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April,
2005
To: Officers, Rabbis, Key Contacts
From: IPA
RE: OU Washington Leadership Mission, April 2005 Policy Paper
Iran Freedom Support Act – H.R. 282, S. 333
Iran’s recent actions have underscored the Islamic Republic’s
determination to defy the international community and pursue
nuclear weapons. In the months since Iran promised negotiators
from three European nations (EU-3) that it would temporarily halt
all of its illicit nuclear programs in return for possible
economic incentives, Tehran’s leaders have repeatedly stated their
intent to resume efforts to enrich uranium, a key step in
assembling atomic arms. Moreover, Iran has taken actions to
upgrade and advance its nuclear programs despite agreeing to the
suspension. Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear arms and the
missiles to deliver them pose grave risks to U.S. interests in the
Middle East.
With Iran refusing to end the nuclear weapons that it hid from the
world for nearly two decades, legislation is pending in Congress
that would tighten sanctions imposed on Iran in the past. The
Iran Freedom Support Act, H.R. 282, would penalize foreign
companies that invest in Iran’s energy sector in the hopes of
choking off money that it could use to assemble atomic weapons.
The bill would also provide assistance to pro-democracy forces and
groups within Iran and would fund independent broadcasts to the
country.
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (-FL) introduced the House
version of the bill (H.R. 282), whose Senate companion
(S. 333) is sponsored by Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and
Evan Bayh (D-IN).
Use the following points in urging Members to support H.R.282:
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According to the IAEA, Iran could have enough nuclear material to
build a bomb within two years and could have a bomb within three
years if it fulfills its pledge to resume uranium enrichment.
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Iranian authorities admitted in March that Iran had concealed its
nuclear programs and bought supplies for them on the international
black market for years until being exposed in 2002.
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Iran has sought technology for a complete nuclear fuel cycle that
would allow it to produce weapons-grade nuclear material on its
own. Israeli intelligence authorities told the Knesset in January
that Iran would have everything it needs to produce nuclear arms
indigenously by the end of 2005.
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Iran has continued to carry out tests of its Shihab 3 ballistic
missile, which is now capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Its
range is 1200 miles, making it possible for Iran to strike Israel,
parts of Europe, and American troops and other allies in the
Middle East from deep inside Iranian territory.
Please contact elected officials and urge them to support H.R.
282, S. 333, the Iran Freedom Support Act.
Write to your Senators and Representatives at:
Representative _____________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Tel: 202-224-3121
(Ask for the name of your Representative) |
Senator _____________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Tel: 202-224-3121
(Ask for the name of your Senator) |
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