As new negotiations commence, the following should be considered: international sanctions should be tightened; Iran must halt enrichment, ship stashes of enriched uranium to neutral countries, cooperate with the IAEA, and comply with IAEA and UN Security Council resolutions; Iran cannot sidestep negotiations or offer partial measures; all options must remain on the table. Ask the President to uphold these principles and stand strong against Iran’s nuclear ambition.
To keep pressure on the Iranian regime, the U.S. must continue to intensify our sanctions program. H.R.4317 designates Iran’s energy sector a “zone of proliferation concern,” blacklisting the sector for any foreign investment in or sale of petroleum, refined petroleum products, natural gas, or petrochemical products, as well as energy-related technology, services and goods. Urge Congress that H.R.4317 must be included in any sanctions package sent to the President.
As terrorists continue to fire hundreds of rockets at Israeli civilians, the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system successfully intercepts more than 90%. An additional 10 Iron Dome batteries are necessary to protect the entire state. A bill recently introduced in Congress would authorize President Obama to provide assistance to the Israeli government, if requested, to acquire this additional capacity. Write your Representative today to urge support for H.R.4229.
The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act), will provide a path to legal status for individuals brought to the U.S. as children who are seeking a college degree or service in the military.
Alternative technology vehicles are key to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The Open Fuel Standard Act of 2011 (H.R.1687/ S.1603) mandates that 50 percent of new automobiles must be capable of running on an alternative fuel source other than gasoline by 2015 and increase to 80 percent by 2018. Vehicles that meet this criteria include: natural gas, hydrogen,biodiesel, flex-fuel, plug-in electric vehicles, and other emerging technologies.
The Senate is currently considering Senate Resolution 385: A resolution condemning the Government of Iran for its continued persecution, imprisonment, and sentencing of Youcef Nadarkhani on the charge of apostasy. On March 1st the House overwhelmingly passed their own resolution in support of his release. Write to your Senators today, urge them to pass the resolution thereby adding their voices to the call of the international community for his immediate release.
