Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Senator Corker made the following statement today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday honoring King is Monday, January 18.
“As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., may his example and vision challenge all of us to pursue efforts that help strengthen our country, lend support for those in need and provide every citizen with the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”
Implementation of the Iran Nuclear Agreement
Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this weekend issued the following statement in response to the release of Americans that were held in custody in Iran and the implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement.
“While I am delighted that our citizens who have been unjustly held in Iran will be released back to the United States and reunited with their families, we need to understand more fully all the details and implications of this arrangement, including its timing,” said Corker. “With Iran possessing one of the world’s worst records for human rights, we must continue to hold Iran’s leaders accountable for their repressive policies.”
In addition to the release of the U.S. citizens, the administration announced implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement. Corker coauthored the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (Public Law No: 114-17) that mandated congressional review of the agreement. Last year, he voted multiple times for a resolution of disapproval that would have blocked the Iran nuclear agreement, but Senate Democrats prevented the legislation from passing the Senate. The Iran nuclear deal is not binding on the United States, so a future president will be able to reevaluate U.S. participation.
“Today cannot be the beginning of the United States and Europe turning a blind eye to the troubling threat of a nuclear-armed Iran,” said Corker. “I opposed this flawed agreement, and fear its implementation shifts the leverage to Iran as sanctions are lifted in exchange for only limited and temporary restrictions, allowing Iran to industrialize its nuclear enrichment capability after a decade. Now armed with an initial windfall of more than $100 billion, Iran will have vast new resources to continue sponsoring terrorism, threatening its neighbors, and funding its nuclear and missile programs. The U.S. and our European partners must impose swift and immediate consequences for any violations or acts of Iranian aggression to ensure Tehran will not use the deal as cover to advance its dangerous activities.”
Corker added, “The Senate Foreign Relations Committee already is involved in a vigorous oversight process and is considering legislative proposals to ensure Iran continues to be held accountable. We will use all the tools provided by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act to quickly impose new sanctions should Iran breach the terms of the agreement.”
Corker Comments on the State of the Union
Senator Corker released the following statement regarding President Obama’s final State of the Union address:
“While I know the tradition is that the president updates the American people each year in this way, I don’t read too much into these speeches,” said Corker. “I attend these addresses out of respect, but I will be paying a lot closer attention to the actions that come afterwards. To really strengthen the state of our union, the president should use his final year in office to work with Congress on growing the economy, repairing our fiscal house, and confronting the threats we face both at home and abroad.”
Welcoming the King of Jordan
Last week, Senator Corker and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee met with His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan at the U.S. Capitol to discuss some of the challenges facing both our countries.
Tennesseans Visit Washington
Senator Corker hosted Tennesseans at last week’s “Tennessee Tuesday,” a regular breakfast held on Capitol Hill every week the Senate is in session for visitors from the Volunteer State. For more information, click here
Greeting United Way Representatives from Tennessee
Last Tuesday, Senator Corker enjoyed meeting with representatives from United Way of West Tennessee, Roane County, Anderson County and Greater Chattanooga to discuss their latest efforts in the Volunteer State.
