Week of Reckoning for Iran Deal – Congressional Vote Scheduled

By 

Nathanael Bennett

|
September 8, 2015

3 min read

Middle East

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The week of reckoning has arrived. Tomorrow, both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate will begin debate on the nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In accordance with the terms of the Iranian Review Act, each chamber will consider a Resolution of Disapproval for the deal. A final vote will occur as early as Thursday in the U.S. House, and as early as Friday in the U.S. Senate. Members and Senators who are concerned about the deal must vote “yes” on the Resolution of Disapproval.

There are many reasons to reject the deal and vote “yes” on the Resolution.

For starters, even the plain terms of the deal allow the largest State sponsor of terrorism in the world to obtain nuclear weapons. Let me say that again – even if the Iranian Regime fully complies with the terms of this deal, it will be permitted to develop and possess nuclear weapons after a proscribed amount of time. Remember, this is the same Regime that continues to state its desire to wipe our allies off the map, and holds rallies at which “Death to America” is a common chant.

Next, there is no reason to believe that Iran has any intention to comply with even the weak terms of the deal. Not only is Iran notoriously untrustworthy, but it has also negotiated terms that allow it to inspect its own nuclear facilities for compliance! As astonishing as it is, Iran is responsible for enforcing the guidelines of the deal on itself.

Finally, the Iranian Regime continues to hold four Americans hostage. We have long advocated for the release of American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is imprisoned in Iran simply because he is a Christian. In addition to Pastor Saeed, Iran is holding former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati and Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian. It also refuses to cooperate in determining the whereabouts and well-being of former FBI agent Robert Levinson.

The bottom line is that the terms of the deal itself are unspeakably bad. The deal should be rejected on the merits. But the bad deal is so much worse because it leaves four Americans behind.

There is only one acceptable course of action for Members of the House and Senate – they must reject the deal and vote “yes” on the Resolution of Disapproval. The safety of the United States, our allies, and the rest of the world depends on it. And the fate of four American hostages depends on it.

Add your name to our petition calling on Congress to reject the deal and bring Pastor Saeed home.