Congressional reaction to Thursday’s announcement of framework for a final agreement between Iran, the Obama administration, and five world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program was swift and varied. Here are some examples:
"My longtime concerns about the parameters of this potential agreement remain, but my immediate concern in the administration signaling it will provide near-term sanctions relief. Congress must be allowed to fully review the details of any agreement before sanctions are lifted." – House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.
"After being briefed and reviewing the parameters, I believe the negotiators have made substantial progress and that this is a sufficient framework to produce a final agreement by the end of June." – Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.
"It is important that we wait to see the specific details of today’s announcement, and as the P5-plus-one works toward any final deal, we must remain clear-eyed regarding Iran’s continued resistance to concessions, long history of covert nuclear weapons-related activities, support of terrorism, and its current role in destabilizing the region." – Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"We have no illusions about the record and conduct of the Iranian regime. That is why this framework to roll back Iran’s nuclear program is founded not on trust, but on vigilance and enforcement. Critically, this framework significantly restricts Iran’s enrichment capability and enables us to intensify our vigilance where it is needed most and that is inside Iran’s facilities." – House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
"There is no nuclear deal or framework with Iran; there is only a list of dangerous U.S. concessions that will put Iran on the path to nuclear weapons... These concessions also do nothing to stop or challenge Iran’s outlaw behavior. Iran remains the world’s worst state sponsor of terrorism. Iranian aggression is destabilizing the Middle East. And Iran continues to hold multiple Americans hostage." - Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., member Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"If diplomats can negotiate for two-years on this issue, then certainly Congress is entitled to a review period of an agreement that will fundamentally alter our relationship with Iran and the sanctions imposed by Congress. The best outcome remains a good deal that ends Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program. That requires a strong, united, and bipartisan approach from the Administration and Congress." – Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., former ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"Inexplicably, the Obama Administration is betting the security of the entire region and, ultimately, of American interests around the world on the misguided belief that the radical Iranian regime's newfound conscience will magically lead us into a newfound era of peace and prosperity, despite Iran's history of groups ranging from Hezbollah in Lebanon to Houthi militants in Yemen, in addition to its regular threats to destroy Israel and the West." – Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"Now is the time for thoughtful consideration, not rash action that could undermine the prospects for success. We have much to learn about what was negotiated and what will take place between now and the end of June. In the coming days and weeks, we should all take a deep breath, examine the details and give this critically important process time to play out." – Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
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