Wicker: Congress Ready to Begin Iran Deal Review

Miss. Senator Comments on Final P5+1, Iran Agreement

July 14, 2015

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding a final deal between Iran and members of the P5+1, which includes the United States:

“I remain skeptical that the Iranian regime will cooperate with international inspectors and live up to its obligations. History has taught us that Iran does not make good on its word, going to great lengths to cover up and deceive the world about its nuclear ambitions and ballistic capabilities.

“This deal is not yet final. Congress and the American people now have the opportunity to review the agreement. Ultimately, preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon should be our top priority. I am deeply concerned that this arrangement does not achieve that vital national security goal.”

Next Steps
The “Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015” requires the President to submit all of the details of the agreement to Congress for review and ensures Congress will have a vote.

Since the deal was completed after July 9, there is a 60-day review period. That clock does not start until all documents associated with the agreement are submitted to Congress along with assessments on compliance and non-proliferation.

Twelve additional days are provided if the House and Senate send a joint resolution to the president, and 10 more days are allowed for Congress to override a presidential veto.