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Last Updated on February 2, 2021.

SENATE

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ): America’s commitments should be ironclad, and enforced. Instead of leading from a position of strength, President Trump has chosen weakness and political expediency, time and again, at the expense of American security and credibility. From walking away from a historic global climate agreement, to denigrating our closest allies in NATO, to now reversing course on the Iran deal, President Trump’s actions have been detrimental to global stability and maintaining peace in the world, and have left the American people worse off and at greater risk. [Press Release]

 

Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA): I strongly disagree with the President’s decision to end U.S. participation in an agreement that constrains Iran’s nuclear program and helps prevent the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability. (1/10) [Twitter]

 

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IN): This is a mistake of historic proportions. (1/2) [Twitter]

 

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA): Everything President Obama has done, this president wants to undo. An agreement that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon is one thing that should never be undone just to satisfy a campaign promise. (1/5) [Twitter]

 

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA): The Iran deal states that “under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop, or acquire any nuclear weapons.” Why would President Trump blow up this deal and free Iran of that obligation? What is he thinking? [Twitter]

 

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT): Withdrawing from the #Iran nuclear agreement is a monumental mistake by the President, who is fulfilling a dangerous campaign promise that puts politics over the security of the American people and our closest allies. It hurts to see America breaking its word. [Twitter]

 

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA): This decision has left us isolated from our closest European allies, less secure, and without any strategy to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons other than another deadly war. [Twitter, Full Press Release]

 

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA): Leaving the #IranDeal frees Iran to immediately re-start nuclear activities, encourages its rivals to pursue their own nuclear weapons programs, risks a calamitous military conflict in the Middle East, and bolsters Iran’s hardliners.

@realDonaldTrump has made a terrible mistake. (1/2) [Twitter]

 

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ): With this dangerous decision, Pres. Trump is risking US national security, recklessly upending foundational partnerships with key European allies & gambling with Israel’s security

Today’s withdrawal makes it more likely Iran will restart its nuclear weapons program in the future (1/8) [Twitter]

 

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR): This is a mistake of enormous proportions for America’s safety and security. The best way to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon is to not blow up the deal that is verifiably preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. [Twitter]

 

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT): As open conflict between Iran and Israel grows more possible, lighting a new match in the region by restarting Iran’s nuclear weapons program seems particularly dumb. [Twitter]

 

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA): President Trump taking these steps to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal right now, without presenting any good evidence or rationale that Iran has violated it, moves us further from our goal of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. (1/3) [Twitter]

 

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI): Today, after the White House announced it would pull out of the Iran nuclear agreement formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“Despite the fact that the JCPOA is working, President Trump has been intent on blowing it up.  By unilaterally abandoning this accord, he is undermining U.S. diplomacy and leadership and making us less safe.

“President Trump is ignoring the advice of his top generals and military leaders and putting electoral interests above America’s security interests.

“President Trump can malign the JCPOA all he wants, but that doesn’t change the fact that it has moved Iran further away from the capacity to produce a nuclear weapon.  And the action he took today will have a destabilizing impact in the region and could hinder our ability to work with our allies.

“It is irresponsible for President Trump to abandon this international agreement and needlessly isolate the United States in the absence of an Iranian violation and without presenting a credible alternative to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“The Iran nuclear agreement imposed strict limits on uranium enrichment activities and provided for the most intrusive monitoring regime in the world to ensure Iran is living up to its commitments.  The deal was appropriately built upon the concept of “distrust and verify.” By tearing up the deal now with nothing to replace it, I fear that we will only be left with “distrust” and few options short of military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“We must continue to put international pressure on Iran over its abuse of human rights, ballistic missile development efforts, and other destabilizing activities in the region.  Unfortunately, President Trump has just made all of these objectives more difficult to achieve.”  [Press Statement]

 

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD): Make no mistake: Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal was based on politics, not national security. Trump has isolated America from our allies, served the interest of Iranian hardliners, and destroyed America’s credibility. [Twitter]

 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA): The Obama Administration negotiated a landmark agreement to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. @realDonaldTrump’s decision to withdraw from the deal breaks our word, hurts our credibility with our allies, empowers Iranian hardliners, and doesn’t make us any safer. (1/2) [Twitter]

 

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI): Withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal is a reckless – and, it appears, reflexive – decision. My full statement here: https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/-whitehouse-statement-on-trump-decision-to-withdraw-from-iran-nuclear-deal … [Twitter, Full Press Release]

 

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA): Withdrawing from the Iran deal makes the United States, and the world, less secure. [Twitter]

 

HOUSE

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA, 8): Trump’s actions have made a nuclear-armed Iran more likely, and the world a more dangerous place.

It will have serious negative consequences for the stability of the region, for our ties with our allies, and will embolden hardliners in Iran who want to develop nuclear weapons. [Twitter]

 

Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA, 7): President Trump’s decision to back out of the Iran deal could very well be the most dangerous action he has taken so far. My full statement: [Twitter, Facebook]

 

Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN, 7): By walking away from the JCPOA, Trump makes it easier for Iran to develop nuclear weapons. He is creating this crisis. Now, we all have to face the consequences.  #IranDeal [Twitter]

 

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA, 27): Rejecting advice of experts and pleas from allies, Trump instead followed his own personal dislike of Obama and decided to withdraw from the JCPOA. This is a threat to American leadership and global security.

If Iran follows suit, Trump is responsible for their nuclear program [Twitter]

 

Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI, 1): This is a reckless decision. It’s a decision that endangers our security and makes it harder for other countries to take us at our word. (1/4) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Lacy Clay (D-MO, 1): @realDonaldTrump #reckless and #dangerous decision will isolate the United States, put Iran back on the fast-track to acquiring #nuclearweapons and bring the Middle East closer to war. [Twitter]

 

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA, 11): With today’s unilateral retreat, the President is now responsible for the fallout of the Iran deal. All of our allies, including President Macron & Chancellor Merkel, pointed out that the agreement is working and warned that it would be deeply destructive for the US to withdraw. (1/7) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN, 5): The Iran deal was much better than President Trump thinks. He is making a big mistake by withdrawing from it. This will further isolate America from our allies and provoke even more trouble in the Middle East. [Twitter]

 

Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY, 14): President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran Deal is reckless, irresponsible, and was made without an explanation of a realistic alternative or a comprehensive strategy. (1/3) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO, 1): .@POTUS’ #sanctions announcement is a setback both for U.S. international leadership and global stability. The #IranDeal is designed to maintain the goal of a non-nuclear #Iran; we shouldn’t break our obligations now, but should instead work w/ other countries toward that goal. [Twitter]

 

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier: At a time when tensions are high in the Middle East & smart diplomacy is critical to preventing conflict, withdrawing from the #IranDeal could embolden Iran as a greater threat in the region, will erode American credibility & will isolate us from others. [Twitter, Full Press Release]

 

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN, 5): President Trump is pushing our country toward another preventable war, putting dangerous campaign politics first, isolating the United States and jeopardizing lives. (1/2) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY,16): The President’s decision to walk away from #IranDeal makes it easier for Iran to get a bomb & undermines American credibility on the world stage. #Trump created this crisis. (1/3) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3): With the stroke of a pen, Trump ignored top diplomats, heads of state of our closest allies, leading experts, and findings from the IAEA that validate that Iran is successfully complying with the #IranDeal. (1/3) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Denny Heck: The Iran nuclear agreement has successfully blocked Iran from developing or obtaining nuclear weapons. Not only does our violation of the agreement damage the credibility of the United States, but walking away will also make use less safe. #IranDeal (1/8) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Jim Himes: We are now closer to a world in which centrifuges are spinning again in Iran and people are explaining to me why a military attack is the only way to stop an Iranian weapon of mass destruction. [Twitter]

 

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7): Trump’s decision to renege on the #IranDeal brings us closer to war.

Tearing up the agreement won’t reduce the deficit, won’t help provide healthcare or solve the opioid crisis, and it won’t make anyone safer. This deeply damages our credibility and exposes us to great risk.

(1/2) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL, 2): Today’s decision by @realDonaldTrump allows Iran to get back on track developing nuclear weapons – an entirely unforced error that imperils our global leadership. #IranDeal

[Twitter]

 

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17): Withdrawing frm the #IranDeal only sends the message that the US can’t keep its commitments when administrations change and the only way to resolve disputes with us is through nuclear deterrence. Pulling out makes it more likely, not less, that Iran will acquire a nuclear weapon

[Twitter]

 

Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-NV, 4): Walking away from the #JCPOA, undermines our ability to prevent Iran from developing and restarting its nuclear weapons program. This is a self inflicted crisis that he alone is responsible for. #IranNuclearDeal

[Twitter]

 

Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14): American leadership is needed to stop #Iran’s ballistic missile program, human rights violations, support for terrorism. Pulling out of the #IranDeal undermines our leverage in that fight.

[Twitter]

 

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA, 13): By withdrawing from the Iran Deal, the White House is sending a message to the world that America’s word can’t be trusted. There’s nothing more dangerous than that.

(1/2) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX, 18): The only way to address Iran’s other harmful behavior was to stay in the #IranDeal. Now more than ever we need American leadership—and @RealDonaldTrump just showed his version of leadership is retreat. [Twitter]

 

Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA, 47): The world cannot tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran. The JCPOA is a strong internationally-agreed bulwark against that eventuality, and the best way to avoid potentially catastrophic armed conflict. The President’s misguided action has assured one thing: the world is now less safe . [Twitter]

 

Rep. Sean Maloney (D-NY, 18): 1/ #Iran is a real danger to the U.S. and to the region and we must never let them get their hands on nuclear weapons. My only priority when looking at this deal is whether or not it keeps America and our allies safe from a nuclear-armed Iran. (1/4) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA): #BREAKING: Trump recklessly withdraws from #IranDeal and puts America at risk by opening door to #nuclear-armed #Iran. Sends message to the world that America doesn’t keep its promises. This is one of the most dangerous things Trump’s done in @WhiteHouse. (1/2) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Rick Nolan (D-MN, 8): The President’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the #IranDeal is reckless, unwarranted, and it moves the world one step closer to the sobering probability that Iran could soon develop a nuclear bomb. [Twitter]

 

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12): “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a great diplomatic achievement.  Experts and our allies all agree that this landmark agreement has been successful in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and even senior Trump Administration officials have confirmed that Iran has remained in compliance with the agreement.  Yet, the President has chosen to utterly ignore that reality.

“The President’s decision to follow his misguided and uninformed campaign promise to destroy the successful Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action endangers global security and defies comprehension.

“This rash decision isolates America, not Iran.  Our allies will hold up their end of the agreement, but our government will lose its international credibility and the power of our voice at the table.  The President’s decision to abdicate American leadership during a critical moment in our effort to advance a denuclearization agreement with North Korea is particularly senseless, disturbing and dangerous.

“Democrats have no illusions about the Iranian regime.  We remain strongly committed to stopping the advancement of Iran’s ballistic missile program, its egregious human rights abuses, and its support of terrorism and other nefarious activities in the region.

“Today is a sad day for America’s global leadership.  The Trump Administration’s dangerous and impulsive action is no substitute for real global leadership.” (1/7) [Twitter, Full Press Release]

 

Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1): .@POTUS’ decision to unilaterally break #Iran nuclear deal is unjustified, reckless & fact-challenged. Sec. Mattis testified the inspection regime is robust & the UN has certified Iran’s compliance. Pres. Trump is putting his personal whims above our national security interests. (1/2) [Twitter]

 

Rep. David E. Price (D-NC, 4): Make no mistake: by reimposing sanctions lifted in the Iran Nuclear Agreement, President Trump has manufactured an international crisis that risks an armed conflict with a nuclear Iran. (1/6) (1/6) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5): “President Trump’s decision to pull out of the JCPOA is dangerous, shortsighted, and will undoubtedly make America—and our allies—less safe. Despite the deceptive rhetoric and degradation of the JCPOA by its critics, the facts remain: JCPOA is working as intended and is containing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The decision to walk away from the Iran nuclear deal will not only impact our relationship with Iran and spur a ripple of consequences across the Middle East, but it will also affect our ongoing negotiations with North Korea. The creditability of the United States must be maintained in both word and action, and when we walk away from the table, that creditability is seriously damaged. In turn, we weaken our ability to lead effective change elsewhere in the world. As we prepare to break this pledge that will only serve to destabilize the region, our European partners have made it clear that they will stay a party to JCPOA, further isolating America from the world and the vital decision-making that determines our shared fate.

“The U.S. should embrace the opportunity to lead a more comprehensive, international strategy towards Iran, North Korea, and all countries with nuclear aspirations. The world must move together in an effort to abolish nuclear weapons and promote a global policy of non-proliferation. In the absence of Presidential leadership, Congress must step in to fill the void and uphold our commitments to defend national and global security alike.”

 

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2): Supporting the #IranDeal meant supporting our allies & a safer world with oversight of Iran’s nuclear program. Scrapping the #IranDeal frees #Iran to pursue their illegal nuclear ambitions unchecked. [Twitter, Full Press Release]

 

Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL, 1): Trump’s decision does not project smart and strong leadership. It projects small and weak leadership from a man that will do literally anything to fulfill an empty campaign promise, even though the consequences for people at home and around the globe may be catastrophic. #Iran (1/5) [Twitter, Full Press Release]

 

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA, 28): Decision to withdraw from #IranDeal will undermine our national security, increase prospect of a nuclear Iran or a conflict with them, and cause the world to conclude America doesn’t keep its word. Scuttling the deal without a Plan B is not a strategy, but a dangerous abdication: [Twitter]

 

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL, 7): After months of conversations with nuclear experts, military officials, and constituent groups, I decided to support the #IranDeal because it was our best option for ensuring a nuclear-free Iran. It wasn’t perfect, but collective enforcement made it the best path forward. (1/2) [Twitter]

 

Rep. Adam Smith: “This decision will make us less safe by allowing Iran to quickly acquire a nuclear weapon, separating us from our allies, and fueling instability in the region. The JCPOA has so far been successful in preventing Iran from advancing toward the acquisition of nuclear weapons. It did not cover issues such as ballistic missiles or Iranian support for terrorism, but President Trump has offered no alternative that would do a better job at securing America’s vital security interest in preventing a nuclear-armed Iran while avoiding the possibility of an unnecessary and potentially catastrophic clash. Without question, this decision runs the risk of far greater conflict and in the short term, at a minimum, far greater destabilization of the Middle East.” [Full Press Release]

 

Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH, 10): #IranDeal is a deeply flawed agreement. However, without proof that Iran is in violation of the agreement, it is a mistake to fully withdraw from this deal. My full statement: [Twitter]

 

Rep. Tim Waltz (D-MN, 1): Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb is critical to national and global security. The conversation about how to best protect the US and our allies must and will continue following @realDonaldTrump’s disappointing and shortsighted decision to walk away from the #IranDeal. [Twitter]

May 11, 2018