Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today issued the following statement in response to reports that Iran test-fired nine missiles, some of which could reach Israel and other nations in the region:

“These reports underscore the danger that Iran’s weapons program poses to its neighbors, while increasing concern about its refusal to cooperate with the international community.  To ensure peace and stability in this region, the Iranian government must stand down its nuclear efforts, its support for international terrorism, and its threats to its neighbors.  Unfortunately, Iran’s leaders have given no reason to believe they will change their disruptive behavior without additional diplomatic and economic pressure. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today made the following statement today on the fifth anniversary of President Bush’s speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln beneath the “Mission Accomplished” banner: 

“Five years after the President infamously declared ‘Mission Accomplished,’ we have still failed to accomplish our goals of securing the peace, stifling the terrorist threat, and bringing our troops home to their families.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) responded to the recent announcement by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates of the President's decision to nominate General Petraeus to the position of Commanding Officer, Central Command, replacing the outgoing Admiral Fallon.

"Today's nomination of General Petraeus to head Central Command demonstrates once again this administration's stubborn commitment to its failed strategies in Iraq. Even more disturbingly, I am concerned that this nomination might also signal increased saber-rattling toward Iran. That would stand in stark contrast to the more measured approach to international engagement the previous commander, Admiral Fallon, brought to the post.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today praised the U.S. Commerce Department’s decision to suspend export privileges to a British-based company that had knowingly diverted U.S. aircraft components to Iran.  Last year, Dodd convened a Banking Committee hearing to examine U.S. policy toward Iran.  At the hearing, Dodd urged the Commerce Department to be tougher in their enforcement of export controls to stop the flow of goods and sensitive technology to Iran.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today released the following statement on the resignation of Admiral William Fallon, the commander of U.S. Forces in the Middle East:

"Admiral Fallon's departure marks a tremendous loss for our nation's military," said Dodd. "Frankly, his measured approach to international engagement is something we could use more of-- whether he was rejecting saber-rattling with Iran or cautioning about the long term costs of the surge.”

Recognizing that 2007, the year of President Bush’s “troop surge,” was reportedly the deadliest year of the war for both U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today made the following remarks on the one-year anniversary of the President’s announcement that he would send an additional 30,000 American soldiers into Iraq. 

Washington, D.C. – Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today made the following remarks in anticipation of tomorrow’s Middle East peace summit in Annapolis, Maryland. 

“Despite coming nearly six years late, it is my hope that tomorrow’s summit in Annapolis can bring us one step closer towards Arab-Israeli peace.  A safe and secure Jewish state, recognized by all of its Arab neighbors, alongside a viable and independent Palestinian state is the only solution to this conflict.  I strongly encourage all those attending tomorrow’s conference to vigorously engage with one another to begin the process of seeking a final settlement to this seemingly intractable conflict, and to end the suffering of millions of people.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today continued to show his strong opposition to the war in Iraq by voting against legislation which would provide funding for military operations in Iraq because it did not contain a firm and enforceable deadline for the phased redeployment of combat troops out of Iraq. 

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today urged the United States to end the Bush Administration’s history of diplomatic neglect and expressed support for U.S. engagement with Syria in the hope that Syria will cease its interference with Lebanon's sovereignty.  Dodd stated that Syria has a history of destructive behavior with Lebanon and a tendency to exert troubling influence within the region, and that is why it is critical that the U.S. engage diplomatically with governments throughout the region.  Dodd also expressed the need for Syria to respect Lebanese sovereignty.  

In his continued efforts to put additional pressure on the governments of Iran and Sudan, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) today commended the approval of a bill he authored, the International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act (IEEPA), by the House of Representatives.  The bill, which was passed by the Senate in June, will now go to the President’s desk for his signature.