GOP Senators-Elect: Eliminate Iran's Nuclear Program

Press Release

U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined her fellow Republican senators-elect in urging President Obama to eliminate Iran's nuclear program as part of any long-term deal with Iran.

The statement comes as international leaders -- including U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry -- gather in Vienna for talks on Iran's nuclear program. The deadline for the talks is Monday.

"One year ago, the Obama administration bypassed Congress and brokered a dangerous and ill-advised deal with Iran over their nuclear program. Today, as senators-elect and members of the new majority party, we respectfully urge President Obama to ensure any long-term deal with Iran effectively eliminates their nuclear program and all future nuclear capabilities. At a minimum, Iran must allow for the comprehensive inspection of suspected nuclear development sites and comply with the United Nations' previously enacted limitations on their nuclear program.

"Given Iran's history, and the fact that it continues to be the world's largest state-sponsor of terrorism, we fear Iran is not negotiating in good faith. The United States has already rolled back $14 billion in sanctions, and it seems we have little to show in return. If the Obama administration reaches a deal that we deem unacceptable, we will join our colleagues in the Senate to act to keep America safe."

The other Republican senators-elect are Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).