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Rep. Robert Hurt Votes Against Iran Nuclear Agreement

Friday, September 11, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting against the nuclear agreement the Obama Administration and the nations of China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom reached with Iran:

"After closely reviewing the Iran Nuclear Agreement and attending classified briefings last month with Secretary Kerry and other Administration officials on the subject, my concerns about the Iran Nuclear Agreement were only solidified.  Iranian leaders clearly remain focused on expanding their nuclear capabilities and are only willing to do the bare minimum to reduce the stringent international economic sanctions that have crippled their economy.  Given its nuclear ambitions and history, I believe this is a dangerous deal for our nation, our allies, and the world.  This nuclear agreement allows the Iranian regime to maintain much of its current nuclear infrastructure; to continue to advance its nuclear ambitions; and to facilitate its ability to promote terror throughout the world.  All of this without the adequate oversight we have worked so hard to implement for decades now.  Making a deal just for the sake of doing so is not worth putting the safety and security of our allies and our own country at risk. 

"I am disappointed that the Senate voted to filibuster debate on this historically significant issue.  This deal has implications on both our national security and the stability of our world, and the American people and their representatives in both houses of Congress should have the opportunity to meaningfully participate in this vital debate."

·         Congressman Hurt voted in favor of H.R. 3460, which would suspend the President's authority to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran until January 21, 2017.

·         Congressman Hurt voted in favor of H. Res. 411, finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015.

·         Congressman Hurt voted against H.R. 3461, which would approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran.

 

Rep. Robert Hurt Statement in Remembrance of 9-11

Friday, September 11, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement in remembrance of the fourteenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

 

"On September 11th, 2001, our country was struck by an unspeakable act of terror.  Each day, and especially on this day, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost 14 years ago in the terrorists attacks in New York City, in a peaceful field in Pennsylvania, and right here in our beloved Virginia at the Pentagon. 

 

"We mourn for all of the lives lost on that horrific day in 2001.  We also honor the tremendous sacrifice we witnessed in response to the terrible acts of terror which took place.  Let us take time today to thank our first responders who put others before themselves on a daily basis and all of the brave men and women in our military and intelligence communities.  Their great sacrifices are the reason we continue to live in peace and in freedom, and we are forever grateful for their service.

 

"As we remember this day 14 years ago, and as we honor those we lost, I hope that Americans across the country will join together in shared commitment to preserving and protecting our freedoms, ideals, and our American way of life."

 

Robert's Round-Up: Fighting Against the Iran Nuclear Agreement

Congressman Robert Hurt

September 8, 2015

Fighting Against the Iran Nuclear Agreement

For many weeks now, the House and the Senate have been carefully reviewing the nuclear agreement the Obama Administration and the nations of China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom reached with Iran in July. On our Main Street Tour, I heard from many Fifth District Virginians who are sincerely concerned about this agreement, and I share these concerns.

Iran has never given the impression that they would act in good faith and follow the terms of any deal that did not essentially give them complete control over their own nuclear program. Iranian leaders clearly remain focused on expanding their nuclear capabilities and are only willing to do the bare minimum to reduce the stringent international economic sanctions that have crippled their economy. While many of us share the desire to prevent a nuclear Iran, Iran does not have the same interest, and making a deal just for the sake of doing so is not worth putting the safety and security of our allies and our own country at risk. No deal is better than a dangerous deal.

After closely reviewing the Iran Nuclear Agreement and attending classified briefings with Secretary Kerry and other Administration officials on the subject last month, my concerns about the Iran Nuclear Agreement have only escalated. I am further concerned by the Administration's recent admission of these so-called "side deals" involving Iran, of which Congress has no oversight.

Initially, the Obama Administration advocated for "anywhere, anytime" inspections, but it has since abandoned that position and is prepared to permit Iran to conduct its own inspections of many of its facilities. Reports indicate that international inspectors will take up to 24 days to begin investigating suspicious sites. Just last week, Secretary of State John Kerry said that he was "satisfied" with the inspection process. However, members of Congress are not permitted to know the details of the inspection process, as that is left up to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Given Iran's nuclear ambitions and history, I certainly do not share the same confidence evident within the Obama Administration – rather, I believe this is a dangerous deal for our nation, our allies, and the world. This nuclear agreement allows the Iranian regime to maintain much of its current nuclear infrastructure; to continue to advance its nuclear ambitions; and to facilitate its ability to promote terror across the world. All of this without the adequate oversight we have worked so hard to implement for decades now.

Because of the grave consequences of this nuclear agreement, I have joined as a cosponsor of Congressman Roskam's Disapproval Resolution. This week, the House will vote on this critical national security issue, pursuant to the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. Though reports indicate there may not be support in the Senate to override a veto, we must have a full and open debate, and it is my hope that all members of Congress will keep an open mind as new facts, like the existence of "side deals" emerge.

I remain committed to working with my colleagues to enhance the necessary sanctions against the Iranian regime and to do everything within our power to prevent Iran from building or acquiring a nuclear bomb.

If you need any additional information or if we may be of assistance to you, please visit my website at hurt.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-4711, Charlottesville office: (434) 973-9631, Danville office: (434) 791-2596, or Farmville office: (434) 395-0120.