Reid Statement On The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (Iran Agreement)

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“I strongly support this historic agreement and will do everything in my power to ensure that it stands.”
http://www.reid.senate.gov/press_releases/2015-08-23-reid-statement-on-the-joint-comprehensive-plan-of-action

Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action:

“One of the most important national security challenges of our generation is stopping Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, a goal that is critical to the national security of the United States, the State of Israel and the world. After years of study and months of careful review of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and its predecessor agreement, I support this agreement because I believe it is the best path to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“This nuclear agreement is consistent with the greatest traditions of American leadership. I will do everything in my power to support this agreement and ensure that America holds up our end of the commitment we have made to our allies and the world to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. I will vote no on the resolution of disapproval and urge my colleagues to do the same.

“Ensuring Israel’s security is of the utmost importance to me. I support this deal because I believe it is the best option to halt any Iranian nuclear weapons program and therefore to protect the State of Israel. Over my four decades in Congress, my support for the safety and security of the Israeli people has been at the core of my views on the Middle East. From the Bonds for Israel dinners I attended 50 years ago to the history of my wife’s family, my relationship with the State of Israel and the Jewish people has always been personal.

“A nuclear-armed Iran would pose the gravest imaginable threat to Israel. If America walks away from this agreement and loses the support of our allies in the sanctions regime, Iran could have enough fissile material to make a nuclear bomb in a matter of months. Iranian leaders have regularly stated that they intend to wipe Israel off the map and I believe those threats should be taken with the utmost seriousness. This agreement is the best way to prevent Iran’s leaders from obtaining the nuclear weapons that would empower them to follow through on their threats to Israel.

“I have come to this decision through a rigorous process of study and review.

“Congressional review began over two years ago with regular briefings, hearings and countless phone calls, meetings and hours spent in thoughtful consideration. I am proud of Democrats and some Republicans who, regardless of whether they support the agreement, have taken the time to analyze the details, consider the facts and listen to the experts.

“I have carefully studied the agreement and been briefed by dozens of experts from across the spectrum. I have met with the most ardent supporters and most passionate opponents of this agreement. I have met with Nevadans of all walks of life who have shared their personal stories and fears about Iran’s intentions. I have met with the Israeli Ambassador to the United States and have spoken on a number of occasions with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I have also had the opportunity to be briefed extensively by the remarkable team who led our negotiations: Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz, Secretary Lew, Under Secretary Sherman, as well as members of our intelligence community and our military leaders. During my entire career in public life, I have never been involved with a debate where there was more expertise, passion and good faith on both sides.

“Throughout all of these deliberations, critics of the agreement failed to articulate a viable alternative. I see that as one more piece of evidence suggesting that this agreement is the best path forward.

“It is fantasy to say that if Congress rejects the agreement, the Administration can simply go back and get a better agreement. That is not a real option and we should not pretend that it is. First, this is a good agreement on the merits, imposing the toughest inspections and verification regime in history, and a diplomatic solution is certainly less costly in American blood and treasure than any possible military option. Second, if the Senate rejects this agreement, the international community will not support an attempt to secure another and they will not support the sanctions regime. Those are hard facts. Whether we like it or not, the current sanctions regime depends on other countries.

“I have not heard any thoughtful individual argue that this deal is perfect. I don’t trust Iran, but this agreement is not based on trust – it is based on strict enforcement and rigorous verification monitoring and inspections. For that reason, strong Congressional oversight of the agreement and ensuring that the verification and monitoring provisions are fully implemented will be critically important. Congress wrote the sanctions that brought Iran to the table and Iran needs to know that Congress will be vigilant as this agreement is implemented. And President Obama has rightly stated that military options remain on the table.

“In the coming weeks, I will have more to say on this agreement and will continue to talk with experts and my colleagues in Congress about how we can take steps to prevent Iran from using the funds accrued from sanctions relief to fund terrorist groups like Hezbollah, who continue to support the tyrannical Assad regime and threaten Israel, and how to get all Americans held or disappeared by the Iranians back home to their families.

“At the end of the day, there is no doubt in my mind that the threat of Iran gaining a nuclear weapon – the one outcome we all agree is unacceptable – is far more likely if Congress rejects this agreement.

“I believe a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable and the security of Israel is of the utmost importance to me. I have been working for weeks with Democratic senators to make sure that the United States provides all of the resources necessary to ensure the safety and security of Israel, maintaining and strengthening the unique and special bond between the people of Israel and the United States.

“I strongly support this historic agreement and will do everything in my power to ensure that it stands.”