Rep. Maloney of Manhattan To Vote Against Iran Deal

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is the latest New York lawmaker to oppose President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear agreement.

Maloney said in a statement posted on her congressional website Thursday that she intends to vote against the deal. She says she made her decision after carefully examining classified material. She’s also talked to administration officials, experts and constituents on both sides of the issue.

“There are strong arguments for and against the agreement but, as a matter of conscience, I have decided to oppose it,” Maloney said.

She commended Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry for “choosing a path of diplomacy.” But she says even if Iran complies with the restraints, the deal doesn’t block it from eventually acquiring nuclear weapons.

Other New York lawmakers who oppose the deal are Sen. Charles Schumer and Reps. Nita Lowey, Steve Israel and Eliot Engel.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand are in favor of it.

Several Brooklyn lawmakers are still undecided, including Hakeem Jeffries of Coney Island, Nydia Velasquez of Williamsburg and Yvette Clarke of Midwood.

In New Jersey, Sen. Cory Booker has been under intense pressure from both sides. He has not yet made a decision.

This article appeared in print on page 7 of the August 28th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.