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.