Pelosi Dear Colleague Urging Members to Support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
Dear Democratic Colleague,
In the six weeks since the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was announced, I have been very proud of the seriousness and thoroughness with which our Members have approached this historic agreement between Iran and the nations of the P5+1.
In their assessment of the terms of the JCPOA, our Members have sought clarification from many sources. Members have expressed their appreciation for the information provided by the Administration in a timely and high-level fashion. They have also sought and received validation from experts outside the Administration, relating to inspections, verification, sanctions and enforcement mechanisms.
By the end of this week, well over 100 House Democrats will have made their support for the agreement public. With these public statements and private commitments, I am certain that we will uphold the president's veto. After the announcement of 34 Senators in support of the JCPOA today, I am confident we will sustain the president's veto in both houses of Congress.
Some Members have thought they would have more time to consider and finalize their decision. Originally, we had thought the House vote would come on September 16 or 17. This week, I have learned from the Speaker that the vote is likely to take place sooner than expected. Debate will likely begin the morning of Wednesday, September 9, and be finished by the House on Friday, September 11 – independent of what happens in the Senate.
For this reason, I am writing to urge all Members to support the agreement and make your support public soon. I also invite you to share any further inquiries you may have, so we may get answers for you as soon as possible in order to be fully prepared for what will be a very fast-paced week when we return.
Once again, I want to express the pride I take in the agreement reached by the President with the P5+1 nations. I have served for over 20 years as a member of the Intelligence Committee – longer than anyone in the Congress's history. I have followed this issue for decades, and I appreciate the historic opportunity it presents to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon.
I have been a friend and supporter of Israel since my childhood, a dedication that was a part of my upbringing and a long-standing priority of my family. I share the view that any concerns about Israel's security must be addressed by the unshakable American support that has always been and will continue to be the cornerstone of U.S. policy. Following the vote, Congress will work together to ensure Israel has what it needs to preserve its security and qualitative military edge in the region – as we have always done.
In my service in Congress, working on intelligence issues has always been a priority of mine because of the absolute imperative of preventing Iran or others from developing a nuclear weapon. That is why I am pleased to send to you this letter from 72 former Members who I have served with in the Congress expressing their support for the JCPOA.
Please call if you need any further information, validation or clarification. I hope that your district work period is not all work, but also some enjoyable time with your families. I look forward to seeing you next week.
best regards,
