Murkowski Skeptical of Iranian Nuclear Agreement
Senator: Signing This Agreement Does Not Make Iran a Good Global Citizen
Senator Lisa Murkowski today shared her thoughts on the result of international negotiations with Iran that will limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief:
“Today's Iran nuclear agreement by the administration demands a close look and full scrutiny.
“The burden of proof is ultimately with the Obama administration to persuade Alaskans and the nation that this is not a dangerous diplomatic blunder. Originally, the President claimed that his goal was to ‘dismantle’ Iran’s nuclear aspirations, and today’s deal leaves us far short of that destination. His arrogance today in vowing to veto any legislation if Congress disagrees demonstrates a stunning lack of trust in democracy, the American people and their elected representatives.
“If today’s agreement is ‘historic’ as some are claiming, it’s still very much unknown if the history being made is positive or negative. The Iranian government has not historically been a good global citizen, and signing this agreement does not reverse history and make them one. Today, they hold three Americans in prison without cause. In violation of international law, the Iranian government has been engaged in a course of nuclear extortion. And though they oppose ISIL, Iran also serves as a destabilizing force across the Middle East and a threat to Israel's existence.
“The President signed the bipartisan law I co-sponsored giving Congress a two month window to examine the agreement. Over the next 60 days Congress will have a chance to fully examine whether this agreement is responsible and protects the American people.
“At this juncture, I am skeptical.”
Background: Senator Lisa Murkowski has been tracking ongoing negotiations between the Obama Administration and Iran, demanding in April that Congress be consulted in the process – backing a bipartisan bill requiring Congressional input on the bill.
