Last week, Senator Ben Cardin's office issued the following:
BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in an op-ed appearing in The Washington Post announced today his decision to vote to disapprove of the Iran nuclear agreement after completing an in-depth review.
Senator Cardin writes, “The
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) does contain significant
achievements. It imposes severe restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program
for the next 10 to 15 years. And we retain the ability to snap back into
place international sanctions in the event of a significant violation,
without the possibility of other members vetoing U.S. action at the U.N.
Security Council…This is a close call, but after a lengthy review, I
will vote to disapprove the deal. The JCPOA legitimizes Iran’s nuclear
program. After 10 to 15 years, it leaves Iran with the option to produce
enough enriched fuel for a nuclear weapon in a short time. The JCPOA
would provide this legal path to a country that remains a rogue state
and has violated its international nonproliferation obligations for
years.”
In the op-ed, Cardin adds:
“Regardless of whether Congress rejects the JCPOA, discomfort with
aspects of the agreement remains across the ideological spectrum. That
is why I will introduce legislation backed by supporters and opponents
of the deal designed to strengthen the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act
and U.S. regional security strategy. This would be consistent with the
administration’s interpretation of the agreement and complement its
regional security commitments.”