By Baker Owens –
As more details are leaked about the Iranian nuclear agreement (the latest of which is an AP report that Iran can “self-inspect” one of its more notorious nuclear development sites at Parchin), Republicans in Washington continue to try and push public and political opinion against the deal.
Next Wednesday, August 26 at the Five Seasons Brewing Company in Atlanta, Georgia Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, who serves of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, will speak to the Atlanta Young Republicans about his opposition to the deal. Along with Atlanta native George Birnbaum, former chief of staff to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Westmoreland will discuss the ramifications of the deal and what Congress is doing to try and prevent the deal from passing. A second Senate Democrat, Bob Menendez of New Jersey, has come out against the deal but Republicans in both the House and Senate will need to find significant Democrat support to override an Obama veto of the “resolution of disapproval.” A key question for Westmoreland will be whether it is realistic that Senate Majority Leader McConnell or House Speaker John Boehner will be able to find those Democrat votes.
Westmoreland came out strongly against the deal in July when the Obama administration it had reached agreement with the Iranian regime. In a press release, Westmoreland said, “Any deal that allows a pathway for a nuclear Iran is a bad deal.” Westmoreland views Iran’s history of behavior as untrustworthy and unworthy of reaching agreement. “History has shown we need to be cautious on trusting Iran. As recent as this past March, Iran’s Supreme Leader was chanting ‘Death to America!’ In addition, reports circulated last week revealing that Iranian spies have been seeking atomic and missile technology in Germany as recently as last month,” said Westmoreland. “I simply cannot understand why the Obama Administration would agree to lift any sanctions and make a deal with a nation that cheers to the thought of killing Americans.”
Westmoreland is skeptical that Iran will follow the terms of the negotiations and has little faith in the Obama administration’s role in the agreement. “I also do not believe Iran will hold up their end of the deal, and do not trust this administration to fight for a deal that protects and promotes the interests of our nation and our allies.” The south Georgia congressman also suggests that the deal itself allows Iran far too much leeway in regards to its nuclear program and will be able to easily cover up violations. “The deal includes language that would require the United States and the international community to tell Iran far in advance when and where an inspection will occur. The inspections into Iran’s nuclear development must not be predetermined in conjunction with Iran.”
Westmoreland is concerned about the impact the deal may have on the United States and one of its allies in particular. “The goal is to make sure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon, and the pre-negotiated inspections are not the right way to achieve that goal in the best interests of the United States and our allies, specifically Israel,” said Westmoreland.