Statement from Rep. Gibbs on Iran Deal Disapproval

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gibbs released the following statement after voting against the approval of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action:

“Today, the House sent clear a message to the President by voting to not approve the deal Secretary Kerry made with Iran.  The terms of the agreement fall woefully short of what is necessary to ensure the safety of the United States and its allies.  The goal of these negotiations should have been to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, not to give Tehran free rein to do so after the deal expires.  Nor should we unfreeze $150 billion in assets, allowing the Iranian regime to fund terrorist organizations.

“As I have said for months, ‘anytime, anywhere’ inspections are mandatory for any agreement. But we have learned that Iran has the ability to delay and protest inspections for as many as 68 days, possibly longer. We have also learned that Iran negotiated ‘side deals,’ one of which allows them to inspect themselves at a particular site.

“It is reckless to lift economic and military sanctions in exchange for hoping the Iranians will change their ways.  Even as Congress debated and considered this deal, the leader of Iran was calling for the destruction of Israel within 25 years.  We cannot allow such threats and rhetoric to be rewarded with money and arms.”

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