U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter released the following response to Colorado the decision by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, the Colorado General Assembly, the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) for their new divestment policy toward companies with a significant financial stake in Iran.
“Iran represents a threat to the through its funding of Hezbollah terrorists, its unstable political leadership, and its pursuit of nuclear enrichment. is also a threat to the rest of the world, illustrated by three separate United Nations Security Council resolutions addressing Iran ’s ongoing nuclear program.
As a member of Congress, I proudly supported legislation tightening sanctions against Iran earlier this year, and I believe there are other ways the U.S. can use its economic leverage to prevent Iran’s nuclear efforts.
As the only member of the Colorado congressional delegation to cosponsor the Iran Sanction Enabling Act, I recognize the importance states may play in this process through divestment of funds.
My staff and I worked with the Colorado General Assembly to find an effective policy ensuring Colorado state employees retirement funds are not invested in Iran’s energy sector.
I commend PERA, Governor Ritter, the State Legislature, the JCRC, and other organizations for successfully meeting this important objective. This achievement sends a message to Iran’s extremist leaders that their nuclear ambitions are not acceptable, and they must adhere to UN Security Council Resolutions 1737 and 1747.”
