Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who served as speaker pro tempore during the U.S. House of Representatives’ pro forma session on April 9, issued the below statement following House Democrats’ failed attempt to pass an Iran war powers resolution by unanimous consent:

                “With respect, instead of offering a motion precluded by House rules, Democrats should pivot and support the new ceasefire agreement, which represents significant, tangible progress towards a long-term resolution of this conflict—and above all, the requirement that Iran never possesses a nuclear weapon and the means to deploy it to a target.

                “For nearly five decades, Iran has held the world hostage with its acts and threats of violence and terrorism—and with this new ceasefire deal, the United States has a critical opportunity to strike a sustainable agreement with Iran that fosters regional stability and prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. But in order to do so, we must allow the current ceasefire agreement to play out.

                “As I have consistently argued over the past 10 years, Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon was practically inevitable under President Obama’s Iran Nuclear Agreement. This was a deeply flawed agreement, which has largely contributed to the mass proliferation of Iranian missiles today—the same missiles that have rained down on our servicemembers and allies and taken countless lives.

                “I am hopeful that the United States and Iran will arrive at a fair, reasonable agreement during this ceasefire, shielding our children and grandchildren from the looming threat of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.”

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