The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“Iran (Executive Session)” mentioning John Thune was published in the Senate section on page S4993 on July 21.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
Iran
Mr. President, on one final matter, earlier this month, the FBI uncovered a plot by Iranian intelligence operatives to kidnap a journalist and vocal critic of the regime from her home in New York.
Let me say that again: Iran tried to abduct a U.S. citizen right here--right here--on American soil.
For years, Masih Alinejad has made a habit of getting under the mullahs' skin. She has called out injustices and organized protests like White Wednesdays, when women across Iran would challenge their nation's strict dress code.
The regime tried to lure Ms. Alinejad out of the U.S. to make her an easier target. That failed. So they decided to try something even more brazen.
Federal prosecutors have charged four Iranians in a plot to kidnap Ms. Alinejad. But with the exception of one accomplice, those responsible for this outrageous planned assault on a U.S. citizen right here on U.S. soil won't see the inside of a courtroom anytime soon. So without nonjudicial steps to impose consequences on the Islamic Republic, there will likely be no justice for Ms. Alinejad and her family.
And why should Tehran think twice about trying again?
Sadly, this has a familiar ring to it. Flagrant disregard for international law is certainly not a new addition to Tehran's playbook. Remember, back in 2011, Iranian intelligence was caught up in a plot to murder the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States by blowing up a restaurant right here in Washington. One of the Iranian officials indicted in that case is, actually, still at large.
Of course, extrajudicial activities on American soil aren't the only bits of Iranian behavior that read like old news. Ms. Alinejad has been vocally reminding us that Iran's disgusting disregard for human rights is not unique to American soil. Obviously, it is felt in Iran itself and throughout the Middle East.
This spring, the skies over Israel were filled with reminders of Iran's longstanding support for terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Battlefields in Syria and southern Arabian Peninsula testify to the strength of Iran's proxies.
And just this year, on President Biden's watch, we have seen a surge--a surge--in attacks on U.S. interests and facilities in Iraq not seen since the height of our military presence in that country.
So history continues to repeat itself in Tehran. And, unfortunately, the Biden administration appears keen--keen--to follow a familiar playbook of its own. Inexplicably, the White House's response to Iran's latest troublemaking--now listen to this--has been to consider lifting sanctions and offering new concessions to produce a new nuclear deal.
Iran just tried to kidnap an American right here in America. This is not the occasion to desperately reward bad behavior. It is time to work even more closely with our allies and partners in the regions to stare it down.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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