Oak Ridge Today

Corker column: Americans deserve to know where elected leaders stand on Iran deal

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U.S. Senator Bob Corker

Bob Corker

By Bob Corker

As I traveled across the Volunteer State during August, I spoke with many Tennesseans about the nuclear agreement between Iran, the United States, and other world powers. While opinions of the agreement vary, there is perhaps no greater geopolitical issue facing the world today than preventing a nuclear-armed Iran.

A strong agreement that would stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and stand the test of time was always the goal of these negotiations. That’s why when President Obama declared in 2012 that he would only accept a deal requiring Iran to “end their nuclear program,” there was hope that an agreement could win bipartisan support.

Since the administration reached an agreement in July, Congress has scrutinized it thoroughly to determine whether or not it achieves that goal.

In the coming days, the House of Representatives and Senate will debate and consider a resolution to disapprove of the administration’s Iran deal. And while we have known from the beginning that stopping a potential bad deal with Iran would be a heavy lift, many felt it was important for members of Congress—on behalf of those they represent—to carefully review and vote on any final agreement. [Read more…]

Sen. Corker named to TIME’s list of 100 most influential people in world

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U.S. Senator Bob Corker

Bob Corker

TIME Magazine announced Thursday that it has named U.S. Senator Bob Corker to the 2015 TIME 100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Corker is a Tennessee Republican and chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“I am grateful that Tennesseans have given me the tremendous privilege of serving them in the United States Senate, and I am deeply humbled by this honor,” Corker said. “I wake up every day trying to find ways to move our country ahead, and for as long as Tennesseans afford me this opportunity, I will remain focused on solving the big domestic and foreign policy issues facing our nation.”

The tribute to Corker was written by Senator Lamar Alexander. Alexander is also a Tennessee Republican,  the state’s senior senator, and a former governor and former secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. [Read more…]

Making history: Corker the first Tennessee senator to serve as Foreign Relations chair

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U.S. Senator Bob Corker

Bob Corker

U.S. Senator Bob Corker is the first Tennessee senator to serve as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, according to his office and committee records.

Corker was elected chairman by committee members, and his appointment was expected to be confirmed Thursday during a meeting of Senate Republicans, his office said Tuesday.

A Chattanooga Republican, Corker also will be serving on the Senate Banking Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Aging Committee.

See previous story here.

Updated: Corker elected chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee

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U.S. Senator Bob Corker

Bob Corker

Note: This story was updated at 1:15 p.m.

U.S. Senator Bob Corker has been elected chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee by committee members, and his appointment will be confirmed Thursday during a meeting of Senate Republicans, his office said Tuesday.

Corker had a conference call with Tennessee reporters Wednesday morning to discuss his appointment, his goals for the committee, and this year in Congress.

A Chattanooga Republican, Corker also will be serving on the Senate Banking Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Aging Committee. [Read more…]

Corker returns from Middle East, visits East Tennessee on Tuesday

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Bob Corker Meets Nouri Al-Maliki

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, left, a Tennessee Republican, meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, second from right. (Submitted photos)

After a week-long trip to the Middle East that ended Saturday, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said the recent expansion of violence there threatened the region’s security and America’s national interest.

Corker is a Tennessee Republican and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. From Aug. 10-17, he visited with U.S. and foreign officials in Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan. The trip focused on regional political and security issues important to the United States, including the violence in Egypt, the conflict in Syria, and the threat of sectarian violence and terrorism in the region, a press release said.

Corker will be in East Tennessee on Tuesday, with stops in Knoxville and Maryville. He spent the first week of the Senate’s August recess in Middle Tennessee and will be making stops throughout Tennessee this coming week. [Read more…]

Corker: Senate condemns North Korea nuclear test, calls for new sanctions

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U.S. Senator Bob Corker

Bob Corker

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker on Monday said a recent nuclear test by North Korea violated international agreements and posed a threat to regional and global security.

Corker, who is a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the Senate unanimously passed a resolution condemning the nuclear test.

[Read more…]