Cole Opposes Iran Nuclear Deal

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation this week to oppose and request further information on the nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama Administration and P5+1 with Iran.

Legislation related to the agreement included H. Res 411, H.R. 3461 and H.R. 3460. These measures held that the president has not submitted the complete agreement to Congress for its consideration and that he does not have the authority to lift sanctions on Iran without congressional approval. There was also a vote on approval of the deal, which was defeated 162-269.

“Like most Americans, I am strongly opposed to the nuclear deal with Iran that was negotiated and endorsed by President Obama and sent to Congress for review,” said Cole. “I am encouraged that House Republicans and principled Democrats voted against approval of the deal and to pass other measures requiring the president to provide information regarding every aspect of the deal negotiated with Iran.

“If this deal is implemented, it will almost certainly lead to a nuclear-capable Iran in the near future. While the president insists on trusting this dangerous state sponsor of terrorism, he is recklessly jeopardizing the safety and security of America and our allies.

“While the House followed appropriate steps in response to the Iranian nuclear deal, I am disappointed that the Senate didn’t allow a vote on it at all. Certainly, an agreement of this magnitude with such dire consequences to our national security deserves a vote in both chambers. I hope that next week Senate Democrats and the White House will allow such a vote to take place. In a matter of this importance, the American people deserve to know where all their elected officials stand,” Cole declared.

“Nevertheless, it is clear that the president has chosen to disregard the opinion of a bipartisan majority of the House and the Senate, as well as the overwhelming majority of the American people, and press ahead with the ill-considered and deeply flawed agreement with Iran. The president and his allies in Congress now bear sole responsibility for the adverse consequences that the agreement will have for the United States, for our friends and our allies in the region and for those threatened by Iranian-sponsored terrorism around the world,” concluded Cole.

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Contact:Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165