Kingston Blasts Iran Nuclear Deal, Pushes Stronger Sanctions

Statement

Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) today blasted the Obama Administration's announced nuclear deal with Iran and backed stronger sanctions against the regime.

Kingston, a member of the State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, urged the Senate to take up House-passed legislation that would target increased sanctions on the country's energy and financial sectors.

The Nuclear Iran Prevention Act, of which Kingston is a leading cosponsor, passed the House in July with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Senate has failed to take up the legislation.

"Sanctions brought Iran to the table,' said Kingston. "Loosening them now serves only to give Iran breathing room - and a $7 billion economic infusion -- so it can continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons. That the United States would side with Iran over Israel on this matter is unfathomable."

The outcry against the agreement, which the Obama Administration announced late Saturday night, has been bipartisan. Leading Democrats like Chuck Schumer have joined with conservatives like Kingston in rallying against the proposal.

Tantamount among their concerns is the prospect that the deal could be interpreted to guarantee Iran's right to a uranium enrichment program. The deal also fails to require Iran to reverse progress it has made toward nuclear weapons.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the deal a "historic mistake" that makes the world "a more dangerous place."

"This is not the first time President Obama turned his back on Israel," Kingston said. "Let's hope Israel does not turn its back to Iran."

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