WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, giving Congress the power to review and approve or reject the potential nuclear deal with Iran currently being negotiated by the Obama Administration.  Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, supported the measure, which passed by a vote of 98-1:

“We must do everything we can to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.  I strongly support the diplomatic efforts currently ongoing between the Obama Administration and representatives from Iran, but Congress also has a significant role to play.  This bipartisan legislation allows for an opportunity to review any final agreement. 

“In the critical weeks ahead, it is incumbent upon Congress to provide space for these final negotiations to proceed without signaling prejudgment.  The best use of Congressional influence is at the conclusion of the negotiations – at a moment when we will have the facts and can reach an informed conclusion on the details of the agreement.

“A final agreement must be carefully considered on its merits.  We must hold Iran accountable on its nuclear program, and any final agreement must include strong, verifiable inspections.  The Iranian regime will have to earn sanctions relief through faithful and consistent compliance.

“As the talks continue, I urge my colleagues to allow the hard work of diplomacy to carry on.  It remains my hope that an agreement can be reached to make our nation and the region safer and more secure.”

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