Newsletter: The Iran Nuclear Deal: The American People Say No -- Is Washington Listening?

Statement

By Rep. David Young

The American public opposes the Iran nuclear deal by a 2 to 1 margin. In fact, only 21% of the public approve of the deal. The more we learn, the narrower the support for this deal gets. And it makes sense because this is a bad deal.

When I was home in Iowa throughout August, holding town halls and events in all 16 counties in the 3rd Congressional District, I heard folks express their deep distrust of Iran and frustration with the inability we would have to verify Iran is complying with this deal. I share those two fundamental concerns.

I took four weeks to reach my decision to oppose this deal. I read it, studied it, spoke to experts, and listened to your opinions -- visiting with Iowans all over the 3rd District. And my decision lines up with yours - the people I am here to represent. This is a bad deal and I cannot support it.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives put forward a three-part plan to fight back against this bad deal and try to prevent a nuclear Iran.

One of the biggest concerns is that the President did not submit to Congress the secret side deals made between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran, which is required by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. This review act is the law; it was passed with bipartisan support and signed by the President.

To fight back the House first passed H. Res. 411, certifying that President Obama has not complied with that law by withholding the secret side deal.

Second, the House voted on H.R. 3461, To Approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The House defeated this bill which would have approved of the Iran deal. I voted against it, as I am firmly against a nuclear Iran.

And finally, the House passed a very important bill that prevents the President from lifting sanctions against Iran relating to its nuclear program. It would prohibit the lifting of any sanctions until 2017 in an effort to force new negotiations.

I am hopeful we can prevent a nuclear Iran, but President Obama and Congressional Democrats' insistence on this fundamentally flawed agreement put that at serious risk. I am committed to continue fighting in the House to stop this bad deal. The United States cannot accept a nuclear Iran.

President Ronald Reagan used to say trust, but verify. However, Iran has proven they cannot be trusted and this irresponsible agreement will make it impossible to verify Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons. We are dealing with an official state sponsor of terrorism where they chant death to America, are currently holding four Americans hostage, their Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei just this week, as the world is watching how Congress will vote, called for Israel's destruction. This does not sound like a partner.

This deal is fatally flawed, lacking proper transparency and accountability. It poses a grave threat the world ultimately facing a nuclear-armed Iran. We need to stop this deal; we need to go back to the negotiation table. It is right to oppose this deal.

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