Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009 (HR 2194). I would like to thank Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for their leadership and work to bring this legislation to the floor. I would especially like to thank them for working with me to ensure that language related to Venezuela and Iran was included.

Madam Speaker, Iran is not wasting any time in its pursuit of nuclear weapons, and this body must also not waste any time in making sure that this bill becomes law.

Today in the Western Hemisphere, Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah, are working hard to promote acts of terrorism.

Iran is also working diligently across the Western Hemisphere to acquire uranium. This would, of course, not be possible without the help of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.

Madam Speaker, my subcommittee held a hearing in which we addressed Iran’s rising influence in the Western Hemisphere. All experts point to Venezuela when it comes to Iran’s threat in our region.

Hugo Chavez has not only facilitated Iran’s influence, but is a co-conspirator with Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in both evading sanctions and procuring nuclear technology.

This bill targets Iran. And we should target Iran. But we must also be mindful of who is helping Iran avoid sanctions and who is helping Iran achieve its ultimate goals.

This bill rightfully adds the sale of gasoline to the list of sanctions for Iran. It should come as no surprise to this body that just a few months ago, Chavez and Ahmadinejad signed a deal that allows Venezuela to sell 20,000 barrels of gasoline each day to Iran.

Chavez’s actions clearly undermine our efforts and bolster Ahmadinejad’s ability to acquire a nuclear weapon. We in Congress must not stand for it. We must stem Ahmadinejad’s growing influence in Latin America, and we can start by passing this important legislation.

I urge my colleagues to support the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act.