Political Quotes

“Over the past 2 years, I have supported our negotiating team in the P5+1. I have favored giving time and space to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough to foreclose Iran's pathways to a nuclear weapon. I am grateful for the tireless efforts by President Obama, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz, Secretary Lew, and Undersecretary Sherman. I appreciate the work of our P5+1 partners in concluding an agreement with Iran. But, unfortunately, I cannot support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and I plan to oppose this resolution. Let me say at the outset, I was troubled that Iran was not asked to stop enriching, while we were talking, despite several U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for a pause; and after using this review period to assess the details of the agreement, I am not convinced that this deal does enough to keep a nuclear weapon out of Iran's hands. I have raised questions and concerns throughout the negotiating phase and review period. The answers I have received simply don't convince me that this deal will keep a nuclear weapon out of Iran's hands. It may, in fact, strengthen Iran's position as a destabilizing and destructive influence across the Middle East. First of all, I don't believe that this deal gives international inspectors adequate access to undeclared sites--24 days is far, far too long a time. Iran can stall, and, in 24 days, they can cover up whatever they have.…”