Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the Goldstone Report is a dangerous document that makes no distinction between terrorism and the acts of a nation to defend its people. For years terrorists launched rockets at Israeli civilians. Israel responded with a defensive measure to clear a terrorist threat and protect the lives of its citizens.

The Goldstone Report ignores Israel's right to self-defense. Despite Israel's efforts to avoid civilian casualties and its humanitarian assistance to civilians, the report unfairly accuses Israel of war crimes. Israel sought to limit its actions to military targets. Yet terrorists hid behind civilians, near hospitals, schools, and mosques.

Every nation should be alarmed at the report and its implications. All nations, including Israel, have the right to defend their people.

I urge my colleagues to stand with Israel in recognition of this right, this basic right, of self-defense.

Madam Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Besides skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring among American women. In 2009, it is estimated that around 179,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. And, an estimated 1 million new breast cancer cases will be identified in the coming year. For approximately 500,000 patients this year, this disease will be fatal. The time to address this problem is now.

I encourage all women to get a mammogram because early detection is the key to beating this disease. A time commitment of only one hour can save your life.

I am a proud sponsor of H.R. 1691, the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2009. This bill would prohibit a health care provider from limiting hospital stays for mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery to less than 48 hours. However, this measure protects and defers to the physician-patient relationship by not mandating a certain hospital stay if both

the patient and her doctor agree that such stay is unnecessary. Many breast cancer patients undergo some type of surgical treatment, which may involve lumpectomy or mastectomy. Breast cancer surgery is not easy, physically or emotionally. When women find themselves forced by their insurance companies to leave the hospital before they are ready-- sometimes just hours after surgery--it can lead to serious complications.

I am also a sponsor of H.R. 1740, the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (the EARLY Act), which would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a national educational campaign to increase awareness of the threats posed by breast cancer in young women of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Regarding research funding, I sponsored legislation that raises money for breast cancer research by giving Americans the option of purchasing a special postage stamp for 14 cents above the normal price. This small amount of money adds up and makes a difference. Since 1997, the program has raised more than $53 million for breast cancer research.

Last year, I met two breast cancer survivors from the Kansas City area who were visiting Washington, D.C. for a reception honoring their advocacy efforts. Kim Carlos and Jennifer Johnson coauthored Nordie's at Noon, a book detailing their personal stories and those of others who have battled breast cancer. Their powerful message highlights the importance of spreading breast cancer education and early detection awareness to help save lives.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center houses the Breast Cancer Survivorship Center, and focuses a comprehensive attack on the disease--from education and early detection to treatment, post- operative care, and emotion support. Battling breast cancer and other forms of cancer is a lifetime fight and just because a patient's treatment concludes does not mean that the care is finished. The Center's mission is very straightforward--eliminate the burden of cancer through world-class research, drug development and delivery, prevention and survivorship, and patient care. When it comes to fighting cancer, the University of Kansas says ``Game On!''

Madam Speaker, as I travel across Kansas, one common theme I hear from folks is their frustration with the amount of spending taking place in Washington. Rightfully so, millions of Americans are standing up to their elected officials and saying ``enough is enough.'' Our national debt is closing in on $12 trillion, almost $39,000 owed by each man, woman, and child in the United States.

I applaud the millions of Americans who have chosen to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and have taken part in the TEA party protests. I am a sponsor of House Resolution 870, which expresses the appreciation of the House of Representatives for those who participated in the Taxpayer March on September 12, 2009, in Washington, D.C.

Congress has been issuing checks that our Nation can no longer afford, and I applaud the participants for sending a clear message: It's time for Washington to change its ways. Less spending, less borrowing, and less government.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again call attention to the group Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN. As Congress proceeds later this week with appropriations, we must be mindful of the risk of allowing this group's funding to be restored.

ACORN's funding was stripped last month, thanks to quick action on the part of some of my colleagues here in the House. However, if we do not ensure that that funding is permanently eliminated, ACORN could again resume their questionable activities, subsidized by the American taxpayer.

Recently, 11 former ACORN employees were arrested for suspicion of voter registration fraud. In the past several weeks, more than five videos have been released to the media showing ACORN employees advising individuals of methods to illegally evade taxes by masking prostitution under an IRS code, among other questionable things.

We have no way of knowing if these were isolated instances or basic procedure, but I've heard from many Kansans who have voiced their displeasure with ACORN. They demand that ACORN be investigated, possibly criminally, as well as completely defunded, and I agree with those Kansans.

I recently wrote a letter demanding an investigation by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. In the enclosed letter, I cited ACORN's unresolved issues with past elections and the recently released videos as evidence to block any further funding.

While ACORN has launched an internal investigation and fired offending employees, this string of events sheds light on the lack of institutional control within ACORN's management ranks. This is a perfect example of misappropriation of taxpayer dollars.

The American people should not be expected to subsidize ACORN's activities. That is why I called for this investigation in the beginning of September, and that's why I again call for an investigation now, a month and a half later. Congress must look at its own procedures when it comes to allocating money with little or no accountability.

Congress has been complacent with the money entrusted to us by the taxpayers. The House of Representatives owes an explanation as to why ACORN has been deemed fit to receive any Federal assistance. Congress has the opportunity to deny Federal funds to ACORN when we consider legislation later this week. It is necessary to deny those funds now and in the future until ACORN can dispel its long history of questionable practices. I cannot foresee a scenario where it would be appropriate to reinstate ACORN funding. Their previous track record, coupled with their stonewalling of legislative efforts to review them, gives me the impression that they are unwilling or, even worse, unable to play by the rules.

Let's end this corruption and stop wasting the money.

Mr. Speaker, many Kansans ask if health care reform will allow them the choices of options that Members of Congress and other Federal employees enjoy under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. That is a good question.

I sponsored legislation calling for Members of Congress who support a government-run health plan to automatically enroll in the soon-to-be- created public plan. In some of the health care bills crafted by Congress, Members of Congress have been exempt from participation. I am concerned that expansion of government-run health care will lead to rationing of care and higher taxes. If Members of Congress are so convinced the public government-run option will deliver quality, affordable care, then Members of Congress should be willing to enroll right alongside with the American people. Congress should not have a better health care plan than they are willing to provide the American people, especially since the American people are paying for both.

Mr. Speaker, our country faces many serious challenges, but it's sometimes useful to know that good things are still happening out there in the real world, out there across our country, and mostly away from Washington, D.C. So Mr. Speaker, I recognize tonight the Hanover Public Schools for their commitment to providing quality education.

Located in the community of Hanover in northern Kansas, the school serves about 175 students from the surrounding rural area. Though Hanover Public Schools are small by most standards, their accomplishments are great. The students, teachers, and administrators at Hanover Public Schools are dedicated to excellence in education. This excellence is evident by the recognitions that they have received.

For the past 3 consecutive years, Hanover High School has received the Kansas Governor's Achievement Award. This award is given to the top 5 percent of schools in Kansas that meet the highest standards on Kansas assessments. Only five other schools in our State have received this award 3 years in a row.

Not only has Hanover High School been recognized as one of the best schools in the State of Kansas, it has also been honored nationally. For the second year in a row, Hanover High School has been cited by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top schools in the country.

Having a well-rounded education means more than what can just be learned in the classroom. Students at Hanover Public Schools have also excelled in extracurricular activities. During the 2008-2009 school year, Hanover High School became State champions not in one, but in two sporting events. Last November, the Hanover High School football team took first place at State in the eight-man division. And after placing second at last year's State tournament, this year's Hanover High School basketball team placed first in the 1A division. The team finished with a perfect record, winning all 28 games.

The success of Hanover Public Schools serves as a model for other schools in our State and across the country. That success could not be possible without the strong support of the Hanover community. Small- town values and small community ties have produced generations of successful graduates.

I commend the Hanover Public Schools for their success and for achieving their mission, to create a learning environment dedicated to developing lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

My congratulations to the students, staff, faculty, the Board of Education, and the community. I am honored today to recognize this outstanding school in the State of Kansas.

Madam Speaker, I came to Congress with a purpose, a purpose of working to preserve the way of life that we live in Kansas. I was born and raised in Kansas, and my home and family are still in Kansas. I never moved to Washington, D.C. because I love the sense of community and belonging that Kansas communities offer. Access to quality, affordable health care is one of those things that determine whether our communities survive and whether we have a future. This is why the current health care reform debate is so important to me, and I am extremely concerned about the direction that we are going.

During his campaign, President Obama stressed transparency and accountability in the health care debate. He said, I'm going to have all the negotiations around a big table and that the negotiations will be televised on C-SPAN so that people could see who is making the arguments on behalf of their constituents and who is making the arguments on behalf of drug companies or insurance companies.

But now the transparency that the President promised us is nowhere to be found, as several Democrat senators and White House staff hole themselves away to draft the health care reform bill behind closed doors. I understand the Democrats' desire to merge the two Senate committee bills, but this process concerns me because in this closed office, the future of health care for Kansans is being decided.

Does this small group understand the problems that cutting Medicare reimbursement rates will pose for Kansas hospitals, doctors, nurses and other health care providers? Kansas hospitals operate on razor-thin margins because they are already dramatically underpaid by Medicare. If these rates are further reduced, as the current reform bills propose, Kansas hospitals may be forced to close and access to health care for Kansans will be reduced.

Is this small group considering commonsense ideas that have been proposed by Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle that would make quality coverage more affordable and more accessible for more Americans? Some of those ideas that we have talked about include placing as much emphasis on wellness as we do on illness by giving employers and insurers flexibility to reward individuals who improve their health and manage their disease; encouraging medical students to become primary care physicians and nurses and incentivizing them to care for patients in underserved communities; permitting the sale of insurance across State lines, establishing high risk pools and reinsurance pools to address preexisting conditions and providing incentives to low-income families to retain or purchase private health insurance that best meets their needs; reforming our medical liability system to reduce frivolous lawsuits that lead to inflated insurance premiums and the practice of defensive medicine; encouraging health care savings by offering individuals health savings accounts that enable families to take ownership of their health; and upgrading our outdated health records system through the use of new technology to streamline costs and reduce medical errors.

It is my hope that these issues are being addressed as the President and Democrat leaders craft the health care reform bill. I have traveled across my State, and I have heard many Kansans who have worries. They are concerned about their health care and about the future of their State and country. Kansans and all Americans deserve to know what their Representatives are voting on, and they deserve the assurance their business will be conducted in a deliberate and open way.

The President has expressed a desire to explore a wide range of options for health care reform. Kansans want commonsense reforms that enhance our current system and reduce health care costs. What we do not want is the trillions in new deficit spending, reduced

choices for patients and doctors, and increased power in Washington

Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the forgotten U.S. taxpayer. On Wednesday, Neil Barofsky, the special inspector general overseeing TARP, said that recouping the billions of dollars given to the insurer AIG and automakers GM and Chrysler ``is far from certain.'' He also noted that $50 billion set aside to help struggling homeowners lower their mortgage payments will yield ``no direct return.''

Also on Wednesday, the former chief of the Obama administration's task force on the auto industry, Steven Rattner, commented on the $20 billion previously lent to GM, ``I don't think we are going to see it again,'' meaning that all the money is gone.

What is wrong with this picture? $50 billion here, $20 billion there. What am I missing? How can we spend, spend, spend without any accountability?

I am concerned as I travel across Kansas, my great State, that I hear countless Kansans express doubts that Congress and bureaucrats would make wise decisions with their tax dollars. They were right. With some of these unwise investment decisions that I mentioned today, I think a dose of Kansas commonsense is desperately needed in Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, throughout my tenure in Congress, I have worked to raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. I rise again this evening to recognize the month of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each year I visit the House floor to speak about this topic, I hope that there will be some signs of progress in the fight against domestic violence, but sadly, Americans still suffer from its effects.

As I have reminded my colleagues, often we assume that acts of domestic violence don't occur in our own communities or to people we know or families that live down the street. Last year, I shared the story of a young woman from my hometown in Kansas named Jana Mackey, and today I would like to provide you with an update of her story.

Jana was born July 20, 1982, in Harper, Kansas. She was an active member of 4-H, an athlete, and a talented musician. Upon graduation from high school, she completed a bachelor's degree, where she discovered her passion--advocating for others. Jana went on to pursue a law degree from the University of Kansas and fought for equality and social justice through her work with countless organizations, including volunteer work at Lawrence, Kansas' GaDuGi SafeCenter, a shelter that aids victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. But on July 3, 2008, Jana's own life was ended by an act of domestic violence.

Since her death, Jana's parents, Curt and Christie Brungardt, started the Eleven Hundred Torches campaign to inspire others to continue Jana's admirable work. The goal was to encourage 1,100 people to carry on Jana's torch through civic engagement and volunteerism. As of this month, I am happy to report the campaign logged its 1,100th volunteer, but Jana's work still remains unfinished.

Jana's story proves that no State, community or family is immune from domestic violence. Domestic violence does not discriminate based upon gender, race, age, education or social status, and its plague wreaks havoc on our day-to-day lives within our communities and our overflowing criminal justice system.

Every year, there are more than 4 million new incidents of domestic violence reported in the United States, with many more unaccounted for due to fear and intimidation. Of those 4 million reported cases, nearly 100,000 Kansans fall victim to domestic violence each year.

While we make gains in raising awareness about domestic violence and providing assistance to affected victims, there is still much work to be done. Whether we are part of a business providing a service, such as refurbishing cell phones for women in domestic emergencies, or volunteers donating time to local domestic violence centers, we all can do more to end domestic violence. I encourage my House colleagues to seek out a center, a shelter, or an organization in their district or State and to further engage on this issue.

This October, let us remember the victims of domestic violence and learn from their courage as we do our best to ensure that our communities are a safe place to live, work, and raise families. I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask for continued support and assistance for domestic violence prevention programs.

Mr. Speaker, like many parts of the country, the Kansas housing market has struggled along with our Nation's economy. One important tool that has strengthened the housing market and has limited the economic decline has been the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. However, unless Congress takes immediate action, this valuable credit will expire on November 30.

I come here with a message for my colleagues and the leaders of the House of Representatives: Congress must act quickly to renew the first- time homebuyer tax credit.

A Realtor from Manhattan, Kansas, wrote me about the importance of the homebuyer tax credit. She noted that the credit had been extremely helpful to the Kansas economy. She says: During these challenging economic times, the first-time homebuyer tax credit has injected new life into the housing market and has helped stimulate many local economies through the stabilization of housing prices.

However, our housing market remains fragile, and more progress is needed to further stabilize our communities. The homebuyer tax credit works. Since its enactment in February, the IRS has reported more than 1.4 million taxpayers have claimed the homebuyer credit. This incentive will lead 400,000 prospective first-time homebuyers to purchase homes who probably would not have without the help of the tax credit.

Moreover, it's estimated that each sale generates $63,000 in additional goods and services that benefit the economy. There are tax savings for taxpayers which generate more revenue than the aggregate amount of the original tax cut. Along with falling home prices, the homebuyer credit has helped put the housing market on the track to recovery.

While market conditions have improved, as the Realtor says, the market remains fragile. The housing tax credit needs to be extended to make sure that the economic gains that have been made are not lost.

In order to build on that economic progress, the tax credit should be expanded. I've introduced H.R. 2905, the Homebuyer Tax Credit Expansion Act of 2009, which would extend the $8,000 tax credit beyond its November 30 expiration. In addition, this legislation would expand the tax credit to all homebuyers, not just to first-time buyers.

I've asked the Speaker of the House and the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee to bring this bill or similar legislation to the floor for a vote. At the very least, Congress should pass a 1-year extension of the credit before it expires. It can take several months to go from contract to closing, and the tax credit will soon become unavailable for many buyers well before the November 30 expiration date. An extension must be passed soon if homebuyers are going to continue to take advantage of the tax credit.

Homeownership and the knowledge that one has equity in one's home can

significantly improve our economy. We should not allow this important tax credit to expire. Congress must act quickly now to renew the first- time homebuyer tax credit.

Mr. Speaker, it is none too soon that the House is considering what I hope will be the first of several pieces of legislation to sanction Iran for its illegal nuclear program.

Despite Iran's agreement on October 1 to allow IAEA inspectors to visit its newly disclosed nuclear site near Qom, the regime continues to enrich uranium. Iran grows more and more dangerous each day enrichment is allowed to continue. A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel; would threaten the safety of American troops in the region; would likely embolden terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah; and could lead to a dangerous nuclear arms race in the Middle East. We must not allow this to happen.

I strongly support the legislation before us today. H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, would allow state and local governments to divest the assets of their pension funds and any other funds under their control from companies investing $20 million or more in Iran's energy sector. By allowing states and local governments to withdraw their investments in companies doing business in Iran, we can increase pressure on the Iranian regime to change course and abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Only when Iran feels pressured, is it likely to make concessions.

Unfortunately, the leaders of Iran seem to feel fairly secure despite all the talk of tough sanctions. On Friday, October 9, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts, said the October 1 talks between Iran, the U.S. and other world powers were a ``great victory'' for Iran, suggesting Iran had been successful in putting off any sanctions.

By passing this legislation today, though, Congress can send Iran a clear and powerful message. While the President and other world leaders gauge whether Iran is truly serious about complying with its obligations, Congress will back the negotiations with sanctions to show Iran that it must act in good faith and not delay as it usually does.

Passage of this legislation is important, but it is only the beginning of what needs to be done to address the Iranian nuclear threat. Congress must pass additional legislation, including H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, to put sufficient pressure on Iran to fully suspend all enrichment and work on its nuclear program.

No government that calls for the complete destruction of another should be allowed to have nuclear weapons. The Iran Sanctions Enabling Act is a first step to take in order to prevent Iran's leaders from acquiring the means to do what they say they will.

I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) for bringing this legislation to the House floor today. I'm here in support of it.

In particular, I am pleased with a provision that's included in this bill that authorizes a new community-based outpatient clinic, or CBOC, to be located in Johnson County, Kansas.

As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and former chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, I have been an advocate for establishing a CBOC in our State. These VA clinics bring health care services closer to veterans who have served our country. During my time in Congress, I have helped open five other outpatient clinics in our State: Hays, Dodge City, Salina, Junction City, and Hutchinson. Especially in my own congressional district where there is no VA hospital, these health facilities have proven to be invaluable. These clinics are a successful part of a larger success story of our country's efforts to raise the standards of care for veterans.

Veterans in Johnson County, Kansas, deserve timely access to medical care, and I've been working to make sure that the VA recognizes this. Johnson County is our State's most populated county, so it's unusual in a sense for me to be here talking about them, but located in the suburbs of Kansas City, this area is home to hundreds of thousands of veterans. The VA patient workload in future years for this region is expected to increase significantly. And unless the capacity is created to care for these veterans, timely access will be threatened.

With the passage of this legislation, I'm pleased the VA can move forward on this clinic to provide quality medical care for northeast Kansans who've sacrificed in service to our country. The new outpatient clinic will mean closer medical services and less wait times for a large number of Kansas veterans who currently travel across the State line to Missouri for health care. With over 44,000 square feet authorized, this sizable clinic will provide comprehensive outpatient services, including mental health as well as radiology, laboratory services, and a pharmacy.

I want to thank the VISN in Kansas City and KC VA Medical Center for their foresight on this project and for their efforts to see that it's completed by the year 2012. I thank the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) for his efforts, and I encourage my colleagues in this House to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska and the gentleman from Ohio for this legislation. I am a supporter of H.R. 3663. In Kansas and across America, the relationship between pharmacists and patients is a vital part of the way we deliver health care. Patients depend upon pharmacists for information counseling to ensure that they receive quality products and medical services.

My mom and dad are 92 and 93 and still live in my hometown of Plainville, Kansas, a town of about 1,900 people. My dad can be stubborn about going to the doctor because the doc may tell him he's not 100 percent healthy. But my dad has morning coffee with Keith Unrein, our local pharmacist, and Keith keeps a watchful eye on my dad's health. Access to pharmacies and other health care services determines whether Plainville and other Kansas towns survive and flourish, and we must protect and foster these health facilities.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has required pharmacies that provide diabetes testing supplies and other medical equipment to obtain accreditation by October 1, 2009, in order to dispense these important supplies to Medicare patients. H.R. 3663, as we have heard, will extend this accreditation deadline to January 1 and give Congress the time it needs to better address this issue.

Many Kansans live in areas with too few doctors and nurses to meet their primary care needs. At the same time, the average age of Kansans is getting older. Often pharmacists are Kansans' most direct link for health information and counseling and the only place for miles that we can obtain much-needed medical equipment to keep us healthy.

However, according to CMS's own estimate, 25,000 medical equipment suppliers will exit the Medicare program due to this new accreditation requirement. We should be encouraging our pharmacies and other medical professionals to provide care to their communities, not burden them with cost-prohibitive regulatory requirements that do not increase patient safety or expand access for these patients.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill to protect Medicare beneficiaries' access to their necessary medications and supplies from their trusted pharmacist.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 163. This legislation designates tomorrow, September 23, 2009, as ``National Job Corps Day.'' I introduced this resolution to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Job Corps and to recognize the program for its successes.

I firmly believe that the world is changed one person at a time. At Job Corps' 123 centers across the country, the program is changing lives each day. Close to three-quarters of the students who enroll in Job Corps are high school dropouts. Many have never held a full-time job. These young people come from difficult circumstances, with skills and abilities not yet discovered or fully developed.

Yet, Job Corps recognizes the potential in these individuals. It gives them the opportunity to improve their education and learn an employable skill. It provides the care, encouragement, and support these youths need to turn their lives around.

In an average 8 month stay at Job Corps, the majority of students leave with a high

school diploma or equivalency and improve their literacy by more than two grade levels. About 75 percent of Job Corps graduates secure employment or enter the military.

Young people need Job Corps now more than ever. While it can be difficult for a young person who lacks the proper skills and education to find work in good economic times, it becomes even more of a challenge in times of economic uncertainty. The unemployment rate in August for those ages 16 to 19 was a staggering 25.5 percent. For 20 to 24 year olds, the jobless rate was just over 15 percent.

While Job Corps reaches some 60,000 youths each year, it cannot serve all those in need. Sadly, many young people still fall through the cracks and the cost to these individuals and society is immense.

Studies tell us that over the course of the next decade, the 12 million students who are projected to drop out of high school will cost our economy more than $3 trillion.

Here on this floor, we have been talking a lot lately about health care. Studies show that each class of dropouts costs states $17 billion in publically-subsidized health care over the course of their lives.

In addition, individuals lacking more than a high school education make up close to the entirety of our Nation's prison population and account for 90 percent of incarceration spending.

But it's about more than dollars and cents. It's about more than employment statistics. It's about people. It's about helping people achieve a better life. And that is what Job Corps does.

Young people are our country's future. We have a responsibility to care for and educate them. Job Corps helps us do that.

So I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and join me in recognizing Job Corps for the work it does for young people who need it most.

Madam Speaker, we are just days away from President Obama's deadline to Iran that it accept his offer of meaningful talks about that country's nuclear program. Although the U.S. and other world powers will meet in Iran on October 1, Iran has said discussions of its nuclear program are finished. Any discussion that does not include Iran's nuclear program significantly dilutes any benefits of such talks.

For 8 months, Iran has had the opportunity to discuss its nuclear program. Now, moments before the deadline, it proposes talks but remains unwilling to engage on the most important issue.

The President needs to rally international support through the U.N. and G-20 summit this month for sanctions against Iran to ensure that they have great impact.

At the same time, Congress should move forward with legislation that has been introduced to put pressure on Iran. Specifically, we should pass H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act.

The longer we wait to address Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, the more difficult it becomes to deal with Iran, and the world becomes a more dangerous place. Hoping that Iran changes course is not a strategy we can live with.