Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after passage of H. Res. 754, Condemning the Government of Iran for its gross human rights violations, and the upcoming P5+1 deadline on Iran’s nuclear program.

“Today, the House condemned the inhumane actions of the Iranian government — including its violence against women and religious minorities.  As our relationship with Iran moves forward, we must hold them accountable for their actions toward their own citizens, as well as their treatment of existing international covenants.  As the deadline for a pivotal accord regarding Iran’s nuclear program approaches, I reaffirm my unwavering support for a deal that ensures a verifiable end to Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Our agreement must include a rigorous and immediate inspections regime, one designed to halt Iranian nuclear capabilities both now and in the future.  As Chair of the House Republican Conference, I will do everything I can to ensure that Iran no longer remains on the precipice of a nuclear state and that sanctions continue to be imposed on a regime that both harbors and finances terrorist organizations.    

“As we continue to engage in these talks, it is imperative to understand the reality of the regime with which we are negotiating.  It is one that seeks power through the destruction of democracy and the obliteration of Israel.  It seeks power through the abominable human rights violations it continues to commit against its own people.  And it seeks power by propping up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, prolonging the civil war in Syria and allowing ISIL to flourish as a result.  Iran has made its position unmistakably clear: it stands in opposition to transparency, respect for human rights, and global and regional security.  And so we must act.  We must do so not only with our words, but with our actions.  The Administration’s strategy must be bold and it must be firm.  It must include a meaningful consultation with Congress.  And it must be unequivocal in its opposition to a nuclear Iran.”