09.02.15

‘Hope…Is Not A National Security Strategy’

Majority of Americans, Leading Congressional Democrats Oppose Iran Deal

 

SEN. ROBERT MENENDEZ (D-NJ): “Whether or not the supporters of the agreement admit it, this deal is based on ‘hope’… Hope is part of human nature, but unfortunately it is not a national security strategy.” (Sen. Menendez, Remarks, 8/18/15)

 

‘Ever-Growing Majority’ of Americans Oppose Iranian Nuclear Deal

NEW YORK POST: “Solid majorities in each house of Congress oppose the deal — as does an ever-growing majority of the American people, as every poll shows. It’s easy to see why: Far from denying Iran a nuclear weapon, it (at best) leaves Tehran a nuclear breakout state in 15 years. And it gives Iran hundreds of billions of dollars to aid its terrorist allies and buy countless non-nuclear arms — because the deal repeals all embargoes on Iran.” (“The Obscene Drive To Avoid Any Senate Vote On The Iran Deal,” New York Post, 8/30/15)

QUINNIPIAC: “Voters oppose 55 - 25 percent the proposed nuclear agreement with Iran.” (“The Quinnipiac University Poll, 1,563 RV, MoE 2.5%, 8/20-8/25/15)

CNN: “But on the President's biggest accomplishment since then -- the nuclear agreement reached between the U.S., its allies and Iran -- most say they would like to see Congress reject it. Overall, 52% say Congress should reject the deal, 44% say it should be approved.” (“CNN/ORC poll: Majority Wants Congress To Reject Iran Deal,” CNN, 7/28/15)

WASHINGTON POST-ABC: 64% of Americans are not confident that “this agreement will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.” (Washington Post-ABC, 1,002 A, MoE 3.5%, 7/16-7/19/15)

MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY: “Part of the uncertainty in public opinion may be due to a sense that Iran got the better end of the bargain. Four-in-ten (41%) say Iran got more of what it wanted from this deal, while just 14% feel the U.S. came out on top.” (Monmouth University Poll, 1,203 A, MoE 2.8%, 7/30-8/02/15)

 

Sen. Schumer: ‘Iran Will Not Change… While Ultimately Retaining Its Nuclear and Non-Nuclear Power’

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: “That respected Democrats have parted ways with Obama on the Iraq nuclear deal puts the fritters to the president’s repeated insinuation that opposition to the deal on Capitol Hill is mostly a matter of Republican partisanship. Indeed, we agree that Congress faces one of those momentous votes that come along once ever several years. And, if lawmakers reject the deal, we are confident most will do so based on the merits rather than petty political considerations.” (“Editorial: Iran Nuclear Deal Losing Democratic Support,” Orange County Register, 8/10/15)

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY): “Therefore, I will vote to disapprove the agreement, not because I believe war is a viable or desirable option, nor to challenge the path of diplomacy. It is because I believe Iran will not change, and under this agreement it will be able to achieve its dual goals of eliminating sanctions while ultimately retaining its nuclear and non-nuclear power.” (Sen. Schumer, Press Release, 8/6/15)

  • “In the first ten years of the deal, there are serious weaknesses in the agreement. First, inspections are not ‘anywhere, anytime’; the 24-day delay before we can inspect is troubling.” (Sen. Schumer, Press Release, 8/6/15)

SEN. ROBERT MENENDEZ (D-NJ): “The agreement that has been reached failed to achieve the one thing it set out to achieve – it failed to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons state at a time of its choosing.  In fact, it authorizes and supports the very road map Iran will need to arrive at its target.” (Sen. Menendez, Remarks, 8/18/15)

  • “The President and Secretary Kerry have repeatedly said that the choice is between this agreement or war.  I reject that proposition…” (Sen. Menendez, Remarks, 8/18/15)
  • “So in reality we have purchased a very expensive alarm system.  Maybe we’ll have an additional nine months, but with much greater consequences in the enemy we might face at that time.” (Sen. Menendez, Remarks, 8/18/15)

REP. ELIOT ENGEL (D-NY): “But after careful consideration of all of the material; more than a dozen hearings since the beginning of the negotiating period; and conversations with Administration officials, experts, and many of my constituents, I regret that I cannot support this deal.” (Rep. Engel, Press Release, 8/6/15)

  • “The answers I’ve received simply don’t convince me that this deal will keep a nuclear weapon out of Iran’s hands, and may in fact strengthen Iran’s position as a destabilizing and destructive influence across the Middle East.” (Rep. Engel, Press Release, 8/6/15)

 

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SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Related Issues: Senate Democrats, National Security, Iran Nuclear Deal, Iran