U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after attending the Joint Session of Congress where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the House and the Senate:

“It was a true honor to have Prime Minister Netanyahu address the United States Congress and I believe the timing of this speech is appropriate with the deadline for a political agreement in the Iran nuclear negotiations only a few weeks away. Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke honestly and openly about the importance of toughening sanctions on Iran, and the possibility for grave consequences if we stand idly and allow the radical regime in Tehran to move forward with its nuclear ambitions. I believe that now, more than ever, the United States needs to stand with Israel to show our support and make clear we will aide in protecting the security of our nation’s closest ally in the Middle East.”