institute for Public Affairs of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
is the non-partisan public policy research and advocacy center created to represent and
mobilize the world's largest Orthodox Jewish community.
|
