Colorado GOP Lawmakers Criticize Iran Nuclear Deal
DENVER (CBS4)- A Republican U.S. Senator and Representative from Colorado are criticizing a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers with freshman Sen. Cory Gardner saying "The more details we learn about the deal, the worse it seems."
Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet's statement stressed the importance of Congress considering the deal, "We will carefully scrutinize the terms of this agreement. The stakes are high, and the details of this deal matter. A good deal could bring greater stability to the Middle East, more security throughout the world, and help avoid escalation in the region. Congress has an important responsibility in this process, and playing politics right now is the last thing we need."
Gardner and Rep. Mike Coffman criticized the deal announced on Tuesday to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in relief from international sanctions.
Gardner said in a statement, "The (Obama) Administration has attempted to present Americans with a false choice: either you accept their bad deal with the murderous Iranian regime or else you're in favor of another war in the Middle East. Nothing could be further from the truth. Initial reports about the content of the deal, which indicate the U.S. has agreed to lift the arms embargo against Iran even though the nation remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, are highly disturbing. The more details we learn about the deal, the worse it seems."
Coffman expressed similar sentiments in a statement, "The economic sanctions should be strengthened and only relaxed when Iran stops engaging in state-sponsored terrorism. From my experience in the region, watching Iran fund terrorist attacks against my fellow Marines, I have learned that Iran cannot be trusted. I will stand with our ally Israel in opposing this agreement when it comes before Congress."
Gardner went on to state, "At every turn, President Obama and the Administration have accommodated a murderous ruling regime led by a President who gladly marches at the front of parades chanting 'Death to the USA' and 'Death to Israel'. This deal is unwise. For the sake of the region, and the sake of the world, it must be rejected."
