Congressional perspective on Iran deal and intelligence (with Joe Matthew, Kailey Lines)

Rep. McClellan says she cannot support the MOU without seeing details, noting contradictions between U.S. and Iranian statements (e.g., $300B payment). She questions whether the deal includes UN inspections and whether it puts the Middle East on a path to peace. On FISA 702, she wants reforms to close loopholes on spying on Americans before extending, but finds Jay Clayton less objectionable than Bill Pulte as DNI.

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U.S. House of Representatives 2.5
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Jennifer McClellan 5.0

Congressional perspective on Iran deal and intelligence (with Joe Matthew, Kailey Lines)

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McClellan notes Iran has proven it can disrupt oil prices by closing the Strait, but the MOU aims to reopen it — implying downward pressure on oil if deal holds.

Joe Matthew

Asks if she would vote for the agreement if it arrived in Congress.
Jennifer McClellan

Doesn't know what it is yet; U.S. and Iranian officials say different things (e.g., $300B payment vs $1.7B from Obama deal). Not sure what she's voting on. Doesn't see how we're better off than before the war — Iran has proven it can disrupt trade and oil prices by closing the Strait, which was open before.
Kailey Lines

Asks if she is comfortable with the U.S. bartering sanctions relief on Iranian oil.
Jennifer McClellan

Would need to look closely at the entire deal. Previous deal (ripped up by Trump) had UN inspections. Needs to know if this deal includes UN inspectors, whether it puts Middle East on path to peace, ensures Iran doesn't have nuclear weapon, keeps Strait open, and what it costs Americans.
Joe Matthew

Asks if she would vote yes on Jay Clayton as DNI, which could unlock FISA 702 extension.
Jennifer McClellan

Wants reforms to close loopholes allowing spying on American citizens (Section 702 was never intended for that). Would need to see that in any FISA 702 extension bill. Bill Pulte was a non-starter; Clayton is less objectionable based on what she hears from Democrats on Intelligence Committee.
Kailey Lines

Asks if she is concerned about intelligence gaps while 702 remains dark, citing FBI thwarting a planned attack on UFC 250 at the White House.
Jennifer McClellan

Short term, nothing ends immediately. The fact they thwarted a threat proves they still get needed information. Could have been resolved last week if Trump hadn't doubled down on an unqualified DNI. Believes we can balance national security and Fourth Amendment rights.
Joe Matthew

Asks when sailors and airmen on extended deployments will return to Norfolk.
Jennifer McClellan

The Ford has come back but was out longer than intended. Concerned about conditions on board and that service members' needs aren't being cared for. The war had no clear reason, strategy, or goals — no imminent threat to U.S. or service members. Over 10 killed, about 30 killed — for what?

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