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(PREPARED BY THE ISRAEL ALLIES CAUCUS)
Rep. Eliot Engel: “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech showed that there remain serious and urgent concerns about the nuclear negotiations with Iran. These are not new—and many of them are shared by Republicans and Democrats, including officials in the Obama Administration. Together, we must work to curb Iran’s nuclear program and prevent them from accessing any pathway to a bomb. I expect that Democrats and Republicans will move forward together in the interest of our national security and strengthening the US-Israel relationship.”
Rep. Trent Franks: “The threat Iran poses is not directed at Israel alone. We are all in Iran’s crosshairs, and let us not forget that the regime in Tehran considers the United States its prime enemy, the “Great Satan.””
Rep. Doug Lamborn: “By attending Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address, the majority of my colleagues in Congress demonstrated the true and unshakable bond between the U.S. and Israel. President Obama prefers to keep Congress and the American people in the dark about the details of the emerging nuclear deal with Iran. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear how dangerous the direction of these negotiations really is. With two deadline extensions behind us, with the Administration’s acquiescence to enrichment, and with a potential sunset clause of no more than 10-15 years in the agreement, we now know once and for all, this is a bad deal. Congress must assert its role and responsibility as a co-equal branch in the safety of America and Israel. The deal to strive for is the one that is best for the safety and security of America and our allies, not the one that is best for Iran.”
Rep. Brad Sherman: “Every speech contains passages which remind the audience of facts they already know, and conclusions with which they already agree. That’s not condescension; that’s oratory. The Prime Minister’s speech did contain some new insight that Congress should carefully consider.”
Rep. Ed Royce: “This morning, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu powerfully described in unmistakable terms the threat that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose to Israel, the region, and the world. Afterwards, I thanked him for presenting the Iranian threat in such clear and concise terms – for all to understand. Every Member on the House floor felt the Prime Minister’s passion and resolve to confront this challenge. For President Obama and his team, Iran is a problem to manage…”
Congressional Definition of a Good Deal
Rep. Peter Roskam: “I wholeheartedly agree with the Prime Minister that any final agreement that leaves Iran a threshold nuclear power is a bad deal. A strong U.S.-Israel relationship is a strategic necessity to ensure the security and safety of both nations, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in redoubling our commitment to this critical partnership.”
Rep. Leonard Lance: “Congress is united with Prime Minister Netanyahu in supporting an agreement with Iran that prevents it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. A good agreement would include tangible Iranian concessions. Steps to dismantle its nuclear infrastructure, a commitment to a robust inspections regime and a cease to its dubious terror-related activities must make-up the ground floor of any deal. Anything short of this is a bad deal. We oppose any deal that needlessly surrenders valuable leverage in the name of taking Iran’s word. Sanctions brought Iran to the table and sanctions will keep them there. There is simply not the trust that state-sponsors of terror will suddenly and uncharacteristically prove honest.”
Rep. Carlos Curbelo: “In just a few short weeks, the Obama Administration and Iran face a deadline to reach an agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Unfortunately, media reports say that these talks are no longer about the original objective of preventing a nuclear Iran, but instead, these talks are now focused on limiting it. The only acceptable outcome is for the regime to completely abandon its nuclear ambitions… The goal must be to prevent Iran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress is an important message at an important time.”
Rep. Randy Weber: “He is equally correct in saying that the current nuclear deal with Iran does not block their path to a nuclear bomb. It paves the path to a bomb through worldwide legitimacy. In a dark and barbaric Middle East, the United States needs to stand firm, and be a beacon of hope to our friends in Israel.”
Calls for Congress to Reject Bad Iran Deal
Rep. Gus Bilirakis: “After the recent pitfalls, I am skeptical of an agreement negotiated by the Obama Administration. Given the President’s disastrous foreign policy initiatives, I do not believe there is sufficient reason for the American people and our allies to believe these negotiations with Iran will be any different. Senator Menendez, leading Democrat on the Senate Relations Committee, said the President’s remarks about Iran seemed to be coming ‘straight out of Tehran.’ A nuclear Iran is bad for the United States, plain and simple.”
Rep. Lynn Jenkins: “I stand with Israel and the American people stand with Israel. Support for Israel has never been, nor should it ever be, a partisan issue. Standing with the only true democracy in the Middle East is a straight forward decision, and while the Obama Administration is out-of-step with most of Congress, I’m pleased a majority of my colleagues put America’s interests above political squabbling.”
Rep. David McKinley: “This was an important speech for America to hear and I look forward to Democrats and Republicans acting on our shared commitment to Israel’s security and peace in the Middle East. Congress must stand by our allies and pass legislation to strengthen America’s negotiating position.”
Rep. Ted Yoho: “I whole heartily support Prime Minister Netanyahu addressing a joint session of congress today. He is a strong ally in the fight against violent extremism and the only one facing down the very real threat of a nuclear Iran. As the only stable democracy in the Middle East, surrounded by people that would like to see it destroyed, it is important we support the State of Israel now and in the future.”
Calls for Congress to Have Oversight on Iran Deal
Rep. Steve Chabot: “Israel is our closest ally in Middle East, and deserves our support. Despite the progress that has been made toward ensuring Israel’s continued security, challenges still exist. As Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear today, radical Islamic jihadists and a nuclear Iran pose a significant threat to Israel’s survival. Make no mistake, stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons is a necessity of survival for Israel, and an issue of serious importance for our own national security… Congress plays a critical role in exercising oversight of U.S. foreign policy, and on that end, it must be involved in examining the nuclear deal with Iran. Today, Prime Minister Netanyahu helped us do just that.”
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart: “As [Netanyahu] said this morning, the deal being negotiated ‘does not block Iran’s path to the bomb; it paves Iran’s path to the bomb.’ Both the deal and a nuclear Iran are significant threats to Israel and the United States, and we must work to protect Israel, our allies, and the United States. I hope that Members on both sides of the aisle will look past the politics and work to ensure that this Administration doesn’t cave and agree to a weak deal.”
Rep. Paul Gosar : “I strongly share in his urgency and belief that the world cannot allow for a nuclear Iran, that the U.S. must enact strict sanctions to hold the corrupt Iranian regime accountable and that Congress must have the final say on any negotiations that are made with Iran”
Impact of Nuclear Iran
Rep. Doug Collins: “P.M. Netanyahu delivered a powerful warning to the American people about a potential nuclear deal with our committed enemy, the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has attacked U.S citizens and soldiers many times. We must not give its radical leaders, making belligerent statements even now, during the Administration’s nuclear negotiations, any flexibility to develop more weapons, which the President’s deal would allow.”
Rep. Dennis Ross: “Iran is the lead sponsor of radical Islamic terrorism throughout the world. Iran openly declares its intention to destroy the State of Israel, and to kill Americans. A nuclear armed Iran is a threat to America, Israel and the entire world. President Obama must stop making concessions during the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. Iran has the largest and most diverse missile arsenal in the Middle East and is in the process of developing a longer range missile capable of reaching our homeland. I stand with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and I urge our president to do the same.”
Rep. Lee Zeldin: “Nuclear weapons in the hands of our enemies would have serious consequences on our security, and our allies’ security, resulting in increased threats, heightened confrontations and turmoil across the globe. We must do everything possible to stop Iran from ever having nuclear capabilities. Iran has brought instability to the Middle East and does not act in good faith.”
Impact of Iranian Extremism & Skepticism Regarding Rouhani ‘Moderation’
Rep. Chris Smith: “We have to be realistic about Iranian President Rouhani because many in the media – and some in the administration – have been reluctant to do that. Rouhani has a long history of murderous anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism. The corpses are all over the globe… For 16 years, Rouhani ran Iran’s nuclear program. He has boasted openly of his success in using negotiations as a tool to buy time to advance his program.”
Emphasis on US-Israel Relationship
Rep. Ted Poe: “The Administration should remember that Israel’s enemies are our enemies too. We should not turn our back on them and negotiate with Iran (a state sponsor of terror). America needs to be clear and steadfast in its efforts to combat a nuclear Iran. As we have learned from the past, playing hardball with Iran and increasing sanctions works. Now is not the time to wave the white flag. America and Israel are in this together and must work together. Our national security depends on it.”
Rep. Tom Price: “America’s commitment to Israel must always remain steadfast – particularly when our two nations face great unrest and uncertainty in the Middle East and around the world. Since the very founding of the State of Israel, the American people have shared a unique bond and friendship with the Israeli people. One rooted not only in a strategic alliance, but also in our mutual respect, love and appreciation for the democratic values of self-governance and individual freedom.”
Rep. Jeff Miller: “The United States and Israel have enjoyed a deep-seated alliance and friendship since the founding of the modern state of Israel. Our citizens share the common values of personal freedom and individual rights, as well as a desire for a peaceful existence. Israel provides a beacon of hope in a corner of the world marred by darkness, evil, and death. It is critical that we provide the support needed to help protect the sovereignty of Israel and the right of its people to defend themselves from terrorism and the threat of a nuclear Iran.”
Rep. Vicki Hartzler: “Given the threats Israel faces today, it is more important than ever that we listen to one of our closest and strongest allies. The United States and Israel share the same interests, and should stand united against the threats of radical Islamists and a nuclear Iran. We are in this fight together… I am grateful to the Prime Minister for agreeing to come and address Congress and the American people on these timely and important topics. I look forward to continued cooperation and friendship between our great nations.”
Rep. Marsha Blackburn: “Israel is resolute in their support of democracy and is the United States’ best and closest ally in the Middle East. Prime Minister Netanyahu honored his commitment to the US and freedom when he accepted Speaker Boehner’s invitation to speak before a joint session of Congress.”
Rep. Brian Babin: “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to hear directly from Prime Minister Netanyahu about the serious threats facing our close ally Israel. We must remain united in our opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran and the growing threat of radical Islam… During these difficult times of uncertainty, it is critical that we stand together as one voice with our friends and allies in Israel.”
Rep. Randy Hultgrin: “Israeli leaders are forced to make difficult decisions every day about what needs to be done to protect their citizens and their way of life. Mr. Netanyahu’s perspective then and today was key to illuminating the issue for the Congress and the nation. As the leader of our most trusted friend, ally and functioning democracy in the region, he was able to reemphasize the need to maintain the strong ties between our two nations.”
Rep. Bill Johnson: “Israel and the United States have a long, proud history and commitment to one another, and we must remain dedicated to the common purpose of ensuring that Iran never succeeds in arming itself with a nuclear weapon… America must remain a close ally of Israel.”
Rep. Adrian Smith: “Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from Prime Minister Netanyahu today. Keeping our commitment to Israel means ensuring Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. We must stand firmly with Israel in the midst of growing threats to both of our nations.”
Rep. Blake Farenthold: “Today, Congress heard from an ally, Prime Minister Netanyahu, on why a nuclear Iran is dangerous. We must heed these words and work together to prevent such a situation. The President needs to tone down the rhetoric, take charge, and work with all our allies, including Israel, to accomplish this mission. Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.”
