In less than a month, Congress will vote on a resolution to reject the nuclear agreement negotiated over the 20 months between the P5+1 and Iran. In the historic agreement, Iran agrees to freeze and roll back their civilian nuclear program, to never pursue a nuclear weapon, and to allow intrusive inspections for verification of these promises. In exchange, the international community will lift some of the sanctions that have been crippling their economy.

The Republican Party controls both chambers of our Congress and is already overwhelmingly arrayed against the deal, making a vote of disapproval practically inevitable. Unfortunately, many experts agree that if diplomacy fails, a military conflict with Iran is the most likely outcome. President Obama has already promised to veto a vote against the deal, although the Republicans would not need many Democrats to join them to override his veto (13 in the Senate and as few as 45 in the House).

Well-funded opponents of the deal have dropped tens of millions of dollars on internet and TV ads filled with misinformation and scare tactics to confuse the public, hoping to secure enough votes to kill the deal. A large number of Democrats are still undecided on the deal, including local Members of Congress.

It is imperative that the American public speak out loud and clear to defend the deal and demand diplomacy is given the opportunity to succeed. To that end, Peace Action West and a host of affiliated groups are mobilizing concerned citizens to attend town hall meetings and demonstrations across the nation, to show strong support for the nuclear agreement and a new direction in U.S. foreign policy.

In the coming week, Peace Action West invites the public to join us in engaging undecided Members of Congress Xavier Becerra (CA 34), Tony Cardenas (CA 29) and Ted Lieu (CA 33).

Action : Wednesday, August 26th, 4:00 PM: In front of Rep. Ted Lieu’s office, 5055 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Action : Wednesday, August 26th, 1:30 PM: In front of Representative Tony Cardenas’ office, 8134 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402

Town Hall meeting :Saturday, August 29th, 10:00 AM: Representative Xavier Becerra will be having a town hall meeting at the Glassell Park Senior Center, 3700 Verdugo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065.

If you are interested in attending additional actions in the Los Angeles area, or starting up your own action, please go here .

Seth Lehr

Peace Action West