Washington – Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement that the P5+1 nations have reached a nuclear agreement with Iran:
“The real possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran and its ability to foster instability in the Middle East region is a threat that concerns the entire international community. This threat has caused increasing likelihood of armed conflict with unpredictable and possibly devastating consequences. I have supported sanctions and negotiations as an alternative to certain conflict. Now that President Obama and global leaders have negotiated a diplomatic solution to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities, it is the responsibility of Congress to give the agreement the review and scrutiny it deserves.
“Congress must ensure that this deal provides sufficient safeguards to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, including the right measure of sanctions and international inspections to keep Iran in line with the terms of the agreement. While this agreement is an important step toward a more peaceful world we must remain watchful to ensure that Iran continues to act in good faith without deviation. We should only advance an agreement with Iran that is in our best national interest, and protects the security of the American people – both at home and abroad.”
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Rep. Jerry McNerney proudly serves the constituents of California’s 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.
According to CNN – What is in the Deal
The deal reduces the number of Iranian centrifuges by two-thirds. It places bans on enrichment at key facilities, and limits uranium research and development to the Natanz facility.
The deal caps uranium enrichment at 3.67 percent and limits the stockpile to 300 kg, all for 15 years.
Iran will be required to ship spent fuel out of the country forever, as well as allow inspectors from the IAEA inspectors certain access in perpetuity. Heightened inspections, including tracking uranium mining and monitoring the production and storage of centrifuges, will last for up to 20 years.
The U.S. estimates that the new measures take Iran from being able to assemble its first bomb within 2-3 months, to at least one year from now.
USA Today: Here is an article from USA Today on what each side won and lost.
