Dear Friends,
Iran’s dangerous quest for nuclear weapons took another significant turn this week, and the United States and our allies must now take affirmative steps to thwart these reckless Iranian actions. Iran’s decisions grow more belligerent and defiant by the day. In response to the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) censure of Iran for attempting to keep secret an enrichment plant near the city of Qom, Iran has announced the construction of 10 new uranium enrichment centers.
This latest act of Iranian defiance only reinforces my strong belief that the United States and the international community must not allow Iran, the world's leading sponsor of terror to possess nuclear weapons. A nuclear Iran would threaten our national security, pose an existential threat to our ally Israel, and represent a dangerous step towards a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
President Obama and Secretary Clinton have offered Iran several opportunities to restore confidence in its intentions and begin meaningful negotiations on its nuclear program. But time and time again, Iran has chosen to disregard its obligations and isolate itself from the global community.
Iran’s actions are unacceptable, and the clock is ticking. The Obama Administration garnered the support of Russia and China for the recent IAEA resolution, and now we need to work toward enacting crippling sanctions on Iran as a first step toward pressuring the regime to eliminate its nuclear weapons program.
You know where I stand on this issue. In the Florida State Senate, I passed the nation's first legislation divesting state funds from companies that do business with Iran's energy sector. I have advised other states and cities on enacting similar legislation, and now over 18 states have passed terror free legislation.
I want to go to Congress to ensure that Iran's nuclear weapons program is thwarted and that Israel’s desire for peace and security is realized. I will stay in touch on these important issues in the days ahead.
With warm regards,