Vote Explanation for H.R. 1191

05/14/2015

Today I voted in favor of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (H.R. 1191) because I believe Congress has a role to play in reviewing any final agreement that would prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

The legislation does three important things:

• First, it would require the Obama administration to provide Congress with a copy of the full text of the agreement for review. This will allow Congress to ensure that the national security interests of the United States and our allies are addressed through this agreement;
• Second, it would limit the ability of the President to lift sanctions on Iran until the administration provides Congress information verifying Iran’s compliance with the agreement; and
• Thirdly, it provides Congress the ability to reinstate sanctions at any time if it is determined that Iran is not upholding the terms of the agreement.

This legislation will add transparency and greater congressional oversight to any comprehensive deal the President makes with Iran over its nuclear program. It was negotiated between Senate Republicans and Democrats and arrives at a strong, reasonable compromise.

H.R. 1191 passed the House by a 400 to 25 vote and also overwhelmingly passed the Senate last week by a 98 to 1 vote. The President has also indicated support for the legislation