The longest-serving Jewish member currently in Congress announced Tuesday that he’ll back the Iran nuclear deal, saying it is the best way to protect Israel.
“I believe that Israel, the region, and the world are far more secure if Iran does not move toward possession of a nuclear weapon. I believe the Agreement is the best way to achieve that,” said Democratic Rep. Sandy Levin in a statement.
His statement comes amidst an intense debate on Capitol Hill over whether vote down the Obama administration’s deal with Iran. Congress is in the midst of a 60-day review period, and Republicans have largely indicated their opposition. As long as Obama can maintain enough support from members of his own party, he will have enough votes to veto a congressional challenge to the bill without it being overwritten.
Some of the most vocal opposition has come from the Jewish community and pro-Israel constituents, who are concerned that the deal would endanger Israel. The Israeli government has harshly criticized the agreement and warned it will lead to Iran obtaining a nuclear bomb, an assertion the White House has strongly disputed.
The support of a senior Jewish congressman, who has served Michigan for 33 years, could be significant in building momentum for Democratic backing of the deal.
But other leading Democrats have voiced opposition and many are still refraining from taking a public stand.
No. 2 two House Democrat Rep. Steny Hoyer, still undecided on the deal, said Tuesday that he will meet with top Israeli officials next month to discuss the agreement.
“There are a lot of very heavy consequences of a vote for or against,” the Maryland lawmaker said. “I’ve urged members to take as much time as they have available to them to be as confident as they can make themselves that their vote is the right vote for their country, for stability in the Middle East and for the accomplishment of an objective of a more peaceful Middle East.”
Hoyer is traveling to Israel in early August with other House Democrats to discuss Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s “very deep concerns” with the Iran deal.
The agreement requires Iran to reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium and to decrease the number of installed centrifuges. An inspection regime would also be in place to detect whether any requirements have been violated.
“Currently, Iran is only two months away from the ability to produce enough material for one nuclear weapon,” Levin said in announcing his support of the deal. “The restrictions in the Agreement provide the world with a year to respond if Iran broke out of the Agreement and moved toward acquiring the material for a bomb.”
Levin said his view on the issues is shaped by both his public and private lives.
“Israel’s security has and always will be of critical importance to me and our country,” he said. “I believe that Israel, the region, and the world are far more secure if Iran does not move toward possession of a nuclear weapon. I believe the Agreement is the best way to achieve that.”
Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz were testifying before the House on Tuesday to help garner support for the proposal.