Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.: “Any agreement that legitimizes an Iranian nuclear program is terribly flawed and needs to be renegotiated or rejected. The inspection protocol in the JCPOA was too weak. We cannot ignore Iran’s involvement with terrorist organizations and its nuclear and ballistic missile threats against Israel.”
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb.: “ Since the deal came into effect, Iran has continued supporting militant groups, ramped up ballistic missile testing and threatened the region and partners. Despite these hard realities, we should continue to look for alternative pathways for rapprochement.”
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa: “I am encouraged by the President’s decision ... and have full confidence that the president and Secretary Pompeo will work with Congress to develop a comprehensive strategy that permanently addresses the threat that a nuclear-capable Iran poses. ”
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa: “ President Trump is putting America back in a position of strength and showing the kind of global leadership the country needs as it approaches challenges, not only from Iran, but also from nations like North Korea, Russia and China.”
Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.: “ President Obama made a bad deal with Iran without support from Congress, and today President Trump is pulling out of President Obama’s personal commitment, and he doesn’t need Congress’ support to do so.”
Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb.: “The international community has had ample opportunity to join with the United States in crafting a better agreement; it has chosen not to do so. I believe his decision to exit the deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran increases our leverage and raises the likelihood of a better deal that protects our long-term national security interests.”
Rep. David Young, R-Iowa: “I support this decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. It didn’t stop Iran from continuing to destabilize the region through their support of terrorism (and) failed to address Iran’s ballistic missile program, and the sunsetting provisions wouldn’t stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”
Candidates in Nebraska’s 2nd District Democratic primary oppose the withdrawal:
Kara Eastman: “Again, the president is acting without a clear long-term strategy or transparent plan to achieve diplomatic aims. I reject the administration’s decision and call on the president to work with our allies, especially in Europe, on Middle East peace.”
Brad Ashford: “Failing to lead on the world stage with our allies is extremely bad policy and makes us less safe. Exiting the Iran nuclear deal means that we aren’t taking the lead in ensuring Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon (and) does not help address other Iranian misbehavior.”
