WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) voted in opposition to President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran (H.R. 3461). Johnson has been a fierce critic of the nuclear deal: he took the House Floor most recently on September 10th, 2015 (links to all remarks below). This week Johnson also voted to prohibit President Obama from lifting sanctions on Iran (H.R. 3460).
After his “no” vote on the President’s nuclear deal with Iran, Johnson released the following statement:
“As America recognizes the 14th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 – as well as the 3rd Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack in Benghazi, we find ourselves at another grave hour. President Obama is seeking approval for his nuclear deal with Iran. Iran – the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism!
“Make no mistake about it: this deal is beyond disgraceful…it is dangerous. This deal will harm America’s national security as well as the safety, stability, and security of the region – and the world. I don’t say this lightly. I say this as one of the few Members of Congress who has actually seen combat, who fought in two wars, and who spent nearly seven years as a POW.
“To this day, Iran chants “Death to America!” Its regime has the blood of our service members on its hands. Iran is our enemy. Despite these facts, the President asks us to trust Iran. But what has Iran done to earn our trust? Nothing.
“The most fundamental question we must ask is: will this deal prevent a nuclear Iran? I can tell you the answer to that question – and it is a resounding NO.
“The idea that this deal will prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities flies in the face of history. Period. This deal paves the way for Iran to get the bomb. It gives Iran everything it wants. It lifts sanctions on Iran to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars – money that will line the pockets of terrorists. Meanwhile, we must ask Iran’s permission to inspect their nuclear sites…and Iran can tell us no!
“This deal is not verifiable. It is not enforceable. And it is fails to hold Iran accountable. It puts America at the mercy of the Iranian government. Worse yet, I’m afraid this deal will start a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has already said as much.
“This is not just a bad deal. It is a deal of surrender – and with it, Iran will go nuclear. The alternative to this deal isn’t war. The alternative is to strike a better deal! The irony is that Obama’s deal may very well bring the region closer to war.
“Rest assured that I will continue to uphold my most sacred duty – I will do everything within my power to protect the lives of Americans, bring home our hostages, and safeguard our Republic from those who seek to destroy it. The world cannot let Iran become a nuclear power.”
Click on a link to view:
Remarks during Floor Debate on September 10th, 2015
Remarks on the House Floor July 15th, 2015
Remarks on the House Floor March 26th, 2015