Congressman DeSaulnier issues statement in support of the Iran Nuclear Proposal

Washington, DC – Congressman DeSaulnier issued the following statement today in support of the Iran Nuclear Proposal, also known as the Iran Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA):

As a freshman Member of Congress, I looked for every opportunity to study the proposed deal. I have fully reviewed the accord including the classified sections. I was personally briefed by President Obama and members of the National Security Council and have heard presentations from Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, an expert on nuclear matters. I have also received letters and testimony from experts including a letter sent by five Nobel laureates and veteran makers of nuclear arms and former White House science advisers who describe the deal as being far better than we could have imagined.

On the opposing side, I traveled to Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Israeli leaders, scholars, and negotiators. I saw firsthand the conflict that has been ruminating in the Middle East for thousands of years, and I continue to staunchly support the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Most importantly, I listened to residents of our district. Through a series of five town halls as well as mobile district office hours, phone calls, emails, and in-office meetings this summer, I heard the opinions of our community.

At the heart of my decision is supporting a deal that best preserves long-term peace in the Middle East and creates security and stability for the United States. I believe this accord is our best option for achieving this goal.

First, this proposal stands on its merits and is our best chance to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon; it increases the time it would take for Iran to build a nuclear weapon from 2-to-3 months to a year.

Next, this historic accord is unanimously supported by the UN Security Council and has the backing of international organizations and countries across the political spectrum. Its enforcement will be strengthened by this unified front. If the United States walks away, the accord will either fall through or its enforcement will be significantly weakened.

No one believes this proposal is perfect, but going it alone has not stopped Iran on their path toward a nuclear weapon. United Nations sanctions have fallen short. It is time we put diplomacy into action.”

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, represents California’s 11th District in the U.S. Congress, which includes part of Antioch. He can be contacted at his district office at (925) 933-2660, his Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2095 or via email through his website at https://desaulnier.house.gov/contact.


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