Statement from Congressman Thompson on Intelligence that Iran is Not Developing Nuclear Weapons
December 4, 2007
Today, Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) released the following statement on the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), which found that Iran had halted its efforts to build a nuclear weapon in 2003:
"During my telephone town hall meeting in November, a woman from our district expressed her concern that the Bush Administration was threatening to use military force against Iran. I told her I am equally concerned by the president's saber rattling. I also said that I thought the president's rhetoric was inappropriate and unjustified.
"I said that because, as chairman of a House Intelligence Subcommittee, I was briefed on the development of the NIE. However, what's most alarming to me is that while I received that information two months ago, the Bush Administration knew about it well before I did, yet the president continued with his war bravado. As recently as October, he said that Iran's efforts to create nuclear technology could result in World War III.
"It is inappropriate that an Administration which led our country into an ill-advised war in Iraq based on faulty intelligence could be so apparently irresponsible with intelligence on Iran. Their efforts to frighten and mislead the American public are wrong."
CONTACT: Anne Warden at (202) 225-3311, (703) 338-4480 or anne.warden@mail.house.gov
"During my telephone town hall meeting in November, a woman from our district expressed her concern that the Bush Administration was threatening to use military force against Iran. I told her I am equally concerned by the president's saber rattling. I also said that I thought the president's rhetoric was inappropriate and unjustified.
"I said that because, as chairman of a House Intelligence Subcommittee, I was briefed on the development of the NIE. However, what's most alarming to me is that while I received that information two months ago, the Bush Administration knew about it well before I did, yet the president continued with his war bravado. As recently as October, he said that Iran's efforts to create nuclear technology could result in World War III.
"It is inappropriate that an Administration which led our country into an ill-advised war in Iraq based on faulty intelligence could be so apparently irresponsible with intelligence on Iran. Their efforts to frighten and mislead the American public are wrong."
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CONTACT: Anne Warden at (202) 225-3311, (703) 338-4480 or anne.warden@mail.house.gov
Issues:Defense