WASHINGTON — Key lawmakers criticized the Bush administration Wednesday for increased exports to Iran despite tough talk about its nuclear ambitions and meddling in Iraq.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the value of U.S. exports to Iran has grown significantly during President Bush’s years in office — from about $8 million in 2001 to nearly $150 million last year. Colorado companies exported goods worth $515,935, including seeds and fruit.
The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Howard Berman, D-Calif., remarked on the growth in U.S. trade during comments on the European Union’s recent move to toughen financial sanctions on Iran.
“It’s time for them to take far more significant steps along the lines of cutting off all significant commerce with Iran, as we did years ago — or at least I thought we did. I’m not so sure, after yesterday’s” report, Berman said at a committee hearing Wednesday.
Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., said the growth in U.S. exports didn’t make sense to him at a time when the United States was trying to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear efforts.
He said the United States needs to set a strong example for the rest of the world on Iran.
