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| capitol_hill |
Some
two dozen Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives want to
create a Congressional committee to provide oversight of the Iran nuclear deal,
The Hill reported on Thursday.
Rep.
Todd Young (R-Ind.) has introduced legislation to create the Select Committee
on Oversight of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after lawmakers
were unable to block the agreement earlier this year despite opposition from
majorities in both chambers.
"We cannot lose
sight of the threat posed by a nuclear Iran, which is why we need an oversight
body in the House that can mimic this role and sound the alarm when Iran cheats
the deal," Young, who is running to succeed retiring Sen. Dan Coats
(R-Ind.), said in a statement.
The
committee would be able to investigate compliance of the nuclear deal and give
an annual report that would include any enrichment activities, uranium
stockpile levels, the oversight of the deal by the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) and sanctions compliance, The Hill reported.
The
move comes as the deal heads toward implementation day, when sanctions against
Iran's regime will be lifted. While U.S. officials have suggested that
implementation day likely won't occur until mid-2016, the Iranian regime's
officials have suggested it could happen in January.
Young
added that the House committee, which would be able to subpoena administration
officials, would help keep members informed and prepare lawmakers with
potential next steps if Tehran violates the agreement.
The
House committee would also look into research and development of the Iranian
regime's missile program and any attempts by Tehran to buy conventional weapons.
Recent
ballistic missile tests by Iran's regime have drawn frustration from lawmakers
in both parties. The administration is expected to announce new sanctions
against companies and individuals involved in missile development.
