As I traveled across the Volunteer State during August, I spoke with many Tennesseans about the nuclear agreement among Iran, the United States and other world powers. While opinions of the agreement vary, there is perhaps no greater geopolitical issue facing the world today than preventing a nuclear-armed Iran.
A strong agreement that would stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and stand the test of time was always the goal of these negotiations. That’s why when President Obama declared in 2012 that he would only accept a deal requiring Iran to “end their nuclear program,” there was hope that an agreement could win bipartisan support.
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker talks about the Iran nuclear deal with Chattanooga Time Free Press editors and reporters.Since the administration reached an agreement in July, Congress has scrutinized it thoroughly to determine whether it achieves that goal.
In the coming days, lawmakers will debate and consider a resolution to disapprove of the administration’s Iran deal. And while we have known from the beginning that stopping a potential bad deal with Iran would be a heavy lift, many felt it was important for members of Congress – on behalf of those they represent – to review and vote on any final agreement.
That’s why I authored the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which passed the Senate overwhelmingly 98 to 1 and the House 400 to 25.