In July and August, members of the House of Representatives began indicating how they plan to vote on the final nuclear deal. Lawmakers have until September 17 to review the agreement, and if the majority disapprove, they can pass a resolution to block the deal from being implemented. President Obama, however, has said he will veto any efforts to block the deal. Congress would need a two-thirds majority to override the veto.
The following is a rundown of U.S. Representatives on the deal.
Supporters of the Deal | Opponents of the Deal |
Leadership Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) "This is a diplomatic masterpiece." —Aug. 6, 2015, according to the press Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) "Although it was a difficult choice, I have decided to oppose a resolution of disapproval, albeit with serious concerns." —Sept. 9, 2015, in a statement Foreign Affairs Committee Brian Higgins (D-NY) "This agreement will do more than any plausible alternative to accomplish America’s objective of blocking Iran’s pathway to a bomb in a way that we can verify." —Sept. 3, 2015, in a statement “[The JCPOA] is the product of earnest diplomacy, and Congress should support it.” —Aug. 6, 2015, in a statement Robin Kelly (D-IL) "This agreement blocks a nuclear-armed Iran, achieving the goal of strengthening global security without conflict. It is important that we now come together as a nation in support of our shared goal of peace." —Sept. 3, 2015, in a statement Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) "I have decided to support this agreement because I believe it ends the otherwise unmonitored and unrestricted continuation of the Iranian nuclear program and it halts the surely destructive effects of a nuclear Iran in the Middle East." —Sept. 1, 2015, in a statement Jackie Speier (D-CA) Also a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence “After careful review, I have concluded that this agreement accomplishes the difficult objective we have been working towards for years: a verifiable way to halt Iran’s progress toward a nuclear weapon.” —Aug. 14, 2015, in a statement Joe Courtney (D-CT) “Like any agreement negotiated among several parties, the JCPOA is not perfect – but it is very strong and deserves support.” —Aug. 6, 2015, in a statement Seth Moulton (D-MA) “It is not a perfect deal, and it is easy to point out the many ways in which it could theoretically be stronger. That being said, it is by far the best viable option before us.” —Aug. 1, 2015, in a statement Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) “This deal is not perfect and it is not without risk…But it is the best option before us, and I will support it because it improves the safety of our country and that of our allies.” —July 31, 2015, in a statement Niki Tsongas (D-MA) “I do not believe Congress should reject this agreement, and I will oppose any effort in Congress to block its implementation.” —Aug. 12, 2015, in a statement Scott Peters (D-CA) "After weeks of careful study, it is clear to me the JCPOA is our best tool to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon for at least the next 15 years. I will vote to support the agreement." —Aug. 27, 2015, in an op-ed Rick Larsen (D-WA) "While the agreement is not perfect, it is a major step in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon." —Sept. 3, 2015, in a statement Pete Aguilar (D-CA) "I support the JCPOA because the national security of the United States, Israel, and the entire international community would be at risk should Iran ever obtain a nuclear weapon." —Sept. 2, 2015, in a statement John Garamendi (D-CA) “We are in a situation where we are a whole better off with this deal than without this deal and that is how we ought to move forward.” —July 27 ,2015, in a statement Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) “In the absence of a credible alternative, Congress should accept the deal and work with the Administration to strengthen its impact.” —Aug. 3, 2015, in a statement André Carson (D-ID)“For our national security and international stability, it is critical that we accept the agreement.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in a statement Jim Himes (D-CT) Also a member of the Financial Services Committee “After careful thought, I have decided to support the JCPOA.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in a statement Eric Swalwell (D-CA) “I have concluded this agreement is the best available opportunity for a nuclear-weapon-free Iran.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in an op-ed Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) “The nuclear agreement with Iran is good for America, crucial for Israel, and an important step toward a more peaceful Middle East.” —July 29, 2015, in an op-ed Patrick Murphy (D-FL) "The deal on my desk is flawed, but after searching my own soul and conscience, I have decided I will support this agreement as the best available option to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.” —Aug. 31, 2015, in a statementFinancial Services Committee Keith Ellison (D-MN) “I clearly prefer diplomacy over warfare, and if we don’t do this deal, I don’t see how we can avoid military conflict.” —July 22, 2015, in an interview Daniel Kildee (D-MI) “After careful review and consultation, I will support the nuclear agreement with Iran.” —July 30, 2015, in a statement Nydia Valazquez (D-NY) "I will support the agreement when it comes before the House for a vote.” —Aug. 31, 2015, in a statement Other Committees Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) Chair of the Democratic National Committee "After a thorough and careful review of the facts and deep, personal reflection and soul searching, I will vote to support moving the Iran agreement forward and to sustain the President's veto if necessary." —Sept. 6, 2015, in a statement Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) “It is far better...to make the agreement work, monitor and enforce, and build on this international partnership.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in a statement Lois Capps (D-CA) “I have decided to support the JCPOA because it is the best way forward to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and advance the national security interests of the United States and our allies.” —Aug. 11, 2015, in a statement Katherine Clark (D-MA) “After studying the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), I am convinced that it is our best opportunity to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and provide for the safety of the United States, Israel and the world.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in a statement Steve Cohen (D-TN) “Through my intense study of this agreement, I am convinced that it is the most effective way to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon.” —Aug. 19, 2015, in a statement Peter DeFazio (D-OR) “I have decided that the agreement is the best option that the global community has to ensure that Iran will not develop a nuclear weapon and I will lend it my full support when it comes to the House of Representatives for consideration.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) "I support the efforts of Secretary Kerry and Secretary Moniz to secure this agreement, which I believe meets the goal of our negotiations to deny a dangerous Iranian regime access to a nuclear weapon.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement Anna Eshoo (D-CA) “In the face of a legitimate threat of immense magnitude from a nuclear-capable Iran, I believe this agreement is the right path forward.” —Aug. 3, 2015, in a statement Sam Farr (D-CA) “After two decades in Congress, this is the first time I will be able to vote for peace, not just against war.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in a statement Sander Levin (D-MI) “I believe that Israel, the region, and the world are far more secure if Iran does not move toward possession of a nuclear weapon. I believe the Agreement is the best way to achieve that.” —July 30, 2015, in a statement Doris Matsui (D-CA) “I firmly believe that the consequences of walking away from this deal are greater than the risks of accepting it.” —Aug. 11, 2015, in a statement James McGovern (D-MA) “Above all else, this deal must be judged on its merits and whether it is the strongest available option to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. I firmly believe that it is.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement Donald Payne (D-NJ) “This nuclear agreement is a historic opportunity to permanently block a nuclear-armed Iran and bolster our national and global security. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this deal.” —Aug. 6, 2015, in a statement Mark Pocan (D-WI) “I firmly believe we now have the opportunity to verifiably prevent a nuclear Iran by supporting and implementing this deal.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement David Price (D-NC) “I am confident that this deal will verifiably prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and make the world a safer place.” —July 30, 2015, in a statement Mark Takano (D-CA) “I believe that our nation is safer with this deal than without it, and I will oppose any effort in Congress to block its enactment.” —Aug. 11, 2015, in a statement Mike Thompson (D-CA) “This deal is in the best interest of the United States and our allies, Israel included. I will support the deal when it comes before Congress for a vote.” —Aug. 5, 2015, in a statement | Leadership House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) "Because a bad deal threatens the security of the American people, we're going to do everything possible to stop it.” —July 22, 2015, according to the press Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) Also a member of the Financial Services Committee “By granting sweeping sanctions relief, we have lessened our ability to challenge Iran’s conduct across the board. As Iran grows stronger, we will be weaker to respond.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in a press release Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY) “I’m grateful for the tireless efforts by President Obama, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz, Secretary Lew, and Undersecretary Sherman…Unfortunately, I cannot support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.” —Aug. 6, 2015, in a statement Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) Also a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence "That is a dangerous gamble for us to make with U.S. national security, and it is not a gamble I or any of us should be willing to take. And that is why we must reject this deal." —July 28, 2015, in a press release Mo Brooks (R-AL) Also a member of the Armed Services Committee “It makes no sense that America would enter into an agreement that helps arm Iran, the world’s foremost sponsor of terrorism, when, as Secretary Kerry confirms, Iran’s history suggests they are likely to use those weapons against us.” —July 28,2015, at a hearing Paul Cook (R-CA) “If this deal becomes law, we’ll face an even tougher struggle to prevent Iran’s nuclear capability, while Iran grows stronger economically and entrenches their disruptive influence on their neighbors." Brad Sherman (D-CA) Also a member of the Financial Services Committee “A strong Congressional vote against the Agreement is the best way to make it clear that the Agreement is not binding on Congress, the American people or future administrations.” —Aug. 7, 2015, in a statement Ted Deutch (D-FL) “Too many issues I have long raised as essential to any nuclear deal with Iran are not adequately addressed in this agreement. I will vote against it when Congress reconvenes in September.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in an op-ed Grace Meng (D-NY) “I strongly believe the world could and should have a better deal than that set forth in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which I will therefore oppose.” —July 29, 2015, in a statement Albio Sires (D-NJ) “I am opposed to the current proposed nuclear agreement with Iran, I do not feel the agreement will prevent them from acquiring a nuclear weapon.” —July 31, 2015, in a statement Ron DeSantis (R-FL) “We must forcefully reject this fatally flawed nuclear deal with Iran.” —July 30, 2015, in an op-ed Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) “I have been in all the hearings and seen all the classified documents and I see no reason why we should be pursuing this deal. I think it’s good for Iran and bad for America.” —Aug. 21 , 2015, according to the press Daniel Donovan (R-NY) "I don't see how anyone can support this disastrous agreement." —Aug. 20, 2015, according to the press Jeff Duncan (R-SC) “When the time comes to vote on the Iranian nuclear accord, I intend to vote against the deal, and strongly encourage my esteemed colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.” —July 26, 2015, in an op-ed Armed Services Committee Brad Ashford (D-NE) “If that’s what we get to vote on, I’m not going to vote for it the way it is." —Aug. 20, 2015, according to the press Bradley Byrne (R-AL) “I believe Congress can stand united and defeat this bad agreement.” Chris Gibson (R-NY) “I want to see us reject this agreement and go back to the negotiating table.” Joe Heck (R-NV) “I believe this deal is bad for America and our allies in the region, especially Israel.” Doug Lamborn (R-CO) "It is a horrible deal. Obama gave away the store and got very little in return. Iran is the world's largest supporter of state-sponsored terrorism and is getting a signing bonus of up to $150 billion, without any requirement they change their behavior in any way." Martha McSally (R-AZ) “The final agreement includes provisions dangerous to Americans and our allies. It should be rejected, and the administration should be directed back to the negotiating table.” Richard Nugent (R-FL) "I cannot look the people I represent in the eye and say this deal makes us safer. I can’t tell them that the world will be more secure.” Steve Russell (R-OK) "We have to scuttle it. It's terrible for our national security. It's terrible for international security." Bill Shuster (R-PA) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Peter King (R-NY) Also a member of the Financial Services Committee "It is definitely my intention to vote no on this deal with Iran." —July 22, 2015, according to the press Mike Pompeo (R-KS) “This agreement is the worst of backroom deals." —July 21, 2015, in a press releaseFinancial Services Committee Luke Messer (R-IN) “I’ll be voting against the Iran deal because it doesn’t make America safer and it doesn’t make the rest of the world safer." Scott Garrett (R-NJ) “Among its many flaws, President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran requests that the United States and the other negotiating nations help develop, modernize and protect Iran’s nuclear program. This is unacceptable.” —July 29, 2015, in a press release Patrick McHenry (R-NC) “It is the wrong thing for security and stability in the Middle East. Doing nothing is better than doing this something.” —Aug. 29, 2015, in a press release Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) “It is not a good deal for the US, it is a really good deal for Iran.” —Aug. 25, 2015, in a statement Steve Pearce (R-NM) "I don't understand the basis for the agreement, I can't see how we got anything out of it.” —Aug. 3, 2015, according to the press Dennis Ross (R-FL) “I will vote against this dangerous deal, and I call on my colleagues to do the same." —Aug. 7, 2015, in an op-ed Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) “I firmly disagree with President Obama’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action." —Aug. 28, 2015, in a press release Other Committees Ralph Abramson (R-LA) “As details about the Iranian nuclear deal emerge, it is clear to me that Congress must prevent the deal from becoming policy.” —July 30, 2015, in a press release Brian Babin (R-TX) "I’ll be leading the charge to expose and defeat this terrible deal to protect the safety and security of the American people.” —July 21, 2015, in an opinion piece Lou Barletta (R-PA) “I cannot support the nuclear agreement with Iran, which I fear was rushed into existence with visions of Nobel Peace Prizes dancing in the heads of our negotiators. I plan to vote against it on the floor of the House.” —July 29, 2015, in a press release Alcee Hastings (D-FL) “After careful review, I have decided that I cannot support this deal.” —Aug. 13, 2015, in a statement Nita Lowey (D-NY) “I remain hopeful that the Administration and Congress, in concert with our P5+1 and regional allies, can prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. However, I cannot support this agreement before Congress.” —Aug. 4, 2015, in a statement Kathleen Rice (D-NY) “I hope that history will ultimately prove President Obama right in his gamble on diplomacy and social progress in Iran. But for me, it is a risk I cannot support.” —Aug. 3, 2015, in an op-ed |
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