Congressman Weber talks tough on Iran nuke deal

Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas,  didn’t mince words when he voiced his disapproval for the recent nuclear arms agreement between the United Nations and Iran, and how it directly affects the United States’ overall perceived power in the potential deal. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee where he serves on the Middle East, North Africa subcommittees, Weber said he is well versed on the issue.

Weber, who represents the 14th District of Texas, made that clear to more than 130 audience members who attended a monthly luncheon of the Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce at Joe’s Banquet Center on Aug. 25.

He brought up some talking points on other issues, too, but the Friendswood-based congressman spent most of his presentation focused on Iran and how a congressional veto could deter the agreement from moving forward.

According to news reports, U.S. lawmakers must vote by Sept. 17 to approve the deal.

Weber said the majority of the GOP is opposed to the agreement. He said it is close to succeeding. According to news reports, as of Aug. 27, there have been 29 senators who have announced their support, leaving them five votes short of the 34 needed to block a veto override.

The Alvin Community College graduate alluded to the vote and/or veto during his chamber speech and how important it is to shoot down the potential deal.

“If we’re going to (override) it, we need to do that now,” Weber said.

He said the climate in Iran has remained hostile for decades, reminding everyone on the Iranian takeover of the U.S. Embassy in 1979. He said Iran has continued to show it doesn’t want to cooperate with U.N. inspectors and leaders there have voiced their opposition of Israel, among other things.

Weber echoed the same remarks to those in attendance as he did to a panel in Washington D.C. days before he issued an official statement July 14.

Weber said the U.S. should have gone into the Iranian deal with “six tenants,” including releasing four American hostages, halting enrichment, giving the International Atomic Energy Agency “unfettered” round the clock access to Iran’s nuclear facilities, stopping the sponsorship of terrorism, stopping the rhetoric against the U.S. and Israel, and prove it can be a non aggressor in the world community for at least two years, four if needed.

He said the U.S. must hold a position of “strength and power” and not appear to succumb to what the Iranians want. He has also said in the past that he fears this deal would provide an monetary avenue in the millions of dollars for Hezbollah, which many in the U.S. who hold power, say is a terror organization with very close ties to the Iranian government dating back to the 1970s.

He boasted about how the Iranian hostage crisis, which lasted 444 days, ended immediately after Ronald Reagan became president, replacing Democrat Jimmy Carter.

“Shouldn’t we at least require (Iran) to show that it can be serious enough for two years. Is that too much too ask,” Weber said.

Among some of the other issues he brought up was the need for improved immigration policy, concerns about Russia’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, and untruths about the 2012 Benghazi attacks. He also voiced what he feels should be key election issues – sound policies on energy, the economy, foreign affairs, as well as the right to carry.

He did answer several audience questions. He ended his speaking engagement by saying he would endorse at the point in time – his wife of 38 years, Brenda, who accompanied him to the chamber luncheon.