WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement regarding the reported assertion that the Administration does not currently need to consult Congress during negotiations with Iran.

“I disagree with the Administration's reported assertion that it does not need to come to Congress at this point during negotiations with Iran.

“We don't know if the negotiators will be able to reach a good deal. In the meantime, we must ensure that the United States is in the best position to use our leverage at every point in the negotiation process, and the current sanctions regime represents our most powerful leverage against Iran.

“I believe that the letter that Chairman Royce and I sent over the summer, along with over 300 colleagues, reflects the will of the Congress: Congress must play a role at the outset of any comprehensive agreement.”

On July 10, Ranking Member Engel, along with 343 of his colleagues in Congress, sent a letter to President Obama urging him to consult Congress on any potential sanctions relief package that may be part of a final agreement.

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Read the letter Rep. Engel sent to the President here