WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The nuclear deal between world powers and Iran does not close the pathway for Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon, US Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said in a statement on Thursday annoucing she opposes the nuclear deal.
“I am concerned that, even if Iran complies with the restraints spelled out throughout the life of the agreement, the deal does not block Iran from eventually acquiring nuclear weapons,” Maloney said.
The congresswoman stated she will also oppose a deal because after the sanctions on Iran are lifted the country will have access to more weapons and $50 billion to foment instability in the Middle East.
“It is difficult to imagine that at least a portion of that massive windfall would not find its way into the hands of terrorists,” Maloney said.
US President Barack Obama has warned lawmakers that he would veto any resolution disapproving the nuclear deal. Two-thirds of votes from the House and Senate would be needed to override a presidential veto.
According to a Bipartisan Policy Center tally, 29 members of the US Senate support the deal, while 31 oppose it and 40 are still undeclared. In the House, 75 lawmakers have come out in support of the deal, while some 226 are opposed and 133 are undeclared.
The White House has stated on many occasions that the deal cuts all pathways for Iran to obtaining a nuclear weapon. However, many Republican members of US Congress and some Democrats criticized the agreement, which has also been attacked by Israeli politicians.
