Rep. Palmer: Treat Iran Deal as Treaty

Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) recently co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit statutory sanctions relief by the United States as part of its implementation of the Iran nuclear deal unless the Senate provides its advice and consent to ratification of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA), would not allow the Administration to lift sanctions on Iran unless the Senate gives its consent under Article II Section 2 of the Constitution, which requires a two-thirds vote in the upper chamber.

"The administration's agreement with Iran is a bad deal," Palmer said in a statement over the weekend.. "It does not prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Even if it is executed perfectly, and Iran acts in good faith – both of which are doubtful – it only delays their efforts. The agreement also lifts the conventional arms embargo, which was not part of the original purpose of the negotiations. When combined with billions of dollars in sanctions relief, this agreement will allow for Iran to continue to be the world's leading sponsor of terrorist organizations."

Palmer is going to visit Israel in mid-August.

On Friday, while visiting with constituents in Chelsea, the congressman called the deal possibly "the most important vote that Congress makes in 75 years."

"We've got a lot of questions that need to be answered, particularly in light of the Iran deal," Palmer said during an interview on Friday.

"This is literally a turning point," Palmer said. "I try to point out that when you look at Iran becoming a nuclear power, you're not just looking at a nation state defined by national boundaries. You're looking at people who are in control of that nation who are part of a fanatical sect. They're the leading sponsor of terror in the world."

He added that "it's not just if Iran would become a nuclear power, it's if that sect would become a nuclear power – and I see no good ending to that."

Palmer said he remains optimistic that lawmakers will derail the deal. "I think that we've got an opportunity to overturn this and we're working on it. I think for once it will not be defined by politics. I think that there's serious-minded members in both parties that are looking at this and have grave concerns," he said.