WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) voted in favor of HR 1191 the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. The bill, which passed both the Senate and the House with strong, bipartisan support, requires that President Obama submit to Congress any deal with Iran on curbing its nuclear weapons programs. Congress will then have 30 days to express approval or disapproval of the agreement.

“I am pleased that the administration and our negotiators are so close to reaching a final deal to prevent the worst case scenario of a nuclear Iran,” said Himes. “This bill does not undermine the work that they have done. It simply requires that Congress have a chance to weigh in on the entirety of the agreement, which I think is our proper role as representatives of the American people. This bill adds to the transparency and the openness of the process, something that benefits everyone.”

The framework of the current deal on Iran’s nuclear programs involves a sharp reduction in centrifuges and uranium-enrichment facilities, as well as increased transparency for international inspectors.  In exchange, the international community will agree to lift some of the sanctions that are currently imposed on Iran.

“While I’m going to withhold my judgment on the final deal until the President submits it,” Himes continued, “I strongly believe that this is the right path for us to follow.  There are those in Congress who think war is the only option to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power, but I, and the people in my district, have already seen too much American blood spilled in the Middle East. It is our duty to do everything possible to support a peaceful resolution before we ever consider putting the lives of more young Americans at risk, spending money we don’t have, and risking destabilizing the region even further.”