The Durango Herald - Lawmakers Laud Netanyahu's address

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By Michael Cipriano

U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., as well as U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, lauded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his address to Congress on Tuesday, during which he warned lawmakers against a nuclear deal between Iran and the United States.

"(Netanyahu's) clear-headed analysis of Iran as the world's leading sponsor of terror dedicated to the destruction of Israel and America provides crucial context for ongoing negotiations," Gardner said in a statement. "The United States must make the safety and security of our ally Israel a top priority of our foreign policy. We cannot allow the tentacles of terror the appearance of an opportunity to do harm to America and its allies."

Tipton concurred, arguing a nuclear Iran would "further destabilize the Middle East and pose a grave threat to our allies and U.S. interests."

"I share Prime Minister Netanyahu's conviction that the bond between the United States and Israel is more than strategic; it is one of family," Tipton said in a statement. "Along with our countries' many common values, we share the critical goal of bringing about peace in an unstable region -- a peace that would be made all but impossible with a nuclear Iran."

Tipton also slammed senior officials from the Obama administration and the more than 50 Democratic members of Congress who boycotted the address, who he said were playing politics.

"I believe this sends a reckless message to the international community that the United States is not approaching ongoing talks with Iran on that nation's nuclear program from a position of strength, but from one of compromise -- which we cannot do," Tipton said.

Adam Bozzi, a spokesman for Bennet, told The Durango Herald that it is "unacceptable" to the United States and its allies in the region for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, and that any deal must prevent this from happening.

"The United States and Israel have a unique and unbreakable bond, built upon our shared traditions and dedication to democracy, human rights and rule of law," Bozzi said. "Our support for Israel has always been bipartisan and remains one of the few areas in Washington where both parties can agree. It is unacceptable to the American people and to our allies in the region for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon."

Netanyahu tried to cool off the partisan atmosphere in his speech.

"I deeply regret that some perceive my being here as political," Netanyahu said. "That was never my intention. I want to thank you, Democrats and Republicans, for your common support for Israel, year after year, decade after decade."

Several Democrats skipped the speech because they were angered that House Speaker John Boehner invited Netanyahu to address Congress without consulting the White House.

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