09.10.15

Hoeven and a Bipartisan Majority of Senators Oppose President's Deal With Iran

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven and a bipartisan majority of the Senate today voted to oppose the president’s deal with Iran. However, more than 40 Democrats voted on a partisan basis to support President Obama’s agreement and filibuster the resolution of disapproval.

“Today a bipartisan majority of the Senate voted to oppose the president’s agreement with Iran,” said Hoeven. “The resolution of disapproval was filibustered on a partisan basis, preventing the voice of the American people from being heard on this tremendously important nuclear agreement. The president’s deal has tremendous consequences for U.S. security and if implemented over the clear objections of Congress, will not prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Instead of implementing a bad deal, we should keep sanctions in place and stop Iran’s march to a nuclear weapon.”

Congress imposed strict economic sanctions with the goal of completely dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. Those sanctions have forced Iran to the bargaining table. However, the nuclear agreement reached by the Administration does not help achieve the goal of ending Iran’s nuclear program.

  • The agreement lifts sanctions but keeps Iran’s nuclear program and infrastructure intact. Iran would receive immediate sanctions relief, retain its centrifuges and nuclear facilities, and be free of restrictions on its nuclear program in a matter of years. Further, with the sanctions lifted under the agreement, Iran can buy conventional weapons in five years and missile technology in eight years, providing them with the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon to the United States. Iran will have a stronger economy and a ready-made nuclear program when the agreement expires.
  • The agreement prevents anywhere, anytime inspections, allowing Iran to stonewall international nuclear inspections and provides weak consequences if Iran cheats. 
  • Rather than ending Iran’s nuclear program, the deal provides the financial resources to underwrite a future Iranian bomb. A nuclear Iran will set off an arms race in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey vying for power. In essence, the agreement allows Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

“Based on Iran’s track record, it is very likely that they will cheat on the agreement after receiving more than $100 billion to strengthen their economy and military,” said Hoeven. “But ironically, even without cheating, this agreement gives Iran the ability to achieve its nuclear ambitions and strengthens its ability to sponsor terrorism throughout the Middle East and beyond. That is why the American people overwhelmingly oppose this agreement.”

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