Engel, Lowey, Israel Statement on The State of The Iran Nuclear Agreement Debate

Statement

Representatives Eliot L. Engel, Nita Lowey, and Steve Israel today issued the following statement regarding the tenor of the debate surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action:

"The nuclear agreement with Iran warrants a serious debate. We welcome the opportunity to engage with our constituents and nuclear experts who have sincerely sought to provide Congress with opinions and information about both the merits and shortcomings of the deal.

"We remain concerned that individuals on both sides of the debate have resorted to ad hominem attacks and threats against those who don't share their opinions. This is unacceptable. It is especially egregious to attribute malicious intent to decision makers who are thoughtfully debating the details and effects of the agreement. No matter where you stand on the Iran deal, comparisons to the Holocaust, the darkest chapter in human history, questioning the credentials of long-standing advocates for Israel, and accusations of dual loyalty are inappropriate.

"We call upon those concerned about the consequences of the upcoming vote to refrain from attacks and focus on the substance of the agreement. Vitriolic rhetoric and threats distract from the thoughtful debate this important issue deserves and, in some cases, unacceptably perpetuate hate."

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