Rep. Kelly Statement on First Anniversary of President Obama's Iran Nuclear Deal

Press Release

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today on the first anniversary of the finalization of the Obama administration's agreement between Iran and the P5+1 nations regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

"There is nothing to celebrate on the first anniversary of President Obama's legacy-first deal with Iran -- unless you're Iran. Instead, there is every reason to remain concerned and outraged. This deal was historically dangerous then, and is historically dangerous now. Despite all of this administration's spin, Iran remains the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and is still committed to the spread of anti-American radicalism and the annihilation of Israel. Despite receiving billions of American dollars in sanctions relief, this rogue nation spent the past year violating international law and going out of its way to humiliate our country. From its illegal ballistic missile tests to forcing captured Americans on their knees before video camera, it is painfully clear that Iran is still unworthy of the free world's trust or respect. Just as it was President Obama's desperation and weakness that brought us to this point, only a new president unafraid to stand down our enemies can undo this deal and reassert America's position of strength."

NOTE: Rep. Kelly voted today for the Iran Accountability Act (H.R. 5631), which was passed by the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 246-179. The legislation will block the Obama administration from granting further concessions to the Iranian government and hold the Islamic Republic accountable for its illicit behavior.

BACKGROUND: Last year Rep. Kelly publicly expressed vocal opposition to the Iran nuclear deal on several occasions. In September, he supported H. Res. 411, a resolution finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, and H.R. 3460, a bill which would have suspended until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President 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.

Rep. Kelly is an original co-sponsor of the No Ex-Im Financing for Iran Act (H.R. 5608), which will prohibit taxpayer money from being used by the Export-Import Bank to directly or indirectly support Iran or any company it owns.

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