Excerpts of the speeches of Representatives of the United States Congress at the Free Iran 2022 are as follows:
Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX)
Hello to you, Madam Rajavi, the elected president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. When I visited Ashraf 3 in Albania two years ago, I was inspired by the determination of your movement and the strength of the Iranian communities that have been displaced across the world by the current regime. I know there is a lot to reflect on and to contemplate as this movement moves forward this year, and your rich history can offer wisdom about the future and context for our choices.
More than 120,000 Iranians, your loved ones, have fought for democracy and made the ultimate sacrifice, and these brave individuals paved the way to where you are today. Because of their example and sacrifice, Iranians continue to protest in the streets despite the risk of Iran’s prisons and torture chambers and that is a testament to their bravery. The Iranian people have shown the world they reject unelected theocracy and religious dictatorship. They constantly reaffirm their desire for a democracy where liberty and freedom prevail, and for that the American people and I will always support you.
Today I want to commend you for your activism, and Madam Rajavi, for her plan for a free, democratic, and secular republic in Iran. The U.S. Congress recognizes this, and I am proud to be the sponsor of House Resolution 118, along with 254 of my colleagues, who also stand with the Iranian people. I want to reiterate that while the Iranian people have accepted the burden of overthrowing the current regime, it is on us in the free world to offer them every bit of moral and political support that we can. We stand behind you. Thank you.
Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA)
Hi Mrs. Rajavi. This is Congressman Scott Perry, proud to be one of the many hundreds of sponsors of House Resolution 118, which condemns the Iranian regime and supports a secular, nonnuclear, free democratic-based Iran. It also condemns the violence perpetrated against the Iranian people, both in Iran and abroad and, among other things, wishes for a free, nonnuclear, and secular Iran.
So among other things as well, we would also like to point out Raisi was a member of the murder squads, the death squads that killed the opposition and now as president cannot stand in that position for those reasons among many others.
So, it’s a proud day for me to be able to stand beside you, support you, and wish your supporters and all the advocates of a free, nonnuclear, and secular Iran continued success in their endeavors and a final resolution to the terroristic reign of the regime currently running Iran.
Good luck to you. God bless you.
Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN)
Hi there. I’m Congresswoman Angie Craig, and I’m so proud to represent Minnesota’s second district in the United States Congress. I’d like to thank you for allowing me to come share a few important messages with you today.
Around the world, we have seen just how fragile but critically important democracy is. Now more than ever I’m honored to join my colleagues in Congress and folks across the world to express my support for everyone fighting to build a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran. In Congress I’m working to support peace and stability in the Middle East by cosponsoring H.R. 118, a bipartisan resolution stating in no uncertain terms that the United States Congress is on the side of the Iranian people and their ongoing struggle to bring lasting change to their home country. We hope that this resolution makes it abundantly clear that the Americans strongly condemn the human rights abuses of the Iranian regime, including their violent actions to suppress a peaceful democratic protest in 2019, which resulted in the tragic death of nearly 1,500 innocent Iranians.
To this day, countless Iranians are in custody for the simple crime of expressing their desire for a true and open society, a situation that is both unacceptable and intolerable. Finally, we believe that the Iranian people should be able to determine the future of Iran, not just a small group of unelected leaders. Eliminating Iran’s one-party system, establishing a universal right to vote, holding free elections, and providing equality for all are critical components of the 10 Point Plan to ensure that the voices of all Iranians are respected and heard.
Please know that we in the United States were inspired by your steadfast struggle for freedom. Witnessing the courage, determination, and optimism of opposition leaders like you makes me certain that a free and democratic Iran is achievable. Thank you for all of your hard work and advocacy and for your unwavering commitment to a free Iran.
Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL)
I’m Congressman Greg Steube, and I’m honored to represent Florida’s 17th District in the United States House of Representatives.
As you mobilize for a free Iran, I’d like to send a positive message of encouragement to Maryam Rajavi and all at the Free Iran 2022 World Summit. You should be supported by the United States in establishing a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran. Your 10 Point Plan for the future of Iran is commendable and justified. All should have the right to vote in free elections, compete in a market economy, and have equality regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity. I support your plea to end the one-party system. The world looks forward to the day that Iran’s foreign policy is based on peaceful coexistence and remains nonnuclear.
In Washington, I’ve long been a strong advocate for the rights of the Iranian people. I joined 252 of my colleagues in cosponsoring the House Resolution to condemn the Iranian government’s violations of human rights and their state sponsored terrorism. I introduced and cosponsored numerous bills, including legislation to impose sanctions on Iranian-backed militia groups and terrorist organizations.
Your continued peaceful protests shine a bright light on the grave need for a free Iran. The Iranian people are resilient, and my hope is you are successful in destabilizing this corrupt regime.
Thank you for your time.
Congressman French Hill (R-AR)
To all of you attending the Free Iran 2022 World Summit, it’s an honor to be a part of today’s event and share some words with you. I’m a proud advocate on behalf of a democratic, secular, nonnuclear Republic of Iran.
Over the last several years, the Iranian people have continued to fight against the religious extremists rulers. These peaceful protests have been met with violence from the current government, and I will continue to condemn these acts against peaceful dissent.
I’ve joined my colleagues in Congress in cosponsoring H.Res.118, which expresses support for the Iranian people and for their desire for a democratic Republic of Iran. With Congressman Al Lawson, I introduced the bipartisan Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act, which would publicize the funds obtained in an illegal or corrupt manner by Iran’s authoritarian bureaucratic regime. The ayatollahs, mullahs, and the Iranian military have profited at the expense of ordinary Iranian citizens for the past four decades, and it’s time to demand accountability and transparency for the Iranian people.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President Elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, has demonstrated strength and leadership on behalf of the Iranian people. Mrs. Rajavi’s 10 Point Plan for the future of Iran is filled with the democratic principles that we are blessed to practice here in the United States every day. Basic principles, such as free elections, the universal right to vote, a free market economy, and a foreign policy based on peaceful coexistence are just a few key aspects of Mrs. Rajavi’s plan for Iran, a plan that will not only modernize the nation but would also give Iranians the rights and opportunities that we cherish here in the United States.
As we join together at the Free Iran 2022 World Summit, I encourage all of you to continue fighting for democracy. The resistance and resilience of the Iranian people is inspiring here in the United States and across the globe. As large-scale protests continue to rise in Iran, I’ll remind you that there is support for the Iranian people in the United States Congress.
Thank you for having me and thank you for the sacrifice and hard work each of you contribute on behalf of a free Iran.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
Hello everyone. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick here from Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District and thank you for giving me an opportunity to join your Free Iran Global Summit this year. It’s an honor to address you today. And as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I believe that the United States must continue to encourage freedom and liberty across the globe, and we must be clear in supporting the rights of Iranians to choose their own future. America and its allies must make it clear to Tehran that violent action against peacefully assembled groups demanding change will just result in further targeted sanctions against the regime.
Last year I signed on as an original cosponsor to H.Res.118, which expresses support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran and condemns the violations of human rights and state sponsored terrorism by the Iranian government. We saw in 2019 how the Iranian government wrongfully cracked down on protests, leading to the deaths of more than 1,500 protesters. We simply cannot ignore the Iranian government’s mounting aggression against its own people. We must hold the Iranian regime accountable for its dangerous and provocative actions that threaten Israel, threaten the Middle East, and threaten the entire world.
We must also call for an independent inquiry into the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran. As you all know, in 1988 the Iranian regime slaughtered over 30,000 political prisoners. Three membered death commissions were established across the country to facilitate the sending of political prisoners that refused to abandon their beliefs to their deaths. These victims were buried in unmarked mass graves and according to international law, the Iranian regime must guarantee the families of these victims their right to know the truth about the fates and also the burial places of their loved ones.
And today I’m proud to join you all in supporting a democratic Iran that truly values human rights. Know that I will always have your back and I will continue to promote a free Iran throughout my entire tenure in Congress. Thanks for your friendship and your partnership and God bless.
Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL)
I’m Congressman Danny Davis, and I represent the seventh Congressional District of Illinois. I am happy to join at this year’s Free Iran Virtual Conference. Over the years I have seen firsthand your passion for human rights and your fight to establish the pillars of democracy in Iran that we at times take for granted here in the United States. I’ve also had the opportunity to witness the visible bipartisan support expressed for your cause by the United States Congress. The most apparent show of this solidarity comes by way of the majority in the U.S. House who have cosponsored H.Res.374. In this way, we support the Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom from oppression and their legitimate desire to establish a secular, democratic, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran.
Furthermore, we condemn any form of terroristic suppression of the Iranian people. Freedom from oppression, misogyny, coercion, and abuse should not be treated as political leverage but rather as a human right. As Madam Rajavi has continued to remind us, democracy, peace, and prosperity cannot flourish while half of a country’s population, its women, are deprived of their right to participate in society and treated as second class citizens. Mrs. Rajavi’s 10 Point Plan embraces separation of church and state, free market economy, established international covenants and laws, respect for minority rights, people’s rights to self determination under law, and ensures equal rights for women, just to name a few.
I support your efforts to establish a free Iran. Civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, once said, “Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” So I am with you in opposing any form of oppression, inequality, and injustice.
I thank you all both inside and outside Iran for speaking up on behalf of the voiceless and the oppressed, the religious and ethnic minorities, the women, and the children, and I thank you.
Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC)
Hi. I’m Ralph Norman, Congressman of South Carolina’s fifth Congressional district. I am proud to be among 252 sponsors for House Resolution 118, which expresses support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran and condemning violations of human rights and state sponsored terrorism by the Iranian government. I support the Iranian people who are against a one-party system, being the former shah’s dictatorship or the current theocracy. I condemn the killings that were carried out on the orders of a judge, a death commission, which were formed on July 19th, 1988, and undertook proceedings in a manner designed to eliminate the regime’s opponents.
Unfortunately, the current president of the Iranian Regime was a member of this death commission. I condemn past and present Iranian state sponsored terrorist attacks against the United States citizens and officials. I support the bravery of those who stand up in the name of freedom against oppressors and controlling regimes. I encourage the continued commitment to democracy and freedom, and I will always continue to support those who fight for it. Thank you and God bless you.
Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN)
Hi folks. I’m Congressman Tim Burchett. I want to commend all of y’all for fighting for your rights and freedom from the evil Iranian regime. My country was built on our founding fathers’ battle for independence to start a nation of freedom and prosperity. I encourage you all to keep up the good work as you are now doing the same thing. It isn’t an easy fight. It takes courage and sacrifice and a willingness to risk your safety for the future of your nation. You have seen how your current ruler doesn’t have your back. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is not acting in your best interests. He is more focused on building wealth for the elite at the expense of the rest of the Iranian nation. Khamenei’s regime sends loads of money to terror groups in other countries, but they cut subsidies for food staples at home. You are suffering as the cost of basic food staples has gotten outrageously expensive in such a short amount of time. Your survival doesn’t matter as much to the Khamenei regime as global terror.
I was proud to support House Resolution 118, a resolution in the United States Congress condemning the Iranian regime’s many human rights violations as well as its state sponsored terrorism in countries abroad. This resolution also expresses clear support for you, the Iranian people, as you push back against the regime’s tyrannical rule. The overwhelming majority of leaders here in the United States support your fight to establish a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran. You’re all leading a revolution on behalf of a people that is done being oppressed. You have the support of the United States Congress and countries across the world, but it’s your actions that will make the difference in this fight. This is a worthy cause. The Iranian people deserve freedom from tyranny and a government that respects their rights. I encourage y’all to act with courage, integrity, and honor as you lead Iran into a better future. It’s a future worth fighting for. I’m Congressman Tim Burchett. Thank y’all so much.
Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA)
Hello. I’m Congress member Judy Chu from Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, and I’m so proud to be speaking to my Iranian American friends and constituents attending this year’s Free Iran Virtual Conference. For years I’ve been proud to stand with you in the fight for human rights and democracy in Iran, and each year this conference sends a powerful statement to Iran’s leaders that their repression and violence are unacceptable. But instead of heeding your repeated calls for human rights, peace and democracy, Iran’s leaders have been continuing to respond in their usual way, through terror. Iranians who are brave enough to speak out have been tortured and beaten.
And that is why I am so proud to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 118. This critical resolution condemns Iranian state sponsored terrorist attacks and expresses support for the people of Iran who are engaged in legitimate and peaceful protests against the Iranian regime. I’m also proud that this resolution has 254 bipartisan cosponsors already, which is the majority of the House of Representatives. Having such a large bipartisan bill condemning the Iranian government’s support for terrorism sends a clear message to the people of Iran that they are not alone. That message is especially important now as one of Iran’s most brutal killers, Ebrahim Raisi, is president. Thousands died by his orders in the mass killings of 1988 and yet instead of being held accountable, Raisi has undemocratically been put in a position of power where his regime has continued to support terrorism in Iran and across the globe. This is deeply troubling for all Iranians, but especially women, minorities, those who fight for free and fair democracy, and all who respect human life.
The Iranian people deserve to be free from the harsh and violent rule of Iran’s mullahs, and the world deserves to feel safe from Iranian support for terror and violence. I support your work to establish a free and democratic Iran that works with the U.S. and others to build a safer world. So, thank you all for your important work to promote human rights and a free Iran.
Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN)
Hello everyone. My name is Tom Emmer, and I represent Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District. Thanks for inviting me to join your event today. I’m proud to stand with you in your mission for a free and democratic Iran. We come together today with a shared mission – an end to repression, persecution, and terror. As we continue to pursue these goals, we must not lose hope. The challenges ahead shouldn’t discourage us but instead bolster our resolve.
This Congress I again cosponsored a resolution condemning the state sponsored terrorism that has plagued Iran for decades and expressing support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, nonnuclear republic. Collectively, we look forward to the day when all Iranians will be able to live in peace. Until then I want to thank you for your hard work and everything you’ve done to make this goal a reality. Thank you again for letting me join you today.
Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (R-AZ)
Hi. I’m U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko from the great State of Arizona. Thank you for allowing me to speak with you today. I am an original cosponsor of House Resolution 118, a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to express support for the Iranian people and their desire for a democratic, secular, nonnuclear Republic of Iran.
The current regime in Tehran poses an unquestionable threat to international security and has perpetrated unthinkable acts of terror and egregious human rights violations. House Resolution 118 condemns the killings that occurred in 1988 as a result of the horrific death commissions, which were meant to brutally eliminate the regime’s opponents. Our resolution supports an international investigation into these killings and also condemns the numerous instances of international terror plots backed by Tehran. I support the Iranian people’s desire for a government that respects free elections, the right to vote, religious freedom, equality for women, and a free market economy. It is a terrible tragedy that the current Iranian government is denying its citizens these basic human rights.
I am also working with my colleagues here in the U.S. Congress to ensure U.S. foreign policy is aimed toward achieving a nonnuclear Iran. I have pushed back against a joint comprehensive plan of action or Iran Nuclear Deal, which does nothing to prevent Tehran from building up its nuclear arsenal. I am also a cosponsor of the Maximum Pressure Act, the toughest approach yet to preventing Tehran from building nuclear weapons. My congressional colleagues and I will continue to support the U.S. working with our European allies to hold Iran accountable for its malign activities, and we continue to support the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic Iran that promotes equality and respects human rights.
Thank you so much for allowing me to speak with you today and I hope you have a wonderful rest of the summit.
Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-CA)
Hi. This is Congresswoman Michelle Steel representing the people of California’s 48th district in the House of Representatives. I want to thank Maryam Rajavi, those from Iran, and everyone in attendance at Free Iran 2022 for your hard work to raise awareness about the human rights abuses of the Iranian regime and your work to promote freedom and democracy.
The Iranian regime poses a very grave threat, not just to its own people but to free and democratic societies around the world. That’s why I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 118, which expresses our support for the Iranian people’s desire for a free Iran and condemns violations of human rights and state sponsored terrorism. Two hundred fifty-four members of Congress have come together to support this resolution. We stand with the people who work every day to establish a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Iran. The strength and persistence of the Iranian people reminds us that a free and fair society is something to be valued and fought for.
My colleagues in the House and I continue to stand in solidarity with all of you. May we all renew our commitment to seeing a free and democratic Iran and may God bless you all. Thank you.
Congressman Pete Stauber
Hi everyone. I’m Congressman Pete Stauber, and I represent Minnesota’s eighth Congressional District. I am proud to be among 252 bipartisan cosponsors of House Resolution 118. This resolution expresses support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran. It also condemns the human rights abuses and state sponsored terrorism by the Iranian government.
The Iranian regime’s reign of terror must end. Day in and day out, they continue to deprive the Iranian people of fundamental freedoms: the freedom of expression, the freedom of religion, and the freedom of assembly. The Iranian people’s opposition leader, Maryam Rajavi, calls for the universal right to vote, for free elections, and for a free market economy, equality and coexistence, and a nonnuclear Iran. As American allies, we will continue to work hard to make this a reality for the Iranian people.
I want to thank you for inviting me to address you all today. Together, I am certain we will free Iran and its people once and for all.
Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT)
Hello. I’m Congressman Blake Moore from Utah’s First Congressional District. I’m grateful for this opportunity to address Mrs. Rajavi and the Free Iran 2022 World Summit in support of the Iranian people’s resistance for a free republic in Iran. I’m proud to be among the 252 sponsors of House Resolution 118, which expresses support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran and condemns violations of human rights and state sponsored terrorism by the Iranian government. I also support Mrs. Rajavi’s 10 Point Plan for the future of Iran, which calls for the universal right to vote, free elections, a market economy, gender, religious, and ethnic equality, a peaceful foreign policy structure, and of course a nonnuclear Iran.
We are continuously reminded of the bonds between the American and the Iranian people. We are bound by our mutual desire for a brighter future and a free Iran. We mourn for the families that have been fractured by the ayatollah’s murderous regime and maintain hope that parents, children, and siblings can be reunited. Like most Americans, I oppose the misguided Iranian Nuclear Deal, which failed to bring about any democratic change or economic relief to the Iranian people. I join the chorus of many in Congress that recognize the Iranian Nuclear Deal and subsequent deal will never benefit or protect the Iranian people. These agreements stand to enrich solely the regime, and those engaged in spreading misery, oppression, and violence must not be rewarded on the international stage.
I am fighting to maintain maximum pressure against the regime. The ayatollah oppressors cannot be trusted, and we are not fooled by false promises of peace and progress. Today we are inspired by freedom fighters who continue a long and storied history of fighting for good over evil. Iran, Russia, and anyone who stands in the way of peace and prosperity will be held accountable for their crimes. The American people have not forgotten or abandoned the Iranian people’s decades long struggle for a true representative democracy. Our fight is not with the Iranian people but with those who disguise tyranny with religion. I am so proud to support your efforts toward a free Iran. Thank you.
Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA)
The Iranian people have been deprived of their fundamental freedoms for far too long. This led to the 1979 Revolution and is now what inspires the Iranian people to turn away from religious tyranny and look towards a free democratic future. The Iranian government has consistently been hostile towards its people. In November of 2019 popular protests against the Iranian regime began and spread like wildfire throughout the nation. Although these protests were peaceful and full of unarmed citizens, the Iranian government responded violently and with lethal force, resulting in the death of around 1,500 people. This kind of rule is entirely unacceptable and inhumane.
I have the utmost respect for Iranians who peacefully combat this tyrannical regime and know that I stand with you. The rights of the Iranian people are in jeopardy, and I support any peaceful effort to reestablish a secular, democratic Republic of Iran that respects the religious freedoms of her people. No longer will these human rights abuses be tolerated or go unnoticed.
I’m honored to join with the Iranian freedom fighters as we raise awareness to the government abuses being perpetrated by the Iranian government as well as the struggle of the Iranian people who wish for nothing more than the fundamental human right to freedom. I’m also proud to be among 252 sponsors of House Resolution 118, expressing support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran and condemning violations of human rights and state sponsored terrorism by the Iranian government. Together, we stand united against this oppressive regime that suppresses the fundamental freedoms Iranians deserve.
Congressman Steve Cohen (D-IN)
Hello friends, all the friends for Free Iran, of which I am one and I’m cochair of the Caucus for Free Iran. Iran has for too long had basic civil rights; human rights disallowed. The Iranian government has persecuted people who have voiced concerns about the economic conditions in Iran and the opportunities for people to exercise their rights of speech about the government and about the economic deprivation. These are goals that most of the free world supports, and Iran does not. We need a free nonnuclear and independent Iran that represents the values of the fine people of Iran, of which there are a majority in Iran, but they’re not free.
When they recently came out and tried to get freedom and expressed themselves in the streets, there were reprisals from the Iranian government, cutting off internet access to cutting off other opportunities to voice their concerns, and there were ways that they used to end the protests. These protests should not be ended the way they were, and Iran needs to return to the area where we have free participation in government and expression of ideas.
So, I’ve been a supporter of the House Resolution 118, which condemns the ayatollah’s repressive acts. We hope we get sufficient votes. We’ve got over 250 sponsors and that’s impressive and strong. We are bipartisan in our support for a free Iran and will continue to voice that support and to work for a free and independent and nuclear-free Iran that’s a friend to the world and not a feared threat to the other free countries and peace-loving countries in the world.
So, thank you and good luck with your efforts and I’ll long be with you.
Congressman Tom Tiffany (R-WI)
I’m Congressman Tom Tiffany, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued efforts to build a new Iran. For more than 40 years, the Iranian people have struggled under the oppression of Tehran’s mullahs. This must change. That is why I’m a cosponsor of House Resolution 118, calling for a democratic, secular, nonnuclear Iran that defends religious liberty, political pluralism, and the right of all men and women to pursue their dreams free of government persecution. America stands shoulder to shoulder with you in your struggle. Keep up the fight.
Congressman Neal Dunn (R-FL)
Hi. I’m Congressman Neal Dunne. I’m proud to be among 252 members of Congress expressing support for the Iranian people as opposed to the ruling regime. The people desire a democratic, secular nonnuclear, Republic of Iran. The current ruling regime shows a complete disregard for human rights. It’s time to support the people fighting for free Iran, to put a stop to the heinous attacks and tyranny. No more state sponsored terrorist attacks. No more killing those who challenged the regime. No more government corruption and crimes against humanity.
The Iranian people have been working towards this for decades. I’m sure everyone here has probably asked themselves, is it worth it to continue these efforts? Let me remind you that America started out in a very similar way. It took many years for our country to become free. And there isn’t an American out there who regrets the freedoms we enjoy now. It took tenacity courage and strength, qualities I know that you and your loved ones have. So, yes, it’s worth it.
I urge you to keep fighting for what’s right. For the right to vote, free elections, a free account economy, and a rules-based order of sovereign nations.
Please take comfort in knowing that I and many of my colleagues support you.
Thank you.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC)
Hello. I’m Congresswoman Nancy Mace from the great State of South Carolina. I am thankful for the opportunity to address all of you today participating in the 2022 World Summit for a Free Iran. Just like you, I share the belief that government which doesn’t share the will and individual rights of its citizens shouldn’t be recognized within the international community as a true democratic nation.
Here in Washington myself and over 250 democrat and republican members of Congress have made the belief known by signing as cosponsors onto HR, House Resolution 118, expressing support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran, and condemning the violations of human rights and state sponsored terrorism by the Iranian government. This summit represents another turning point in the story of Iran. By being here today, each of you take a stand against the oppressive regime in Tehran and say, “No more.” No more to the human rights violations, no more to predetermined elections, and no more to a crazed desire for a nuclear arsenal which puts the country of Iran and the world at stake. Instead, this new Iran which you all are fighting for will be based on the core principles of thriving in a democratic society, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the right to assemble and the ability for citizens to determine their own future.
Thank you again for the opportunity to voice my support for each and every one of you today, and God bless.
Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Ladies and gentlemen, supporters of a Free Iran, I am Joe Wilson, a member of Congress from South Carolina. I appreciate the opportunity to address the Free Iran Conference. I am grateful to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 118 in support of a free and democratic Iran. The free world must be clear in condemnation of state sponsored terrorism and human rights violations being perpetrated by the theocratic Raisi regime. It is inspiring to see the courageous protesters of the regime advocating for freedom and basic rights, even at such a high personal cost. That is why it’s so critical to ensure that social media platforms are not aiding the regime by hiring third-party content moderators who are sympathetic to the regime.
Civil society depends on social media outlets to spread their message of freedom and truth. I was grateful to read a letter to Meta on this very issue. I am also grateful to sponsor the Iran Human Rights and Accountability Act, which makes determinations regarding senior officials’ eligibility for sanction based on human rights violations within Iran. A nuclear theocratic Iran is a threat to people from all different walks of life worldwide. I appreciate the advocacy of the Iranian diaspora for a prosperous and democratic Iran. Thank you and best wishes for continued success.
Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX)
I’m Congressman Randy Webber of Texas. I have been involved in fighting terrorism and the aggression of the Iranian regime for a decade in the US House of Representatives. Make no mistake, I’m a strong supporter of a free, democratic, nonnuclear republic of Iran.
I’m a proud cosponsor of H. Res 118 which “recognizes the rights of the Iranian people and their struggle to establish a democratic sector and non-nuclear republic of Iran.” This resolution highlights that “the people of Iran rejected monarchy, dictatorship, and a proposing religious tyranny.” I support your ten-point plan for the future of Iran which calls for the universal right to vote, free elections and a market economy, and advocates gender, religious and ethnic equality, and a foreign policy based on peaceful coexistence and a non-nuclear Iran. It is true that for any real change in organic change, there must be an organized opposition, a reliable and a strong leader, and a plan for the future.
I am convinced MEK is the most organized opposition in Iran and with your leadership plan to change in Iran is within reach. With H. Res 118, congress is again interjecting truth, not wishful thinking or naivety. In the political discourse in Iran. In outlining countless instances of human rights abuses and terrorism. Cloaking diplomacy.
US Congress is telling the Iranian people and the world in one nonpartisan voice that it stands with the freedom fighters of Iran. Stands with resistance units inside of Iran. Stands with women and girls who are leading the protest in all cities against the tyrannical rulers who have wrecked our country and the entirety of the Middle East by using terrorism and murder.
Giving to concession to the Iranian regime will only embolden them to kill their own people, wage terror in the region and rapidly dash to a nuclear bomb. I urge the Biden administration to quickly change each course with Iran and pay attention to what over 250 bipartisan house members said in H. Res 118 we stand with the people of Iran.
