[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 131 (Friday, September 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1264-E1265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        OPPOSITION TO IRAN DEAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 2015

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition 
to the Iran deal that was reached in July 2015 and make known my 
opposition to the resolution of approval before the House today.
   I must say, however, that as a leading opponent of the Iran deal, I 
am deeply disturbed by the last minute decision of House Republican 
leadership to inject irresponsible partisan politics into the upcoming 
vote. House Republicans are, once again, playing political football 
with the safety and security of Israel, this time by straying from 
their original plan of an up or down vote on the deal and forcing an 
irresponsible three-bill gimmick on the House of Representatives.
   With that being said, even though I was skeptical of the 
negotiations and interim agreement, I tried to get to a position where 
I could support the final deal. I took my time to understand every word 
of the final deal, I read the classified materials, spoke to the 
President, met with administration officials, security experts, and 
constituents. I listened carefully to every analysis and opinion on 
both sides of this issue.
   This is one of the most profound foreign policy decisions I will 
have to make in Congress, second only to going to war with Iraq. And 
despite some positive elements in the deal, the totality has compelled 
me to oppose it. I came to this decision after an intense analysis of 
the details and merits of this deal and remain concerned about three 
major components.
   First of all, I believe Iran is highly likely to exploit ambiguities 
in the agreement. They are unlikely to engage in massive violations, 
but will perform a series of ``small-cheats'', and they will not face 
punitive measures for it.
   Secondly, the lifting of the arms embargo will create additional 
pathways for Iran to supply the ruthless terrorist organizations, Hamas

[[Page E1265]]

and Hezbollah, with the means to increase their weapons stockpiles. 
Iran continues to be one of the leading state-sponsors of terrorism, 
and I doubt that will change any time soon. They have smuggled illicit 
weapons to Hezbollah, and we can only deduce what will happen in five 
years once the conventional weapons embargo is lifted.
   Finally, this agreement lends international legitimacy to Iran's 
enrichment capacity in fifteen years.
   With that being said, now that it is clear this deal will move 
forward, it is imperative that both Democrats and Republicans in 
Congress, both supporters and opponents to this deal, join with the 
Administration and work together to focus on the road ahead.
   We must reaffirm our commitment to continue and strengthen the many 
facets of joint cooperation between the U.S. and Israel. We can do this 
by signing another 10-year Memorandum of Understanding for FMF for 
Israel and ensuring their Qualitative Military Edge in such a chaotic 
region.
   We can continue and accelerate cooperation on missile defense 
programs such as Arrow-3 and David's Sling, and provide additional 
resources for Israel to field additional Iron Dome batteries.
   And we can continue to enhance our cooperation in order to detect 
and deter terrorist tunnels that plague Israel's borders.
   As Iran continues to spew vitriol toward Israel and call for her 
ultimate destruction, we are reminded that this nation is not to be 
trusted.
   Congress will play a pivotal role in the implementation of this deal 
and to that end I will continue to use every tool in my toolbox to 
ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. And I will continue to 
ensure that America and our greatest ally, Israel, can continue to 
thrive in peace and security.

                          ____________________