By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
After careful consideration I am in full support of the historical nuclear weapons agreement between the United States, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany and Iran. The agreement is in the best interests of our country, our major allies in the Middle East, and the global community.
The agreement, which will face Congressional scrutiny, has won support from more than one hundred former American diplomats. These experienced Republicans and Democrats describe the deal, negotiated by Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest J. Moniz, as a “landmark agreement.” It would be irresponsible to reject this diplomatic movement towards stability and peace.
“Once properly implemented, this comprehensive and rigorously negotiated agreement can be an effective instrument in arresting Iran’s nuclear program and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in the volatile and vitally important region of the Middle East,” the former diplomats wrote in a letter to the White House.
Twenty-nine top American scientists have also endorsed the deal, noting that it will “advance the cause of peace and security in the Middle East and can serve as a guidepost for future nonproliferation agreements.” The group of scientists includes six Noble Laureates. In a letter to President Barack Obama, these experts pointed out that Iran was only “a few weeks away” from having fuel for nuclear weapons. The agreement would stop Iran’s nuclear program, the scientists wrote.
Under the agreement, Iran agrees that it will not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The deal also includes a permanent ban on Iran’s development of key nuclear weapon components and is based on four clear objectives, blocking the highly enriched uranium route, allowing no path to plutonium, intensive monitoring, and incentives for compliance.
Without the agreement there will be no restraints on Iran’s nuclear program. There would more than likely be an arms race to acquire and develop nuclear weapons by various nations in the Middle East. Such a climate would not be in the best interest of our country, and certainly not in the best interests of the global community.
Currently eighty members of the House of Representatives and thirty-four members of the Senate have voiced their support for the deal. Lawmakers have nearly 60 days to review the agreement. If Congress votes to kill the deal, President Obama will use his veto power.
A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to override a Presidential veto. It is my firm belief that if this deal is not implemented the world risks devastating military conflict. I urge my Congressional colleagues to support the agreement.
