Iran Nuclear Deal

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, President Obama announced that the final framework for a nuclear deal with Iran had been reached.

While I am supportive of a strong deal that would prevent the nuclear armament of Iran and thereby easing tensions with our ally Israel, no deal is better than a bad deal.

One provision of particular concern has been the relief of congressional sanctions that were implemented years ago. By authorizing sanction relief, the Iranian Government will have billions of dollars at their disposal to use for the same secretive activities that we have grown accustomed to seeing them support.

As such, hundreds of Members on both sides of the aisle have expressed their opposition to a deal that does not appropriately address the shortfall of transparency or cooperation that Iran has demonstrated repeatedly. Merely threatening them with snapback sanctions does not go far enough to institute a level of accountability, nor does it prove to be a viable option once sanction relief has been in motion.

Mr. Speaker, as I have stated, I have joined with a significant majority of both Democrats and Republicans communicating expectations to the President on behalf of the American people for any negotiated deal with Iran. I am very concerned these expectations have not been met in this announced proposed deal.

The deal should never provide Iran a pathway to a bomb. This deal does not prevent that but, rather, prolongs the time until Iran develops nuclear weapons.

To achieve security and peace, this agreement must be long-lasting. Any deal that allows Iran to access conventional weapons in 5 years and ballistic missiles in 8 years is anything but long-term, anything but peaceful, anything but appropriate.

Relief of sanctions should be earned by full compliance, access, and transparency regarding the Iranian nuclear program. Sanction relief loaded up-front is unacceptable. This deal fails that requirement. Sanction relief will only provide a financial stimulus to fund the world's number one exporter of terrorism--Iran.

During this 60-day congressional review period, I encourage all of my colleagues and the American people to take a very detailed look at this agreement and determine whether it is a good deal for America.

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