In July and August, U.S. Senators began indicating how they plan to vote on the final nuclear deal. Lawmakers have until September 17 to review the agreement, and if the majority disapprove, they can pass a resolution to block the deal from being implemented. President Obama, however, has said he will veto any efforts to block the deal. Congress would need a two-thirds majority to override the veto.
As of September 9, 42 Senators had indicated that they planned to support the deal - more than the 34 needed to prevent a veto override - while 49 said that they planned to vote to disapprove it. The remaining 9 had not declared how they planned to vote. The following is a rundown of U.S. Senators on the deal.
Supporters of the Deal | Opponents of the Deal |
Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) “Today I am gratified to say to my fellow Americans, our negotiating partners, and our allies around the world: This agreement will stand. America will uphold its commitment and we will seize this opportunity to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon." —Sept. 8, 2015, in a speech Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) "This Iran agreement is our opportunity to test diplomacy, and I invite Israel, our friends and allies in Israel, to join us in holding Iran to the letter of the law in this agreement. —August 5, 2015, in a hearing Sherrod Brown (D-OH) "It’s critical that we prevent Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon. This agreement is the only viable option to achieve that goal." —August 14, 2015 in a statement Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Al Franken (D-MN) "After careful review, I have decided that I will vote in support of the agreement the United States and our international partners reached with Iran last month." —August 13, 2015, in a statement Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) “I’ve concluded that this is the best available option we have for preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. When this agreement comes to the Senate floor in September, I intend to support it.” Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)“I will support this international agreement because it will best serve America’s national security interests and it is built on verification with a robust inspections and compliance regime that will cut off all of Iran’s potential pathways to a nuclear weapon.” —August 7, 2015, in a statement Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) “Our goal has been, and remains, to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. We have far more ability to achieve that outcome if we approve this deal.” —August 6, 2015, in a statement Tim Kaine (D-VA) Angus King (I-ME) “I have concluded that the terms of this agreement are preferable to the alternatives and that it would be in the best interest of the United States to join our partners in approving it.” —August 5, 2015, in a statement Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) “While the agreement is by no means perfect, I have concluded that it is our best available option to put the brakes on Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon and that is why I will support it.” —August 10, 2015, in a statement Patrick Leahy (D-VT) "The hasty critics of this agreement are long on scorn but short on alternatives." —August 5, 2015, in a statement Martin Heinrich (D-NM) “I am optimistic this accord is in the best interest of our nation and our allies.” —July 30, 2015, in an op-ed Chris Murphy (D-CT) Bill Nelson (D-FL) "Unless there is an unexpected change in the conditions and facts before the vote is called in September...I will support the nuclear agreement." —August 4, 2015, according to the press Bernie Sanders (I-VT) “If Iran moves toward a nuclear weapon, all available options remain on the table. I think it is incumbent upon us, however, to give the negotiated agreement a chance to succeed. That is why I will support the agreement. —August 7, 2015, in a statement Brian Schatz (D-HI) “Iran must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, and that is why I support this agreement. This is the best possible way to deny Iran from acquiring the bomb.” —August 10, 2015, in a statement Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) “Those who oppose this deal…have presented no realistic alternatives. Because I believe that this deal is our best available option, I support it.” —August 4, 2015, according to the press Tom Udall (D-NM) “I urge my colleagues to support this agreement. We have a choice between this deal and no deal. I do not believe we will get another chance.” —July 30, 2015, in a hearing Jon Tester (D-MT) Mazie Hirono (D-HI) "This agreement is the best option to halt Iran’s nuclear weapon program." Jack Reed (D-RI) “I support the JCPOA because it cuts off Iran’s pathways to a nuclear weapon and gives international inspectors unprecedented access to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and supply chains." Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) "I’ve decided to support the P5+1 agreement with Iran, not because it assures anything on its own, but because -- with persistent watchfulness and effort -- it could open a new doorway in the precarious Middle East." Ed Markey (D-MA) “I have concluded that diplomacy remains our best tool to secure a nuclear-weapon-free Iran. That’s why I intend to support the Iran nuclear agreement when it comes before Congress in September.” Joe Donnelly (D-IN) "Despite having questions about Iran’s intentions, I am willing to give this agreement the opportunity to succeed." Claire McCaskill (D-MO) “I have become convinced that it is more dangerous to Israel, America and our allies to walk away [from this agreement] in the face of unified world wide support.” Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) "I have determined that the imminent threat of Iran having a nuclear weapon outweighs any flaws I see in the international agreement. For this reason, I must support the agreement.” —Aug. 24, 2015, in a statement Patty Murray (D-WA) Tom Carper (D-DE) "Most Iranians want a better relationship with America and the world. They’re ready to take yes for an answer. We should, too. This is a good deal for America and our allies, including Israel, one of our closest allies. And, oh yes. It beats the likely alternative – war with Iran – hands down.” —Aug. 28, 2015, in an op-ed Jeff Merkley (D-OR) "The agreement offers us better prospects for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and more tools and leverage to ensure that outcome.Therefore, when the Senate debates the Iran agreement after Labor Day, I will vote to support it." Bob Casey (D-PA) "This agreement will substantially constrain the Iranian nuclear program for its duration, and compared with all realistic alternatives, it is the best option available to us at this time." Chris Coons (D-DE) "We are better off trying diplomacy first." Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) “I have concluded that this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb. For these reasons, I will vote in favor of this deal." Cory Booker (D-NJ) “We have now passed a point of no return...leaving our nation to choose between two imperfect, dangerous and uncertain options. Left with these two choices, I nonetheless believe it is better to support a deeply flawed deal, for the alternative is worse.” Mark Warner (D-VA) “On balance, I have determined this international agreement is an improvement over the status quo." Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) "It isn’t a perfect deal, but it is a good one. Americans deserve to see this deal through." Michael Bennet (D-CO) "Our primary objectives are to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon, make sure Israel is safe and, if possible, avoid another war in the Middle East. This agreement represents a flawed, but important step to accomplish those goals." Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) "This agreement reflects the best path available now to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran using diplomacy, not other means." Gary Peters (D-MI) "(A) rejection of this agreement will damage the international credibility of the United States." Ron Wyden (D-OR) "This vote will hardly be the end of the Senate’s consideration of Iranian malfeasance...With that in mind, I will vote to support the agreement." Maria Cantwell (D-WA) "I have decided to support the agreement because this agreement pushes Iran further away from a nuclear weapons threshold." | Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) "I think it's a terrible deal for America." —August 25, 2015, according to the press Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) “This deal is getting worse with inspection and review." —July 24, 2015, in a statement Democratic Policy Committee Chair Chuck Schumer (D-NY) “I will vote to disapprove the agreement, not because I believe war is a viable or desirable option, nor to challenge the path of diplomacy. It is because I believe Iran will not change.” —August 6, 2015, in a statement Ben Cardin (D-MD) "This is a close call, but after a lengthy review, I will vote to disapprove the deal." —Sept. 4, 2015 in an op-ed Bob Corker (R-TN) "This deal...leaves the United States vulnerable to a resurgent Iran wealthier and more able to work its will in the Middle East. Congress should reject this deal and send it back to the president." —August 17, 2015, in an op-ed Bob Menendez (D-NJ) "I will vote to disapprove the agreement and, if called upon, would vote to override a veto." —Aug. 18, 2015 in a speech Mark Kirk (R-IL) “If Congress doesn't stop this bad deal, the American people will be left with a nuclear Iran and a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Congress can and should insist on a better deal.” — July 20, 2015 in an op-ed John McCain (R-AZ) "We hope the American people realize this deal should be rejected and will weigh in to have their voice heard.” — Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement Marco Rubio (R-FL) “In 10 years, in 12 years, when Iran has a nuclear weapon and we can’t target them, people are going to remember this vote that’s coming up and this deal as what laid the groundwork for it, and I keep hearing this notion that there is no other alternative and no other way forward, but I disagree.” —July 30, 2015, in a hearing Ted Cruz (R-TX) Jeff Flake (R-AZ) “While I have supported the negotiations that led to the JCPOA from the beginning, I cannot vote in support of this deal." —August 15, 2015, in a statement Jim Inhofe (R-OK) “The president’s deal with Iran failed to meet the only standard that ensures the future safety of America and its allies, which is the complete dismantling of Iran’s capability to build a nuclear bomb.” —July 14, 2015 in a statement Tom Cotton (R-AR) “No one understands the horrors of war more than a soldier who has fought one. That’s why I’m opposed to the President's deal.”
Thom Tillis (R-NC) “The old American alliances are collapsing, and the only answer the Administration seems to have is a clear path to Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.” — July 22, 2015 in a floor statement Lindsey Graham (R-SC) David Perdue (R-GA) “This is a bad deal. It does not achieve what the President himself said he wanted, and that is to preclude Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.” —August 7, 2015, according to the press Rand Paul (R-KY) Roy Blunt (R-MO) “This deal undermines the security of our friends and allies and legitimizes Iran’s unapologetic sponsorship of terrorism throughout the Middle East.” —July 14, 2015, in a statement Jim Risch (R-ID) “To be able to walk away from this and say that this is a good deal was ludicrous. With all due respect, you guys have been bamboozled, and the American people are going to pay for that.” —July 23, 2015 in an exchange with Secretary of State John Kerry during a Senate hearing Dan Sullivan (R-AK) “I think there’s plenty of better alternatives to this. And, you know, there’s this idea that it’s this agreement or war, and I just simply don’t accept that.” —July 29, 2015 on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” David Vitter (R-LA) “This agreement is a really, really bad deal for America, for Israel, and for freedom.” — July 14, 2015 in a statement Cory Gardner (R-CO) “I think this is a bad deal for the American people, it’s a bad deal for our allies in the Middle East, and it has bipartisan opposition.” — Aug. 10, 2015 on 710 KNUS’s “Kelley and Company” Ben Sasse (R-NE) John Hoeven (R-ND) “I oppose the deal with Iran because it will not make our nation safer and does not prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, the first and foremost requirement of any agreement.” —Aug. 23, 2015, in an op-ed Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) “The administration claims this deal makes the world a safer place, but I have grave doubts. As such, I will vote against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action when it comes before the Senate in September.” —Aug. 21, 2015, in a statement Pat Toomey (R-PA) “I will actively support and vote for the Resolution of Disapproval to strike down the agreement.” —Aug. 3, 2015, in an op-ed Roger Wicker (R-MS) “When you’re dealing with somebody, you consider the past conduct of who you’re negotiating with … the people in charge of Iran have shown no indication that they’re trustworthy.” —Aug. 18, 2015, according to the press Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) “Given Iran's track record, the deal fails to implement the tough and timely verification and inspections regime necessary to compel and confirm Tehran's compliance." —Aug. 5, 2015, after a Senate hearing Richard Burr (R-NC) “I will not support this agreement and…I will continue my efforts to ensure that we fully understand Iran’s capabilities and intentions.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement Bill Cassidy (R-LA) "Relaxing the sanctions gives Iran the resources and ability to buy (long-range) missiles or secure technology to build them.” —Aug. 12, 2015, in an interview Dan Coats (R-IN) “Congress should reject this bad deal.” —July 30, 2015, in a statement Steve Daines (R-MT) “It is a mistake to not push for better deal that can be supported by more than just one segment of one political party.” —Aug. 18, 2015, in an op-ed Joni Ernst (R-IA) "I see this as a pathway to nuclear armament, not getting rid of it.” —July 30, 2015, according to the press Deb Fischer (R-NE) “This isn’t a good deal…and the administration has the support of Congress to work for a better deal.” —Aug. 12, 2015, according to the press Chuck Grassley (R-IA) “If [Iran was] being hurt by sanctions, keep the sanctions on so you can get what you want. I’m not sure we had to give up anything.” —Aug. 21, 2015, according to the press Tim Scott (R-SC) Johnny Isakson (R-GA) “For the security of my country and my grandchildren, we should say ‘no’ to this Iran deal.” —Aug. 19, 2015, in a statement Ron Johnson (R-WI) “I just think this is a really bad deal.” —Aug. 26, 2015, according to the press James Lankford (R-OK) “There are aspects of the agreement that I think push us closer to war rather than further away from it.” —Aug. 15, 2015, according to the press Jerry Moran (R-KS) "I'm convinced more than ever the nuclear agreement negotiated by the Obama administration is damaging to our country's national security.” —July 30, 2015, according to the press Rob Portman (R-AR) “[The agreement] does not do what all of us want on a bipartisan basis.” —Aug. 6, 2015, according to the press Lamar Alexander (R-TN) “The agreement takes the pressure off Iran at a time when pressure is likely to succeed.” —Aug. 31, 2015, according to the press "The agreement concedes too much and secures too little." —July 28, 2015, in a statement John Barrasso (R-WY) "The president...should sit down with Congress and figure out a way to strike a better deal that actually meets the goals he set from the start." —Sept. 3, 2015, in an op-ed Joe Manchin (D-WV) "I cannot gamble our security, and that of our allies, on the hope that Iran will conduct themselves differently than it has for the last 36 years." —Sept. 8, 2015, in a statement Susan Collins (R-ME) "The agreement is fundamentally flawed because it leaves Iran as capable of building a nuclear weapon at the expiration of the agreement as it is today.” —Sept. 8, 2015, in a statement John Boozman (R-AR) “We shouldn’t be doing business with people that we don’t trust. (Iran) has lied and cheated in every deal they have been involved.” —Aug. 27, 2015, according to the press John Thune (R-SD) "A nuclear armed Iran is a threat to the United States, and an agreement that allows Iran to retain all the components necessary to build a nuclear bomb is not a good deal for America and should be rejected." —July 24, 2015, in an op-ed Jeff Sessions (R-AL) "I don't support this treaty and I don't think it's going to work." —Aug. 11, 2015, according to the press |
Undeclared
Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Thad Cochran (R-MS)
Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Mike Enzi (R-WY)
Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Dean Heller (R-NV)
Mike Lee (R-UT)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Mike Rounds (R-SD)
Richard Shelby (R-AL)
Where the House Stands on Iran Deal
The following is a rundown of U.S. Representatives from key committees on the deal.
Supporters of the Deal | Opponents of the Deal |
Leadership Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) "This is a diplomatic masterpiece." —Aug. 6, 2015, according to the press Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) —Sept. 9, 2015, in a statement Foreign Affairs Committee Brian Higgins (D-NY) "This agreement will do more than any plausible alternative to accomplish America’s objective of blocking Iran’s pathway to a bomb in a way that we can verify." —Sept. 3, 2015, in a statement “[The JCPOA] is the product of earnest diplomacy, and Congress should support it.” —Aug. 6, 2015, in a statement Robin Kelly (D-IL) "This agreement blocks a nuclear-armed Iran, achieving the goal of strengthening global security without conflict. It is important that we now come together as a nation in support of our shared goal of peace." —Sept. 3, 2015, in a statement Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) "I have decided to support this agreement because I believe it ends the otherwise unmonitored and unrestricted continuation of the Iranian nuclear program and it halts the surely destructive effects of a nuclear Iran in the Middle East." —Sept. 1, 2015, in a statement Jackie Speier (D-CA) Also a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence “After careful review, I have concluded that this agreement accomplishes the difficult objective we have been working towards for years: a verifiable way to halt Iran’s progress toward a nuclear weapon.” —Aug. 14, 2015, in a statement Joe Courtney (D-CT) “Like any agreement negotiated among several parties, the JCPOA is not perfect – but it is very strong and deserves support.” —Aug. 6, 2015, in a statement Seth Moulton (D-MA) “It is not a perfect deal, and it is easy to point out the many ways in which it could theoretically be stronger. That being said, it is by far the best viable option before us.” —Aug. 1, 2015, in a statement Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) “This deal is not perfect and it is not without risk…But it is the best option before us, and I will support it because it improves the safety of our country and that of our allies.” —July 31, 2015, in a statement Niki Tsongas (D-MA) “I do not believe Congress should reject this agreement, and I will oppose any effort in Congress to block its implementation.” —Aug. 12, 2015, in a statement Scott Peters (D-CA) "After weeks of careful study, it is clear to me the JCPOA is our best tool to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon for at least the next 15 years. I will vote to support the agreement." —Aug. 27, 2015, in an op-ed Rick Larsen (D-WA) "While the agreement is not perfect, it is a major step in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon." —Sept. 3, 2015, in a statement Pete Aguilar (D-CA) "I support the JCPOA because the national security of the United States, Israel, and the entire international community would be at risk should Iran ever obtain a nuclear weapon." —Sept. 2, 2015, in a statement John Garamendi (D-CA) “We are in a situation where we are a whole better off with this deal than without this deal and that is how we ought to move forward.” —July 27 ,2015, in a statement Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) “In the absence of a credible alternative, Congress should accept the deal and work with the Administration to strengthen its impact.” —Aug. 3, 2015, in a statement André Carson (D-ID)“For our national security and international stability, it is critical that we accept the agreement.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in a statement Jim Himes (D-CT) Also a member of the Financial Services Committee “After careful thought, I have decided to support the JCPOA.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in a statement Eric Swalwell (D-CA) “I have concluded this agreement is the best available opportunity for a nuclear-weapon-free Iran.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in an op-ed Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) “The nuclear agreement with Iran is good for America, crucial for Israel, and an important step toward a more peaceful Middle East.” —July 29, 2015, in an op-ed Patrick Murphy (D-FL) "The deal on my desk is flawed, but after searching my own soul and conscience, I have decided I will support this agreement as the best available option to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.” —Aug. 31, 2015, in a statementFinancial Services Committee Keith Ellison (D-MN) “I clearly prefer diplomacy over warfare, and if we don’t do this deal, I don’t see how we can avoid military conflict.” —July 22, 2015, in an interview Daniel Kildee (D-MI) “After careful review and consultation, I will support the nuclear agreement with Iran.” —July 30, 2015, in a statement Nydia Valazquez (D-NY) "I will support the agreement when it comes before the House for a vote.” —Aug. 31, 2015, in a statement Other Committees Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) Chair of the Democratic National Committee "After a thorough and careful review of the facts and deep, personal reflection and soul searching, I will vote to support moving the Iran agreement forward and to sustain the President's veto if necessary." —Sept. 6, 2015, in a statement Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) “It is far better...to make the agreement work, monitor and enforce, and build on this international partnership.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in a statement Lois Capps (D-CA) “I have decided to support the JCPOA because it is the best way forward to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and advance the national security interests of the United States and our allies.” —Aug. 11, 2015, in a statement Katherine Clark (D-MA) “After studying the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), I am convinced that it is our best opportunity to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and provide for the safety of the United States, Israel and the world.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in a statement Steve Cohen (D-TN) “Through my intense study of this agreement, I am convinced that it is the most effective way to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon.” —Aug. 19, 2015, in a statement Peter DeFazio (D-OR) “I have decided that the agreement is the best option that the global community has to ensure that Iran will not develop a nuclear weapon and I will lend it my full support when it comes to the House of Representatives for consideration.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) "I support the efforts of Secretary Kerry and Secretary Moniz to secure this agreement, which I believe meets the goal of our negotiations to deny a dangerous Iranian regime access to a nuclear weapon.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement Anna Eshoo (D-CA) “In the face of a legitimate threat of immense magnitude from a nuclear-capable Iran, I believe this agreement is the right path forward.” —Aug. 3, 2015, in a statement Sam Farr (D-CA) “After two decades in Congress, this is the first time I will be able to vote for peace, not just against war.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in a statement Sander Levin (D-MI) “I believe that Israel, the region, and the world are far more secure if Iran does not move toward possession of a nuclear weapon. I believe the Agreement is the best way to achieve that.” —July 30, 2015, in a statement Doris Matsui (D-CA) “I firmly believe that the consequences of walking away from this deal are greater than the risks of accepting it.” —Aug. 11, 2015, in a statement James McGovern (D-MA) “Above all else, this deal must be judged on its merits and whether it is the strongest available option to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. I firmly believe that it is.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement Donald Payne (D-NJ) “This nuclear agreement is a historic opportunity to permanently block a nuclear-armed Iran and bolster our national and global security. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this deal.” —Aug. 6, 2015, in a statement Mark Pocan (D-WI) “I firmly believe we now have the opportunity to verifiably prevent a nuclear Iran by supporting and implementing this deal.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement David Price (D-NC) “I am confident that this deal will verifiably prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and make the world a safer place.” —July 30, 2015, in a statement Mark Takano (D-CA) “I believe that our nation is safer with this deal than without it, and I will oppose any effort in Congress to block its enactment.” —Aug. 11, 2015, in a statement Mike Thompson (D-CA) “This deal is in the best interest of the United States and our allies, Israel included. I will support the deal when it comes before Congress for a vote.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement | Leadership House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) "Because a bad deal threatens the security of the American people, we're going to do everything possible to stop it.” —July 22, 2015, according to the press Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) Also a member of the Financial Services Committee “By granting sweeping sanctions relief, we have lessened our ability to challenge Iran’s conduct across the board. As Iran grows stronger, we will be weaker to respond.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in a press release Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY) “I’m grateful for the tireless efforts by President Obama, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz, Secretary Lew, and Undersecretary Sherman…Unfortunately, I cannot support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.” —Aug. 6, 2015, in a statement Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) Also a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence "That is a dangerous gamble for us to make with U.S. national security, and it is not a gamble I or any of us should be willing to take. And that is why we must reject this deal." —July 28, 2015, in a press release Mo Brooks (R-AL) Also a member of the Armed Services Committee “It makes no sense that America would enter into an agreement that helps arm Iran, the world’s foremost sponsor of terrorism, when, as Secretary Kerry confirms, Iran’s history suggests they are likely to use those weapons against us.” —July 28,2015, at a hearing Paul Cook (R-CA) “If this deal becomes law, we’ll face an even tougher struggle to prevent Iran’s nuclear capability, while Iran grows stronger economically and entrenches their disruptive influence on their neighbors." Brad Sherman (D-CA) Also a member of the Financial Services Committee “A strong Congressional vote against the Agreement is the best way to make it clear that the Agreement is not binding on Congress, the American people or future administrations.” —Aug. 7, 2015, in a statement Ted Deutch (D-FL) “Too many issues I have long raised as essential to any nuclear deal with Iran are not adequately addressed in this agreement. I will vote against it when Congress reconvenes in September.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in an op-ed Grace Meng (D-NY) “I strongly believe the world could and should have a better deal than that set forth in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which I will therefore oppose.” —July 29, 2015, in a statement Albio Sires (D-NJ) “I am opposed to the current proposed nuclear agreement with Iran, I do not feel the agreement will prevent them from acquiring a nuclear weapon.” —July 31, 2015, in a statement Ron DeSantis (R-FL) “We must forcefully reject this fatally flawed nuclear deal with Iran.” —July 30, 2015, in an op-ed Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) “I have been in all the hearings and seen all the classified documents and I see no reason why we should be pursuing this deal. I think it’s good for Iran and bad for America.” —Aug. 21 , 2015, according to the press Daniel Donovan (R-NY) "I don't see how anyone can support this disastrous agreement." —Aug. 20, 2015, according to the press Jeff Duncan (R-SC) “When the time comes to vote on the Iranian nuclear accord, I intend to vote against the deal, and strongly encourage my esteemed colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.” —July 26, 2015, in an op-ed Armed Services Committee Brad Ashford (D-NE) “If that’s what we get to vote on, I’m not going to vote for it the way it is." —Aug. 20, 2015, according to the press Bradley Byrne (R-AL) “I believe Congress can stand united and defeat this bad agreement.” Chris Gibson (R-NY) “I want to see us reject this agreement and go back to the negotiating table.” Joe Heck (R-NV) “I believe this deal is bad for America and our allies in the region, especially Israel.” Doug Lamborn (R-CO) "It is a horrible deal. Obama gave away the store and got very little in return. Iran is the world's largest supporter of state-sponsored terrorism and is getting a signing bonus of up to $150 billion, without any requirement they change their behavior in any way." Martha McSally (R-AZ) “The final agreement includes provisions dangerous to Americans and our allies. It should be rejected, and the administration should be directed back to the negotiating table.” Richard Nugent (R-FL) "I cannot look the people I represent in the eye and say this deal makes us safer. I can’t tell them that the world will be more secure.” Steve Russell (R-OK) "We have to scuttle it. It's terrible for our national security. It's terrible for international security." Bill Shuster (R-PA) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Peter King (R-NY) Also a member of the Financial Services Committee "It is definitely my intention to vote no on this deal with Iran." —July 22, 2015, according to the press Mike Pompeo (R-KS) “This agreement is the worst of backroom deals." —July 21, 2015, in a press releaseFinancial Services Committee Luke Messer (R-IN) “I’ll be voting against the Iran deal because it doesn’t make America safer and it doesn’t make the rest of the world safer." Scott Garrett (R-NJ) “Among its many flaws, President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran requests that the United States and the other negotiating nations help develop, modernize and protect Iran’s nuclear program. This is unacceptable.” —July 29, 2015, in a press release Patrick McHenry (R-NC) “It is the wrong thing for security and stability in the Middle East. Doing nothing is better than doing this something.” —Aug. 29, 2015, in a press release Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) “It is not a good deal for the US, it is a really good deal for Iran.” —Aug. 25, 2015, in a statement Steve Pearce (R-NM) "I don't understand the basis for the agreement, I can't see how we got anything out of it.” —Aug. 3, 2015, according to the press Dennis Ross (R-FL) “I will vote against this dangerous deal, and I call on my colleagues to do the same." —Aug. 7, 2015, in an op-ed Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) “I firmly disagree with President Obama’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action." —Aug. 28, 2015, in a press release Other Committees Ralph Abramson (R-LA) “As details about the Iranian nuclear deal emerge, it is clear to me that Congress must prevent the deal from becoming policy.” —July 30, 2015, in a press release Brian Babin (R-TX) "I’ll be leading the charge to expose and defeat this terrible deal to protect the safety and security of the American people.” —July 21, 2015, in an opinion piece Lou Barletta (R-PA) “I cannot support the nuclear agreement with Iran, which I fear was rushed into existence with visions of Nobel Peace Prizes dancing in the heads of our negotiators. I plan to vote against it on the floor of the House.” —July 29, 2015, in a press release Alcee Hastings (D-FL) “After careful review, I have decided that I cannot support this deal.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in a statement Nita Lowey (D-NY) “I remain hopeful that the Administration and Congress, in concert with our P5+1 and regional allies, can prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. However, I cannot support this agreement before Congress.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in a statement Kathleen Rice (D-NY) “I hope that history will ultimately prove President Obama right in his gamble on diplomacy and social progress in Iran. But for me, it is a risk I cannot support.” —Aug. 3, 2015, in an op-ed |
Photo credit: Capitol Dome via Wikimedia Commons
