VIDEO: Heinrich Discusses Iran Nuclear Deal In Key Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - During a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today to consider the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) discussed the impacts the deal has on U.S. national security. Senator Heinrich has expressed support for the deal following its announcement earlier this month. The committee's witness panel included U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry, U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest J. Moniz, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew, and U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Martin E. Dempsey.
During the hearing, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter emphasized to members of the Senate Armed Service Committee that the Iran nuclear agreement is a, "Good deal. It prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon in a comprehensive and verifiable way. Once implemented, it will therefore remove a critical element of risk and uncertainty from the region."
Senator Heinrich discussed with Secretary Carter the consequences and risks of preemptive military strikes against Iran as well as the temporary effect they would have on rolling back Iran's nuclear program versus a long-term solution under the deal.
Additionally, Senator Heinrich discussed with Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz, a nuclear physicist, why it is so difficult to hide nuclear material and how a covert and undeclared uranium facility in Iran would violate the JCPOA agreement.
Archived video of today's hearing is available here.
