CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS CONGRATULATES THE U.S. SENATE FOR UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING IRAN SANCTIONS ACT

New York, January 28, 2010 … The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations congratulated the leadership and members of the Senate for unanimously adopting the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2009 (S. 2799) today. “This statement is a resounding declaration by members of the Senate who joined their counterparts in the House of Representatives, who passed by an overwhelming vote the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act last month, reflecting an overwhelming consensus in the United States that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Leaders of Iran have rejected every offer, including last week again turning down enrichment of uranium outside of the country, and are racing ahead in all aspects of their nuclear weapons program, including missile technology and weaponization. The measure now goes to the House-Senate Conference and we urge them to return the bill to both Houses as quickly as possible,” said Chairman Alan Solow and Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein.

“Leaders of Iran must see the clear determination of the United States as expressed by the President and now members of both Houses of Congress. Iran cannot and will not be allowed to achieve the goal of its nuclear weapons program. The adoption of this act by unanimous consent demonstrates the determination of our Congressional elected representatives and will strengthen the hand of the Administration in its attempt to achieve more stringent sanctions at the Security Council in the coming days. This is an important step forward in the critical effort to prevent a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, further destabilization in the region, and threats against Iran’s neighbors,” the leaders said.