Ayotte Statement on Senate Passage of Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

Press Release

The U.S. Senate today voted 98-1 to approve the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, bipartisan legislation that U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) helped introduce to ensure that Congress reviews any final agreement regarding Iran's nuclear weapons program. The legislation will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"The best way to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapons capability is to establish a good deal with Iran - which is far more likely if Congress exercises robust oversight on behalf of the American people. That's why I cosponsored this bipartisan legislation, which will ensure the American people have a say on a final agreement with Iran," said Ayotte, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "Given the serious concerns with the framework agreement and in light of the enormous security implications of a final agreement, I hope that the Senate's overwhelming vote today will encourage the administration to pursue a strong deal that requires a permanent and verifiable end to Iran's nuclear weapons program."

The legislation, originally introduced by Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), would require the President to submit a potential agreement with Iran to Congress, give Congress an opportunity to review the agreement, and ensure Congress has a say regarding the potential elimination of sanctions it had a leading role in establishing. The legislation would also require the President to periodically certify that Iran is complying with the agreement and would require greater transparency regarding Iran's support for terrorism, human rights violations, and ballistic missile testing.

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