Udall Casts Vote for Iran Agreement

Vote allows international community to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall voted against a measure designed to prevent the Iran Nuclear Agreement from taking effect. He issued the following statement:

"The Iran Nuclear Agreement is profoundly important to our national security interests and international security -- it is the only realistic way we can prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. And that is why today I voted against a measure that undercuts international diplomacy and prevents the agreement from going into effect.

"I condemn Iran's policy toward Israel, and I am deeply distrustful of Iran's leadership. But I believe that a deal based on strong verification and monitoring, by inspectors trained by our nuclear experts at New Mexico's national labs, is the best way to ensure regional security. If Iran has plutonium or attempts to enrich uranium beyond the agreed terms, we will know, and it faces serious consequences if it attempts to cheat.

"We have a choice between this deal and no deal. As we approach the Sept. 17 deadline for Congress to review the agreement, I urge my colleagues to show America's strong leadership and support this historic step that will make the Middle East safer for our allies."