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SD Delegation Against Iranian Nuclear Deal

South Dakotans in Congress are standing against the nuclear deal with Iran. Lawmakers are back in Washington, DC after a recess, and leaders are grappling with how to handle support and disapproval of the agreement.

Thursday United States Senate Democrats blocked a vote of disapproval on the Iran nuclear deal. Still Senator Mike Rounds says he does not support the compromise.

“Our negotiators wanted the deal more than the Iranians wanted the deal, and in doing so we don’t think it’s that good of a deal,” Rounds says. “So I intend to vote, if given the opportunity, I intend to vote to issue a letter of disapproval for the plan.”

Rounds, Senator John Thune, and US Congresswoman Kristi Noem share concerns about the international agreement. They say it provides a path for Iran to develop and purchase nuclear weapons.

Noem says the deal lacks adequate accountability measures and threatens national security.

“We needed to have Iran show some positive movement toward fixing their behavior when it came towards their nuclear proliferation activities before the sanctions could be lifted. This agreement does not do that,” Noem says. “It immediately lifts the sanctions before their behavior even changes.”

The US House of Representatives is working on legislation related to Iran after lawmakers delayed a vote on the overall deal.

Political leaders in both chambers are strategizing votes related to the Iranian nuclear agreement ahead of the September 17th deadline.

Kealey Bultena grew up in South Dakota, where her grandparents took advantage of the state’s agriculture at nap time, tricking her into car rides to “go see cows.” Rarely did she stay awake long enough to see the livestock, but now she writes stories about the animals – and the legislature and education and much more. Kealey worked in television for four years while attending the University of South Dakota. She started interning with South Dakota Public Broadcasting in September 2010 and accepted a position with television in 2011. Now Kealey is the radio news producer stationed in Sioux Falls. As a multi-media journalist, Kealey prides herself on the diversity of the stories she tells and the impact her work has on people across the state. Kealey is always searching for new ideas. Let her know of a great story! Find her on Facebook and twitter (@KealeySDPB).