U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after voting against a resolution of disapproval on the Iran nuclear deal:
"I'm pleased that this important effort to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was upheld today. The deal sets the stage for a safer and more stable Middle East and a more secure United States of America.
"In the first eight years of this century, Iran's nuclear program surged ahead rapidly, adding thousands of centrifuges, building complex nuclear facilities, and stockpiling enough highly enriched uranium to build a number of bombs. This accord slashes that stockpile to a mere fraction of the material necessary to build a single device, unplugs thousands of centrifuges, and it opens those facilities to international inspection.
"For too long, our country has been engaged in overseas military conflicts that have cost our nation dearly in blood and treasure. We must always be ready at a moment's notice to defend our country, our allies, and our interests, but we must also look to pursue diplomatic solutions when they are in our best interest. This accord is that diplomatic option."