Unlike President Obama's characterization of those who have raised serious questions about the agreement, or who have opposed it, I did not vote for the war in Iraq, I opposed it, unlike the Vice President and the Secretary of State, who both supported it, i know that, in many respects, it would be far easier to support this deal, as it would have been to vote for the war in Iraq at the time. But I didn't choose the easier path then, and I'm not going to now.

Robert Menendez

Categorized in : Politics

That's simply unacceptable, if this committee is to be able to function -- if Only Congress is to play Only Congress constitutionally-mandated role -- your department needs to do a better job of engaging with United States, briefing United States and responding to United States requests.

Robert Menendez

politics

You're still not in compliance with the law, nor has the administration provided a justification for its lack of respect for the law.

Robert Menendez

politics

Nicolas Maduro must not be allowed to believe he can hide from this brazen decision to rob the Venezuelan people of their right to a free and fair election, beyond universal condemnation, the international community needs to expand coordinated diplomatic pressure on the Maduro regime, including addressing the rampant criminal activities of Venezuelan officials and the growing refugee crisis stemming from a failed economic model.

Robert Menendez

politics

I think he is someone who will execute what the president wants even if he is in disagreement.

Robert Menendez

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Twenty-four American diplomats suffered a direct attack to their health in Havana, they suffered everything from severe hearing loss to traumatic brain injuries, for which some are still receiving treatment.

Robert Menendez

travel

The Cuban government is aware of the residences and address of all diplomats and employees, there’s no way our diplomats could have been targeted without some awareness or knowledge by some component of the Cuban intelligence services.

Robert Menendez

travel

I have always been willing and able to find ways to work with both Democratic and Republican administrations for the betterment of our nation, that will continue to be the case with our next president.

Robert Menendez

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Whether it be this, or Cuba, my party doesn’t care for my [foreign policy] views, this is about the fervent belief it’s in the national interest and security of the United States to have more sanctions.

Robert Menendez

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There have been attempts to punish me for what I’ve said about the administration’s policy on Iran and Cuba.

Robert Menendez

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It depends on which Donald Trump shows up, the Donald Trump who said earlier in his campaign that he thinks it was good to engage Cuba, or the Donald Trump toward the end of the campaign who said he’d consider rolling back much of what Obama did unless there’s advantage for the Cuban people.

Robert Menendez

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I have looked into my own soul and my devotion to principle may once again lead me to an unpopular course, but if Iran is to acquire a nuclear bomb, it will not have my name on it, it is for these reasons that I will vote to disapprove the agreement and, if called upon, would vote to override a veto.

Robert Menendez

politics

Whether or not the supporters of the agreement admit it, this deal is based on 'hope' -- hope that when the nuclear sunset clause expires, Iran will have succumbed to the benefits of commerce and global integration, hope is part of human nature, but unfortunately it is not a national security strategy.

Robert Menendez

politics

I reject that proposition, as have most witnesses, including past and present Administration members involved in the Iran nuclear issue, who have testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for all those who have said they have not heard -- from anyone who opposes the agreement -- a better solution, they're wrong. I believe there is a pathway to a better deal.

Robert Menendez

politics

It is not an issue of supporting or opposing the President. This issue is much greater and graver than that.

Robert Menendez

politics

I believe we could still get a better deal and here's how: We can disapprove this agreement, without rejecting the entire agreement.

Robert Menendez

politics

You can be certain the mullahs (Iran's leaders) are not going to call us in Washington when they decide to breach the agreement. They're going to sneak out, covertly, gradually over time, when they think we're not looking.

Robert Menendez

politics

It’s shocking. There is nothing that the Cubans have done to improve their standing, you have to earn your way up the ladder, not just have political expediency be the reason that you get moved from Tier 3.

Robert Menendez

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It has to be more than 'All options are on the table,' nobody believes that today.

Robert Menendez

politics

Should this bill pass and be signed into law, at least we will not reward nations with the worst record on reining-in human traffickers with the benefits of a fast-track to American markets.

Robert Menendez

politics

It's about remembering my mother. It's about the history of what this means, it's about my daughter being able to fulfill all of her capabilities with no limitations placed on her by our society or our government.

Robert Menendez

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